For the Past Couple of Months, I have been noticing more & more Red Sores and Red Splotches of skin on my body. If I scratch my leg, then in a few hours it looks like a Big Red, Purple Spot under my skin.(weeks to go away). The Sores are small, but painful, and take forever to go away. They get infected and stay for weeks on my skin. I have noticed them since my injections of Humaria started. Any ideas as to what this little surprise is???????
I am considering a NEW RA Dr., but am also afraid to start over with all the info and treatments preferred by each Specialist. I like many; am close to going out on Disability, although my Mind says NO, my Body now says YES more often !!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't want to wait until I have no quality of life left, because of the damage of wear & tear on my body. I need info/ideas on Short Term Disability, and then I plan on Long Term Disability, then on to SSI & SSD.
My company does have STD & LTD, but I know little about the specifics yet. I enjoy working, but my Body is rebelling. I know in my heart of hearts, that I am no longer as proficent as I once was. So any ideas or suggestions to my above rambling would be helpful and greatly appreciated.
Hope all are having a Wonderful Day
TP & Melodie
tp215,
You need to get in and have those looked at. There are skin complications with autoimmune diseases and it may take the combination of both a RD and a dermatologist to diagnose them.
Look at this page and see if this is similar to what you have. You'll need to scroll down a bit.
http://vasculitis.med.jhu.edu/whatis/symptoms.html#skin
It is very possible to get skin infections while taking the biologics. It is quite important that you get these looked at because they might need to take you off those medicines right away. Skin infections can turn serious very quickly. It is not something to fool around with.
Also, if you can enroll for STD and LTD disability right away at your work. This may only be possible at certain times of the year. Carefully read the terms as they vary widely. Important things to note is how long before you can get either, the maximum amount and if there is a ceiling amount. Some disability companies may still dispute it. But eventually, you will win. I used STD with my previous insurance. It isn't available with my current plan. It took them awhile to process it. But I did get my money and I really needed it. Between the two them, they may tide you over until you get SS.
Also, look at all your financial obligations. Do you have disability or can you get on your house and car? Some credit cards will let you have disability insurance to cover the minimum balance. The best thing is to have minimum debt and as much savings.
See where you can cut now before you have to do it. How can you live cheaper? Stock up on food, etc. Live below your means now. That's really hard, but be creative in your thinking.
Thanks Deanna for the info. Yes the sores are starting like that in places, and have been for a month or so, the red patches have just started last week. The sores are tender and take weeks to heal, but are leaving scars on my legs & arms.
As far as STD & LTD, my company offers both, and I believe my salary drops to 60%. STD is for 4 months I think, then LTD is for 18 months. I know no more at this point. My biggest fear is losing my insurance, or I wonder must I then pay the Premium? I guess it is time to do more research, as my savings is small, and I need to hang in there as long as I can. I am not sure of the Company's position as to the status of my position if I go out on STD? Is it guarenteed if I am able & want to return to work?
I sure appreciate the helpful site and any info/input. I know I can't keep working for long, but getting the RA Doctor and the GP to agree to disability is another fear of mine. I am 48 and going downhill quick with Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia attacking my body.
Some days are so painful to face and others are tolerable. I feel like the disease is in control of my life, and my activities revolve around the effects.
Some meds help, others do not. Some docotrs listen and some don't. So I guess we all are in this together; to help each other and encourage with support and kindness!!!
I agree that you need to have that skin condition checked out...that does seem worrisome...
TP215,
Have you been checked for Vasculitis and any of the autoimmune diseases for the skin linked with RA? If not you need to see either your RD or a dermatologist. I have Vasculitis but, it verys in forms.