COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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Lungs & Respiration
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Update

Lauren9
Lauren9
Hi Everyone. Wanted to let you know I've been approved for SSDI. Will be moving to my family in a little less than two weeks. I too have had a bout with exasberations. Took two rounds of the zpack to finally get better. Put me two weeks behind in getting ready for the move. Doing my best not to stress over it. I'm learning stress is an enemy for anyone dealing with Copd and Emphysema and must be avoided as much as possible. FYI regarding the flu shot. No matter how old you are you should get the strongest dose which is called the quad as it is helpful for those of us who have lung issues.

Hope you are all doing as well as can be expected. Take good care.
Hugs,
Lauren...
lisamm03
lisamm03
So happy for you...God bless you. It will be good for you, to be with your family. Was it difficult to get approved?
Lauren9
Lauren9
Thank you lisamm03. I got approved fairly quickly as I am in end stage emphysema. My lung function is 20%. I have a great doctor and close friend who helped me in the processes. It will be another five months before I actually start receiving benefits. Mandatory waiting period. Every case is different. If you can. Look back at previous posts on this site. BJ posted a wealth of information on how to go about getting SSDI a while back. Hope you can find it.
Hugs...
jarca
jarca
I'm so happy you were approved, lauren.
Do you still have to wait the 2 years to get medicare?
(i feel that is so dumb, as obviously if a person is disabled, they most likely need medical care before 2 years)

one step at a time though, and this is great that you were approved with just the 5 month wait (that can seem like forever LOl)
are you moving back home to be closer to family now?
Some states are better at supplemental health care than others, so I hope all goes smoothly for you)
my thoughts & prayers are with you ((((HUGS))))
jarca
jarca
ps. glad you are feeling better & I hope this move will be as stress free as possible
I would stock up one sanitary wipes & lotion & take all the necessary precautions of when we go anywhere in public. Now that school has started it seems like the diseases are starting again ((((HUGS))))

I'm feeling better from my reaction to the double dose flu shot, but i also feel it is well worth it (and of course the pnuemonia vaccine as often at a persons dr recommends it :) )
Lauren9
Lauren9
Thank you Jarca. I'm on my own for health insurance. No mention about medicare. I'm moving away from home to family in another state. Just grateful to have a roof over my head.
Hugs
Lauren9
Lauren9
:-) Couldn't agree with you more Jarca. Glad you're feeling better.
lisamm03
lisamm03
Lauren, than j s for information. Right now, I'm still working part time with my business. I was diagnosed with severe COPD last month,(believe that's stage 3.

Eventually, I probably will need the extra, to help out. My husband wanted for me to stop working, and try to apply for Medicaid/ SSDI.


Many years ago, I had a bad experience with SSDI....so, I guess I'm reluctant to apply.

I Best wishes to you now your new venture.

Hugs...
Lauren9
Lauren9
Yes Lisa to the best of my understanding severe is level 3. Even at end stage you still can live many years so please don't get scared about being at the severe stage. If i believe in nothing eles, i believe only God decides when it's time to bring us home to him. As far as applying for SSDI, that is your decsion. I too worked part time as an independant contractor until I could no longer do my work. That was when I choose to apply. You will know when and if you should try again. I'm glad you found this group. There are many wonderful people here who are happy to advise and share information. Bless them all and you as well.