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I am applying for Social Security Disability. Before I applied I was having very nasty doctor problems, so I collected some of my records, so I could take them to other doctors. In his records my previous PCP went on and on about my depression and anxiety disorder. I have minor SAD, so I was taking zoloft in the winter. My rheumatologist increased the dose since I couldnt take cymbalta. I also was taking klonopin because I have almost life-long sleep problems. This PCPs records are full of snarky comments about me self-diagnosing. Well, I did medical journalism and was a nurses aide and am a curious person. I didnt want to take lipitor, so I wouldnt listen to science. When I became really ill a year and a half ago, he refused to see me, so I somehow ended up in an ER and had a seizure. I didnt understand that this PCP didnt like me personally and then I made the mistake of letting the hospital call him. I thought he might actually be sorry. But apparently he promulgated this idea that I was a complete crock. When I read what the epilepsy doc wrote about my case, I was shocked. It was a work of fiction! I was quoted saying things I would never say and she lied about things she told me. After I let them talk to my PCP, I felt like I was being treated like a suspect, not a patient, so she actually wrote a diagnosis of paranoia. Meanwhile I had a high sed rate, high CRP (inflammation markers), I was in lactic acidosis (a near death marker). They also saw the seizure, and recorded them on their machinery. I think Social Security is going to be surprised that this head case hasnt seen a shrink since 1995, when my boy friend was dying. When I went back to my old PCP who has know me forever, he said the guy was an idiot. My blood tests dont scream much, but meanwhile Im living on the couch. I cant believe a doctor can write a report that is full of actual lies. I hope this doesnt sound like Im putting down anyone who is depressed and anxious. I was depressed and anxious when I was in my 20s and it runs in my family. Fortunately, I seem to have put a lot of that behind meperhaps through my advanced age and meditation. Meditation, hasnt help so much with me being pissed as anything at these doctors, though. Does anyone have any thoughts about this, especially how it will relate to my Social Security case.
Problem solved.
As for the Social Security case: Have the new doc write out a report for your Social Security lawyer to present in court.
I see this every day. Docs (most) don't get it. They don't realize that severe illness causes anxiety and not the other way around! I feel your pain, as I too have been treated like "it's all in my head", and if I take an anti-anxiety I will be just fine and out of their way.
Hang in, girl. I am so glad you have a doc who believes in you. Now, that will help you strengthen your own inner knowledge and self assurance.
God bless,
Prizmlight
I actually am applying for Social Security by filling out the form on the internet. I brought about 10 inches of records to the Social Security office yesterday. I'm 61, so I'm just hoping for a miracle and I get it without too much trouble. But there has been so much back and forth between doctors, it's worrisome.
Thanks for your feedback. Itsjustme, you really seem to know your Social Security. At, the moment I guess I just have to make sure SS gets all the records, and see what the next step is.