Thanks Adamrach, I actually cannot take the depo shot. I have other issues that do not allow me to take such a drug. I am on the generic form of yaz which gives me the least side effects of all birth control. For the past few days I've been feeling great, getting good sleep and hope this will continue since i've increased my dosage from 60 mg a day to 3x a day which is a HUGE improvement!!!

The Social Security Blue Book of Disability states what qualifies for disability.
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11.12 Myasthenia gravis. With:
A. Significant difficulty with speaking, swallowing, or breathing while on prescribed therapy; or
B. Significant motor weakness of muscles of extremities on repetitive activity against resistance while on prescribed therapy."
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Unum, my disability company had no problem approving me. They have files for SS and are doing all the work on my behalf (requirement of my policy). Just denied by SS the first time. I have filed for appeal.

Right now, my breathing has decreased (VC 77%, FEV1 57%, DLCO 63%). My MVV showed my diaphragm at

I have to disagree with you HCmiller... think some people with MG are disabled and deserve to get SSI....I myself can not walk more then 100 ft, I can not drive due to double vision, I can't talk for long periods of time because of my slurred speech, I can't lift things, or stand for very long, when sitting upright I usually have to hold my wad up with my hand after about an hour or so...idk how someone would expect me to work at this point, and I have a baby at home that I need to take care of, I'm applying for disability because I can not work an need the money to help support my family, I want to work but I know I can't.

I began working in a cotton mill when I was fifteen and have worked very hard ever since. As a pastor, I was on call 24 hours and day 7 days a week and worked 50+ hours a week as my usual routine.

I worked as long as possible and adapted my job with a reduced work load and hours because my church was very gracious and understanding. If I could work now, I would be extremely happy.

The cost of insurance, testing, and treatments for this disease has drained all my resources. If I did not have private disability insurance, I would be sunk now. One of my previous churches insisted I buy a disability policy with part of my salary. I am sure glad I did though I never thought I would need it.

My MG is very refractory and complicated by other nerve damage/autoimmune issues. My neuro and I are being very aggressive about testing and treatment. This is why we will add IV Cytoxan to my Cellcept, prednisone, and weekly plasma exchange in September.

I hope and pray it will make a huge improvement in my condition. Because of all that is taking place in my body, if treatments can just stabilize me and stops my slow, down-hill slide it will be great!

I would even do the stem cell transplant if it would help!

I make no apology for applying for disability. If I am able to return to work, I will gladly give it up.

Kerry

Ashley, et al -

I can't speak to folks with mutiple diagnoses, but I can say that for people with MG, if you follow the tried-and-true treatments for MG, your periods of disability will be episodic, at worst. You will have good periods and bad. When you first come down with symptoms is when you will likely experience a slide into what could accurately be described as disability. But, if you take your meds and do PLEX, IVIG and the rest of it, you WILL get better. Your disability will be temporary.

I have no lack of empathy for people with truly progressive and degenerative diseases and the profound disability they cause them. MG isn't one of those conditions. Remember, this is coming from someone who almost died from this wretched disease. I never thought I'd recover. I did. And while I can't ride a century on my bicycle anymore, or climb 6000 feet in a day with a 60 pound pack on my back, I can and do live life to the very fullest, including working a very demanding job. One day you will, too. Believe it.

Curt

I was denied twice.