Phase II- Valve Procedure
On the morning of the first day of Spring, I woke up and there was a foot of snow to remind me of the amounts we had all winter. By mid-day, the temperature was in the mid-40's, the sun was coming out and it truly did feel like Spring had arrived. It was a banner ski season and hopefully it will be a wonderful summer.
On my previous entry I had just finished the first trip to Beth Israel in Boston. I went back to Beth Israel last week for my CT scan. Driving 113 miles one way to do a CT scan that took all of 30 minutes and that included waiting time. At least I am being paid a very good traveling expense fee and what else do I have planned in my life since COPD took charge. NOTHING! It was a nice drive.
According to my assistant, I passed the first phase with flying colors and depending on my CT scan, I should be fast tracked into the championship round to determine if I'll have the valve procedure or put into a control group for 6 months. I am just finishing my first full week of Pulmonary Rehab and will have to complete the 12 session therapy so the Doctors in Boston can evaluate my results and make a final decision. Hopefully I'll qualify for the procedure and if I don't, I have to wait 6 months participating in the control group therapy and then I am told I'll be qualified for the valve procedure. Either way, its been a very interesting journey and I do like going to Boston. Its beautiful in the Spring and Summer.
Now for the best news: I have been approved for my SSDI as of March 20, 2014! I applied on December 23rd. It took less than 4 months. Wow, and it was my first attempt. I truly believe when you check the box stating that you have a "life ending disease" and you are to call your local Social Security office ASAP, the ball seems to roll much faster and I was contacted within 48 hours by a SS counselor and I just filled out the applications sent to me and all of the necessary paperwork that they requested. I responded to every extra request by my SS counselor as fast as I could via fax and/or telephone. I guess I am one of the lucky ones that made it through the first attempt.
Hope everyone is well and have a great Spring.
God bless you all..
On my previous entry I had just finished the first trip to Beth Israel in Boston. I went back to Beth Israel last week for my CT scan. Driving 113 miles one way to do a CT scan that took all of 30 minutes and that included waiting time. At least I am being paid a very good traveling expense fee and what else do I have planned in my life since COPD took charge. NOTHING! It was a nice drive.
According to my assistant, I passed the first phase with flying colors and depending on my CT scan, I should be fast tracked into the championship round to determine if I'll have the valve procedure or put into a control group for 6 months. I am just finishing my first full week of Pulmonary Rehab and will have to complete the 12 session therapy so the Doctors in Boston can evaluate my results and make a final decision. Hopefully I'll qualify for the procedure and if I don't, I have to wait 6 months participating in the control group therapy and then I am told I'll be qualified for the valve procedure. Either way, its been a very interesting journey and I do like going to Boston. Its beautiful in the Spring and Summer.
Now for the best news: I have been approved for my SSDI as of March 20, 2014! I applied on December 23rd. It took less than 4 months. Wow, and it was my first attempt. I truly believe when you check the box stating that you have a "life ending disease" and you are to call your local Social Security office ASAP, the ball seems to roll much faster and I was contacted within 48 hours by a SS counselor and I just filled out the applications sent to me and all of the necessary paperwork that they requested. I responded to every extra request by my SS counselor as fast as I could via fax and/or telephone. I guess I am one of the lucky ones that made it through the first attempt.
Hope everyone is well and have a great Spring.
God bless you all..
Replies
re: SSDI: I made it through on my very first attempt also! Just like you, all of my \"T\'s\" were crossed, all of my \"i\'s\" dotted, and just followed my caseworkers directions. That was thirteen years ago. Back in the days where it seemed as if everyone was being rejected! Working with a SSA caseworker helped immensely for me I believe. 6 months to the very day of my first phone call my first SSDI direct deposit to my chkg acct was made. Just like my CSW promised!
BTW: Not once did I have to go to my local SSA office. Three phone calls was all, plus filling out what seemed to be reams of paperwork!
glad to hear things are going smoothly for you so far.
i don\'t understand the control group so i\'m rooting for you to go straight for the valve!
that is wonderful news that you got your ssdi so fast!
prayers are with you
R
Freddy, I could not be happier wit h the progress you have made, and with you collecting SSDI. The piece of mind the SSDI gives you must be tremendous. And I know your busting your ass doing the PT. I wish you continued success, take care my friend and be safe. Bill