HIV Support Group

HIV (also known as human immunodeficiency virus, and formerly known as HTLV-III and lymphadenopathy-associated virus) is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital components of the human immune system which can lead the syndrome known as AIDS. Many of the problems faced by people infected with HIV result from failure of the immune system to protect from opportunistic...

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Infectious Diseases
/ HIV Support Group

Getting SSI

deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm trying to get on SSI. I WAS An Aids diagnosis in 2004, T-Cells started at 17, now about 485, never had an opp. infection. The only thing with Hiv I deal with are a few side effects like diarrhea and nausea, a couple times a week. I also have pretty bad arthritis in both my knees and spine from an old car accident, so experience chronic pain daily, I'm on a pretty high script of Percocet 10mg 6-7 times a day. Iwas an alcoholic, after mainy relapses I have now been sober since 5-8-07. I get major depression (stay in bed days at a time) I can't imagine working or being able to work, but keep getting denied, I'm at the stage where I have appealed to a judge. Anyone have any experience with this process, suggestions welcomed. THANKS
deleted_user
deleted_user
Dear Jody, Hi there! Sounds like we have a few things in common. I have been HIV+ since 2004, and from the onset my CD4 has climbed from 94 to 396. I too have gone through the process of applying and been turned down several times. i have had pneumonia, candidiasis, and meningitis--all Opp infections. Either the HIV/AIDS or the meds have caused me neuropathy and therefore I have excruciating pain in my hands and feet, and I have chronic tension headaches. I take around the clock pain meds, (Duragesic 75mch/hr every 48hrs.) I too have a history of self-destructive behavior, (ie: substance abuse) it really blossomed around my diagnosis since I was hell bent on being the one to pull the proverbial trigger, not some tiny microbe! Thankfully, I have been clean of that for about 18 mos., but the depression from being in pain, and being ostracized by my family for being both gay and having HIV makes things really tough. Not to mention the inability to work a steady job. I'm sure if I could get a job that would let me work when I felt like it, then sure I might be able to, but even then it would be part time at best, and we know that isn't going to happen! So I can identify with you. Be glad to chat with you in the future! Hang in there, girl--things have got to get better, they sure as hell can't get much worse, can they?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Jody! I work with people on SSDI, which is probally what you qualify for. Unusually it takes 2 or 3 trys before anyone is accepted to recieve the benifits. My advice is to keep trying. Going before the judge is a good thing, as long as you can justify your need for the benefits, of course. Be sure and bring doctors statements (especially one that states that you can't work and the reasons why... I'd stress the chronic pain). If I can be of any further help please let me know.
deleted_user
deleted_user
expect to be rejected, and then expect to have a long fight ahead of you. I started out in a an AIDS induced coma, took me 3 years of fighting, I guess it's a good thing the coma subsided after 3 months....I have too many complications to list, my most recently added: Glaucoma.

My advice, work as long as you can, because with number's like yours, it's going to be difficult for you to get a doc to say your are permanently disabled.....remember society now believes that HIv is chronic but manageable for all. (NOT)

Good Luck with your quest.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yeah...I have to agree with project. A lot of times, unfortunately, the people at SS don't consider HIV/AIDS to be reason enough. (I guess they don't understand the costs of medicine, doctors, lack of insurance... blah blah balh) I am currently trying to get disability myself. My friend who has benefits said it took him about two years before he finally won. Just KEEP ON PUSHING FORWARD! You sound like a fighter! So keep up the good fight!
~M@
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't know what really has made me different then everyone on this post but I did not have a hard time recieving ss. It took me about 6 months and I have recieved benefits dating back to when I actually filed. I got Dr appts dates, diagnoses, names of Doctors and written notes from doctors and filed. I am sorry you are having such difficulty. Maybe one of your doctors can offer some information to help you get ss...Good luck....
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