Advice for Better Living Archives

I love y'all's website - it's been helpful *and* comforting.
This may have already been covered - I'm trying to read the archives but I'm not caught up yet.
I have a job I love, but it is becoming more and more difficult for me to get out of bed and go do it.
I've been not paying my bills..... I have the money, it's just that between work, home, and snuggles with Tiki my bird , I have NO energy
left.
I do have a housekeeper twice a week.
I have a large supportive family.
I have dear friends.
I have been going through this crap since I was 26 & I'm 44
My Rheumatologist has already told me that I could go to full disability.
What are the pros and cons of this? I'd have to file bankruptcy, to eliminate my credit card debt at one point I was paying $1200/mo. (cash) for Enbrel
I do sort of own a home - I figure I actually *own* the front porch-
but- it's a 15 year mortgage with a 6.5% fixed rate. I have seven years
to go.
I also own my car free and clear, a sweet running 94 Honda Civic. :)
I'm so fatigued right now, even with all the new drugs including
Remicade that I just want to crawl under the bed covers and hide.
I REALLY don't want to be a burden on my family and friends.
So - what's the deal? Am I depressed? Should I tell my Rheum.?
I really don't want to take another pill.
OTOH - should I go on full disability at the age of 44?????
Any help is welcome,
Smooches,
Laura - who was quite mentally chipper till a few days ago when she had to have her 14 year old central heat and air unit replaced..... with
taxes, 3K.
The next day, my 17 year old Maytag dryer broke. That was fixable, but
the repairman was so proud of what he'd done he wanted me to look.
I stood on a chair, bent forward, then twisted to the left to get a
better view and snapped a rib. It was so loud that the poor repair guy
stayed almost an hour after he had finished and tried to get me to let
him take me to an ER. He certainly was nice, but I declined.

Any advice from those that have been there?

For Laura: You may have disability insurance on your loans; check that
out. You may have disability insurance on your retirement plan. I had
all my credit union loans forgiven when I disability retired, plus I got
my retirement money, and I wrote to all the people owed and explained
the situation. I paid minimum payments until I got Social Security
(which is a lump big payment first), then paid them off with that.
Please consider keeping your home. Repairs are cheaper than
replacement most times. I wish I'd kept my house.
We did not lack for anything for the 5 months waiting for Social
Security to start. They will tell you pretty quickly one way or the
other if you got it. When filling out the forms, give details
graphically. If you cut your hair because you can't reach your head to
style, for example, tell it all.
I now work part time and am allowed to make $780 a month extra which
helps a lot. They will confuse you about working along with a
disability.
Hope this helps! {{{{HUGS}}}} Nanasu

I think this has to be a very personal decision. All of us have different views about disability. If YOU think it will improve YOUR health and well being, go for it. 

If it is going to depress you and drive you crazy, work as long as you possibly can. 

Only you know what is right for you. -DM

Ya, know I hear these stories, and I have to just say, if you need it, it is there for you. At leastyou can get it. I am 28, I have two children, ages 5 and 7, and i have had arthritis since I was 9 years old. It's diagnosis at age 9- POLYARTICULAR JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. Now, 4 years ago, my arthritis moved to my lung, forcing me this past year to have major lun surgery, spent a month in the hospital, no fun. Doctors won't let me work, and I can't receive disability because I have not been able to work long enough in my lifetime to receive it. SSI is based on my husbands income. He usually makes about $10 more than allowable a month, so I usually do not get it. I can't take the new RA drugs because they could affect my lung. I just have to pray that my enlarged liver doesn't start failing. I would feel blessed if I could receive anything from disability. Even enough to cover all the co-pays on my meds would be fabulous. this is MIDGET, signing off 

And from the original poster:

Thank you all for your input. :)

After much thought - I've decided to keep working until they carry me out in a body bag.

I think the emotional "high" I get from taking care of patients outweighs the physical stuff I have to endure.

Plus, it feels *really* good to know that I'm helping people. Also, I'm more empathetic than most MRI techs, because I already hurt.... Thus, I feel like I can do more good for my patients than a 'normal' tech.

This has been validated by two interesting things.... The VP suit over my dept. sent me a written note complimenting me on my excellent patient care - he named the patient - I had no memory of this person, since I treat all patients at the same level.

Then, my COO, a man whose face I couldn't ID in a lineup <g>, sent me a hand written note through snail mail praising me for my treatment of another patient.

Even my "real" boss <i.e., the chick who approves my vacation time, etc.> was surprised by that one - and the VP above her knew nothing as well.

So - I must be doing something right, and I am paid really well.... I guess I'll work some more. :)

Thanks for all y'all's help,
Laura Rayfield 

 This may be off topic a little. I have arthritis in both hips. I have been on disability from work since 01/29/01. My disability cheque was $413.00 per week for 26 weeks. I now get $2500.00 per month. When I was working I was making $4300.00 per month. I would also get about $10,000.00 in stock every year and a christmas bonus of $4300 every year. I would earn $66000.00 per year. Now I get $30000 a year. I have asked my company to put me in a position I could do until I have my hip replaced. They won't help. I have used up my savings and retirement funds to survive. I have no avenues left. I am behind on all my bills and my credit is suffering. I have talked to everyone i know to see what I can do about this. I didn't think I would have to give up my hoouse and make my family suffer because I have arthritis. I am looking for anyone that may have advice for me.

Funny how the numbers don't make a difference ... when you have to live significantly below what you've been used to, but still have to pay previous bills, it's tough.  My income was around $25000 annually and I'm a single mom to 4 kids, receiving no child support from my ex.  I've been on long term disability since October 2000 and my reduced annual income is only $16000.  I know exactly how you feel and can only say that it helps to let people know you need help; humble pie tastes better now than it used to!  My biggest fear, quite honestly, is that I can expect an end to having 80% of my medication costs covered if I have to stay on disability beyond the 2-year mark.  Managing the 20% cost is within my means; finding an insurer who will offer as good a plan when I have a pre-existing condition isn't going to be easy.  Anyway, as I said, don't be afraid to admit to people that you can't do things you used to, whether it's lunch with friends, letting your kids participate in expensive extra-curricular activities (there are other options), and letting creditors know you're reduced income requires modification to monthly payments.  Above all, don't let people's negative attitudes beat you down ... stick up for yourself; don't let them walk all over you.  After all, the one luxury you do have right now is TIME to write letters, make calls, etc.!-PK