Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Hi guys,
It's been a while since I posted. I'm in the process of applying for disability though it is through my retirement board and not Social Security. In my case it is my doctor who has the right to disable me and their review committee exists solely for the purpose of making sure my application is in order and there is a clear statement of disability from my doctor. That's the good news. The bad news is there are no appeals but it doesn't appear they are necessary as all applicants with doctor support are approved though some may have to give an update sooner than the typical 2 year requirement.
So my big question is I've only been on Enbrel and methotrexate. This combo usually works for me when I'm home but a 40 hour week is too much for me. I become exhausted, stressed and then I flare. Plus my flares are way worse than they were in the beginning and symptoms don't recede as rapidly so I clearly have progressed for the worst. I also have osteoarthritis and foot issues that have nothing to do with these medications and we are seeking disability based on osteoarthritis, foot and back issues as well. I don't expect a problem as I listed more medical problems than they've ever seen from a musculoskeletal point of view.
My only concern is that RA is my number one reason I'm applying and I haven't tried multiple biologics and wonder if that is a problem anyone has encountered applying for disability through whatever agency or insurance company they were required to use. Maybe there is no requirement to use a biologic at all but I wanted to know your thoughts and experiences.
Thanks!
It's been a while since I posted. I'm in the process of applying for disability though it is through my retirement board and not Social Security. In my case it is my doctor who has the right to disable me and their review committee exists solely for the purpose of making sure my application is in order and there is a clear statement of disability from my doctor. That's the good news. The bad news is there are no appeals but it doesn't appear they are necessary as all applicants with doctor support are approved though some may have to give an update sooner than the typical 2 year requirement.
So my big question is I've only been on Enbrel and methotrexate. This combo usually works for me when I'm home but a 40 hour week is too much for me. I become exhausted, stressed and then I flare. Plus my flares are way worse than they were in the beginning and symptoms don't recede as rapidly so I clearly have progressed for the worst. I also have osteoarthritis and foot issues that have nothing to do with these medications and we are seeking disability based on osteoarthritis, foot and back issues as well. I don't expect a problem as I listed more medical problems than they've ever seen from a musculoskeletal point of view.
My only concern is that RA is my number one reason I'm applying and I haven't tried multiple biologics and wonder if that is a problem anyone has encountered applying for disability through whatever agency or insurance company they were required to use. Maybe there is no requirement to use a biologic at all but I wanted to know your thoughts and experiences.
Thanks!
Greg
I like you have a history of other musculoskeletal problems and surgeries, plus this disease is well documented, both with diagnostic tests and chart notes. You sound similar, pushed it until I couldn't any more.
Glad to hear your disability review is reasonable. Hope it goes smooth and approved soon !
When I actually got on a biologic with mthx, I was SO much better. Except for the deformities, especially in my feet. About the 4th year of this good time, I went to my teacher's union and asked if I should come back to work the following year. (This was the end of March) They told me no, never, because the drugs we are on fail so quickly. I said that wasn't happening to me.
Well, two week later, mthx failed, and the biologic which needed a DMARD to work. Then 3 weeks later I had my foot reconstructed and I have never recovered.
So kind of ironical! And I have been through most of the biologics now. I would stay on what works for you. I have one left, then not sure what I will do, since I am bed ridden without good meds.
RA is a BIG deal. Don't let them talk you down. And remember to tell them the biologics usually last from 1 to 5 years. So you will be in med failure a lot, I'm sad to say. And no classroom deserves an absentee teacher.
Make this review very clear about this. You are bad, and you cannot work because of your RA. I promise!
Sometimes it is the cumulative affect of multiple health issues that cause a person to become disabled, so I think it is very good that you included other health issues in your application. That is also what I did, In your case, it sounds like your doctor really has the say, so if he is supportive in his statements, you shouldn't have a problem.
Good luck!
I assume the school year has begun- did you start the year?