scared-DisabilityHearing nextweek! | Arthritis Information

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Hi everybody,

I've been out of touch for months due to chaos in my life with bankruptcy, trying to downsize & pack before getting kicked out of home, sweet elderly mother, nerve-racking testifying as a witness in a horrible criminal case(he got life+89yrs!) that set off a bad RAflare, and like all of you, not feeling well. I had been talking with all of you on laptop in pms during tv but looking up-down with my motion-sickness caused chronic bad headaches that disappeared when I stopped.  In the daytime I enjoy puppy, keep up with basic housework, & always need an hours-long nap/rest. I try to add one more task ie either quick errands, paperwork for bankruptcy-disability-bills/banking, sorting&packing, or if it's a feeling-better day, I try to machine-quilt more of my daughter's Christmas gift. Something had to go so it was talking online so much. I miss all of you though and hope that after our move (whenever) I can check in at least monthly. The same goes for my bowel disease board and quilting board so don't take it personal.
 
I'm here today because my Hearing Before the Judge for SSDisability approval is finally going to happen next Tues and I'm really scared! I started the whole process over a year ago! What if I can't convince him I deserve it?
Any advice about how to prepare? I do have an attorney but don't know how much he will do though he'll tell me at our meeting this Fri. It should help that I'm only 6years away from ss anyway and that my RD gave me a permanent handicapped parking placard. The one thing several of you told me in the past was to write out a detailed example of my day with all the difficulties from my combined conditions. I'll also write out what an employer would have to accept... ie limitations, flexibility (may need to stay home for RA or leave suddenly if bad diarrhea day). What else might help?   Thanks.
 
I don't have any experience with this, but I think if I was going for a hearing I would:
 
~  Make a log of the number of hours I had to sleep each day [show date and time]
~  Download and print  some medical literature [from medical websites] that speaks to RA disability that the Judge could read before making a decision
~   If I kept failing certain RA drugs, I'd make a list of the dates I started and failed each of the drugs
~  Make a list of some run-of-the-mill common things a normal person your age would do around the house, that you cannot.
 
Make it short and easy to read.
 
Good luck!
good luck.. i have no experience.. but wanted to wish you the best.
 
I hope you have medical documentation to provide for proof?
 
 

Thanks Sam,  I will add the part about what a normal person my age would be doing that I cannot. I could even just compare it to my own capabilities before RA.

The atty already collected all my Doctors' records and opinions and I myself also have a nice letter from my Primary who knows all my conditions.
 
I'll check back here in early evening and then tomorrow am before I finalize my prep for the meeting with the atty on Fri, so I hope more advice can be given.
 
thanks also to you, Babs
CathyMarie2009-12-02 13:06:18I just wanted to wish you luck. I hope things become more peaceful for you soon.HI Cathy, make sure you mention depression if it ails you as that alone is enough in Australia to get disability.  Also no employer would employ me due to unreliability, the weather affects me, stress, make sure you list all the variaitons that can affect you, your condition can change from one minute to the next, I sincerely wish you all the very best with everything and with all that you are going through, you deserve a break.  Where are you going to live, I wish I could help Cathy, God Bless and I am here if you need a shoulder.  HUgs and best wishes from Janie. 
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