--- In Spondyville@yahoogroups.com, "mulkins98" <mulkins98@...>
wrote:
>
> Has anyone ever tryed filing for disability for ankylosing
> spondylitis?
>
Hi there!  I'm 39, and have had AS since my early teens, and am now
totally fused (except my C-1 which is fusing right now, ouch) and I
filed for SSD back in July of '05, was finally approved in January
of '06, and have been getting my checks from SSd since February.
The biggest determining factor for getting disability with AS is ROM
in your neck.  If you have less than 45 degrees of 'lateral flexion'
in your neck, meaning you can move your head less than 22.5 degrees
left or right than you qualify hands-down for SSD.  The best way to
prove your lack of flexibility is to see a physical therapist, who
has the tools to measure your ROM.  Unfortunately you'll have to get
a prescription to go see a PT, and you'll have to have your rheumy
prescribe that, then you'll have to pay the PT around 100 bucks to
see you and evaluate you.  If you've got insurance, it should be no
problem, but of course I had no such thing... :) so I had to pay
cash.  It was worth it, though, because ssd denied me the first time
around, as I had no documentation of my lack of ROM, but the second
time I applied I included my PT as a medical source of info, and I
was approved within a month or so.  Being on SSD has been a Godsend
for me, since I was literally killing myself by continuing to work,
and now that I'm 'retired' (as it were) I have time to take care of
myself, and my flares only last about a week or so, where when I was
working they'd sometimes go on for a month or more, and I'd just
barely make it through the day, then cry myself to sleep at night
from the pain then get up and muddle through the next day, ad
infinitum/ad nauseum... :P  My advice is, if you think you're ready
for disability, you are.  Get the paperwork started, and get the
ball rolling, because it takes the government months and months to
make an evaluation, and even then you don't get to recieve any
benefits until you've been 'disabled' for 5 months.  Seems
ridiculous, they kinda stack the deck against us, making it almost
impossible to survive for the time it takes to finally recieve
benefits.  I think it's their way of 'weeding out' those people who
are just trying to get over on the system, but it ends up really
hurting those of us who genuinely need disability benefits.  Sorry
for going on so long about this, but that's my story.  Hope it helps!

Rob

I would like to tell everyone thank you for your feedback. It has
lifted my spirits and I will just put my faith in god now for the
results.
   I have had a bone scan, but the only thing they have checked for in
those scans were Osteoporosis. I guess I had it so bad in my spine and
hips that the radiologist went ahead and scanned my wrists, and found
more osteoporosis. They have put me on Fosamax 70mg, but I haven't
started it yet because of the new warning out about "ONJ", which is
where the jaw goes dead after tooth extractions while taking fosamax.
I have to wait until August 31st, to see my new Rheumatoligist.
Hopefully he will know more in depth of my conditions since I have
medicial findings.
    I have plans to get better and fight this disease along with
osteporosis! I can't wait to see an actual dietician.
     Thanks everyone for your help!
                        Phil:)

Well said, Spenser.  I always think of my dad, who was
shot down and survived, in the Pacific in WWII.  He
never talked much about his time in the war, until
very late in his life. I wish I knew more.

Crystal

--- spenser23as <no_reply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

>
> Thoughts and prayers today to all those who died
> serving their country,
> and to those who've lost loved ones in that service.
>
>
> Spenser23as
>
>
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Thoughts and prayers today to all those who died serving their country,
and to those who've lost loved ones in that service.


Spenser23as

In spite of the changes Yahoo is making, the Spondy Cafe will meet, as
usual, on Saturday morning, as it has done every Saturday morning since
1995.  Because of the chat format changes Yahoo is making, we will, for
the moment, continue to meet in a Yahoo Messenger conference room,
which I will set up just before 10AM Eastern time on Saturday morning.
In order to get to the room, make sure you are signed onto Yahoo
Messenger, and then Instant Message me (Yahoo screen name; Spenser23as)
and I will send you an invitation to join the conference.

And, if you're good, we may go on a field trip to check out another
chat room on Google! (Hoo-Hoo!)

I hope to see you there.


Spenser23as

Susan, thanks for the info.  The person you refer to in your post was
me.  I apologized almost immediately for the "harshness" of my post.
How long do you want to hold a grudge?  Come on, Life's too short and
we all have bigger problems to deal with. So, I will apologize to you
again for any hurt I mave have inadvertantly caused you and let's start
again with a clean slate. Ok?

Spenser23as

Phil.

   This may or may not help....but it was taking directly from the SSA List of
Impairments:


   14.09 Inflammatory arthritis. Documented as described in 14.00B6, with one of
the following:
   A. History of joint pain, swelling, and tenderness, and signs on current
physical examination of joint inflammation or deformity in two or more major
joints resulting in inability to ambulate effectively or inability to perform
fine and gross movements effectively, as defined in 14.00B6b and 1.00B2b and
B2c;
   or
   B. Ankylosing spondylitis or other spondyloarthropathy, with diagnosis
established by findings of unilateral or bilateral sacroiliitis (e.g., erosions
or fusions), shown by appropriate medically acceptable imaging, with both:
   1. History of back pain, tenderness, and stiffness, and
   2. Findings on physical examination of ankylosis (fixation) of the dorsolumbar
or cervical spine at 45o or more of flexion measured from the vertical position
(zero degrees);
   or
   C. An impairment as described under the criteria in 14.02A.
   or
   D. Inflammatory arthritis, with signs of peripheral joint inflammation on
current examination, but with lesser joint involvement than in A and lesser
extra-articular features than in C, and:
   1. Significant, documented constitutional symptoms and signs (e.g., fatigue,
fever, malaise, weight loss), and
   2. Involvement of two or more organs/body systems (see 14.00B6d). At least one
of the organs/body systems must be involved to at least a moderate level of
severity.
   or
   E. Inflammatory spondylitis or other inflammatory spondyloarthropathies, with
lesser deformity than in B and lesser extra-articular features than in C, with
signs of unilateral or bilateral sacroiliitis on appropriate medically
acceptable imaging; and with the extra-articular features described in 14.09D.


  
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/14.00-Immune-Adult.htm#14.0\
9%20Inflammatory%20arthritis

   In case the above link does not work, you can go directly to the SSA site,
look for list of accepted impairments, and it will be under Immune System.

   Hope this helps! And Good luck to you!

   Yvonne

onefineseamstres@... wrote:

In a message dated 5/25/2006 4:06:29 AM Eastern Standard Time,
mulkins98@... writes:

I have  Ankylosing Spondylitis which has
caused my spine to take a curve forward  ("Kyphosis" head about 5
inches from the wall), along with Chronic  stiffness, pain, &
inflammation of ALL of my joints. I have a stiff  neck constantly. My
lower back feels like a solid board. I have new  medical records
showing that both of my Sacroiliac Joints of the lower  spine are
fused, my Lower Lumber spine is bridging and showed faint facet
joints that are possibly fused, according to the X-Ray. Along with
Ankylosing Spondylitis, I also have Scoliosis of the spine, which
shows curviture in a frontal view. I have mild erosion at C2 & C3,
and some other stuff I don't understand. So, along with
Osetoporosis,  Ankylosing Spondylitis, Scoliosis & Kyphosis of the
spine, I also have  been diagnosed by a Pschyatrist for generalized
anxiety Disorder &  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have a GAF score
of 55. My red blood  cells are always low too, but borderline anemia.
That may be caused from  the medication I take(Celebrex). I also have
Acid Reflux  Disease.



Have you had a bone scan?  That, I believe, would show  fusing of bones....

I would think you have a excellent shot of getting it... I  have heard that
often SS will deny a disability routinely so that you have to  appeal... My
co-workers husband was denied disability when he had fatal lung  cancer...that
had already spread to his brain, and to his body  cavity.  They denied him
almost instantly.  But he appealed and was  approved fairly quickly, but died
before getting the first check,  so they  kept it... what a rip


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



   SPONSORED LINKS
         Ankylosing spondylitis

---------------------------------
   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS


     Visit your group "Spondyville" on the web.

     To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  Spondyville-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

     Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


---------------------------------





---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
  Everyone is raving about the  all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

May be this will help answer some specific questions about the SSD
process.

http://arthritis.about.com/cs/disability/a/ssdi.htm

To be honest, I don't share much here since some one reprimanded me
for explaining in detail about the work Osteopaths do. However, the
above site is one I wish I had come across before I applied and
received approval.

Peace,
Susan

Hi Phil,

I just wanted to wish you good luck. I am very sorry that you have to good
through all that "crap" (pardon me for saying it this way). You are already
going through so much. From what I have heard, it is a hard path. Does anyone
know how the media could be involved? Patients with AS and other diseases are
numerous in the US and bad publicity goes a long way...
Lawyers... they should do this free of charge, a lawyer is nothing else but a
scanvenger to me... They feed off someone else's misery. What a cruel world...
Anyway, I hope you will get your disability benefits soon. Good luck Phil.

H

mulkins98 <mulkins98@...> wrote:
     I am 29 yrs old. I am a male. I haven't worked since October 2003.
I Applyed for benefits in January 2005. I was denied 3 months
later,,then appealed,,,denied 3months later, then got a disability
lawyer the same day (ASAP). Within 2 weeks he had my hearing
paperwork filed and started. My conditions, according to the
disability office, are not severe enough and that I can go back to
work as an auto detailer. Well, that is very wrong! I couldn't get
hired anywhere back then because they knew I had back problems just
from looking at me. SO, I had to start my own business and that was
auto detailing. It was then I realized I couldn't do the work and
had to pay everyone else to do the work for me, and eventually had
to sell to get out of debt, and then NO JOB!
   My pain, Stiffness, and everything else has been an ongoing
problem for years. It has only worsened. I have Severe Osteoporosis
in my spine, wrist, & hips. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis which has
caused my spine to take a curve forward ("Kyphosis" head about 5
inches from the wall), along with Chronic stiffness, pain, &
inflammation of ALL of my joints. I have a stiff neck constantly. My
lower back feels like a solid board. I have new medical records
showing that both of my Sacroiliac Joints of the lower spine are
fused, my Lower Lumber spine is bridging and showed faint facet
joints that are possibly fused, according to the X-Ray. Along with
Ankylosing Spondylitis, I also have Scoliosis of the spine, which
shows curviture in a frontal view. I have mild erosion at C2 & C3,
and some other stuff I don't understand. So, along with
Osetoporosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Scoliosis & Kyphosis of the
spine, I also have been diagnosed by a Pschyatrist for generalized
anxiety Disorder & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have a GAF score
of 55. My red blood cells are always low too, but borderline anemia.
That may be caused from the medication I take(Celebrex). I also have
Acid Reflux Disease.
   From hearing my conditions, does anyone feel that I have a Good
shot at disability?
   Part of my anxiety is worrying if I will get approved or denied,
and the length of time it will take to get my hearing. They say it
may take up to 18 months which would be FEB. of 2007. Could it take
longer than that? My girlfriend supports me and my financial status
is poor.
   So if anyone has any feed back, I would deeply appreciate it!
Thanks for everything!
       Phil






   SPONSORED LINKS
         Ankylosing spondylitis

---------------------------------
   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS


     Visit your group "Spondyville" on the web.

     To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Spondyville-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

     Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


---------------------------------





---------------------------------
Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+
countries) for 2¢/min or less.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




SPONSORED LINKS
Ankylosing spondylitis





YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS


  Visit your group "Spondyville" on the web.

  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  Spondyville-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I would say you have an excellent chance.

mulkins98 <mulkins98@...> wrote:
     I am 29 yrs old. I am a male. I haven't worked since October 2003.
I Applyed for benefits in January 2005. I was denied 3 months
later,,then appealed,,,denied 3months later, then got a disability
lawyer the same day (ASAP). Within 2 weeks he had my hearing
paperwork filed and started. My conditions, according to the
disability office, are not severe enough and that I can go back to
work as an auto detailer. Well, that is very wrong! I couldn't get
hired anywhere back then because they knew I had back problems just
from looking at me. SO, I had to start my own business and that was
auto detailing. It was then I realized I couldn't do the work and
had to pay everyone else to do the work for me, and eventually had
to sell to get out of debt, and then NO JOB!
   My pain, Stiffness, and everything else has been an ongoing
problem for years. It has only worsened. I have Severe Osteoporosis
in my spine, wrist, & hips. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis which has
caused my spine to take a curve forward ("Kyphosis" head about 5
inches from the wall), along with Chronic stiffness, pain, &
inflammation of ALL of my joints. I have a stiff neck constantly. My
lower back feels like a solid board. I have new medical records
showing that both of my Sacroiliac Joints of the lower spine are
fused, my Lower Lumber spine is bridging and showed faint facet
joints that are possibly fused, according to the X-Ray. Along with
Ankylosing Spondylitis, I also have Scoliosis of the spine, which
shows curviture in a frontal view. I have mild erosion at C2 & C3,
and some other stuff I don't understand. So, along with
Osetoporosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Scoliosis & Kyphosis of the
spine, I also have been diagnosed by a Pschyatrist for generalized
anxiety Disorder & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have a GAF score
of 55. My red blood cells are always low too, but borderline anemia.
That may be caused from the medication I take(Celebrex). I also have
Acid Reflux Disease.
   From hearing my conditions, does anyone feel that I have a Good
shot at disability?
   Part of my anxiety is worrying if I will get approved or denied,
and the length of time it will take to get my hearing. They say it
may take up to 18 months which would be FEB. of 2007. Could it take
longer than that? My girlfriend supports me and my financial status
is poor.
   So if anyone has any feed back, I would deeply appreciate it!
Thanks for everything!
       Phil






   SPONSORED LINKS
         Ankylosing spondylitis

---------------------------------
   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS


     Visit your group "Spondyville" on the web.

     To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  Spondyville-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

     Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


---------------------------------





---------------------------------
Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+
countries) for 2¢/min or less.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Phil.  To me, it sounds like you SHOULD be approved, but, it's hard
for me to comment, since I find myself exploring this possibility for
myself more and more.  There is so much that I don't understand about
the level of disability required for approval, and who they consider
eligible for re-training.   The website posted a day or two ago made
for some good reading, but, frankly, it still seems to me to be a
situation where they expect you not to work for such an unreasonably
long period of time before you can apply or be approved, that I don't
see how anyone can do it and survive in any real, human sense.

The whole lawyer thing seems to be a gift to the legal industry. I hear
so many people say that they had to hire a lawyer.  I suppose it's a
bit naive of me, but it doesn't seem right that that is the norm.
Hiring a lawyer to get something to which you are entitled by law,
seems like a corruption of the system. I know, Life isn't fair. (sigh.)

Anyway, Good luck, I hope you're approved very soon.

Spenser23as

In a message dated 5/25/2006 4:06:29 AM Eastern Standard Time,
mulkins98@... writes:

I have  Ankylosing Spondylitis which has
caused my spine to take a curve forward  ("Kyphosis" head about 5
inches from the wall), along with Chronic  stiffness, pain, &
inflammation of ALL of my joints. I have a stiff  neck constantly. My
lower back feels like a solid board. I have new  medical records
showing that both of my Sacroiliac Joints of the lower  spine are
fused, my Lower Lumber spine is bridging and showed faint facet
joints that are possibly fused, according to the X-Ray. Along with
Ankylosing Spondylitis, I also have Scoliosis of the spine, which
shows curviture in a frontal view. I have mild erosion at C2 & C3,
and some other stuff I don't understand. So, along with
Osetoporosis,  Ankylosing Spondylitis, Scoliosis & Kyphosis of the
spine, I also have  been diagnosed by a Pschyatrist for generalized
anxiety Disorder &  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have a GAF score
of 55. My red blood  cells are always low too, but borderline anemia.
That may be caused from  the medication I take(Celebrex). I also have
Acid Reflux  Disease.



Have you had a bone scan?  That, I believe, would show  fusing of bones....

I would think you have a excellent shot of getting it... I  have heard that
often SS will deny a disability routinely so that you have to  appeal... My
co-workers husband was denied disability when he had fatal lung  cancer...that
had already spread to his brain, and to his body  cavity.  They denied him
almost instantly.  But he appealed and was  approved fairly quickly, but died
before getting the first check,  so they  kept it... what a rip


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I am 29 yrs old. I am a male. I haven't worked since October 2003.
I Applyed for benefits in January 2005. I was denied 3 months
later,,then appealed,,,denied 3months later, then got a disability
lawyer the same day (ASAP). Within 2 weeks he had my hearing
paperwork filed and started. My conditions, according to the
disability office, are not severe enough and that I can go back to
work as an auto detailer. Well, that is very wrong! I couldn't get
hired anywhere back then because they knew I had back problems just
from looking at me. SO, I had to start my own business and that was
auto detailing. It was then I realized I couldn't do the work and
had to pay everyone else to do the work for me, and eventually had
to sell to get out of debt, and then NO JOB!
   My pain, Stiffness, and everything else has been an ongoing
problem for years. It has only worsened. I have Severe Osteoporosis
in my spine, wrist, & hips. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis which has
caused my spine to take a curve forward ("Kyphosis" head about 5
inches from the wall), along with Chronic stiffness, pain, &
inflammation of ALL of my joints. I have a stiff neck constantly. My
lower back feels like a solid board. I have new medical records
showing that both of my Sacroiliac Joints of the lower spine are
fused, my Lower Lumber spine is bridging and showed faint facet
joints that are possibly fused, according to the X-Ray. Along with
Ankylosing Spondylitis, I also have Scoliosis of the spine, which
shows curviture in a frontal view. I have mild erosion at C2 & C3,
and some other stuff I don't understand. So, along with
Osetoporosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Scoliosis & Kyphosis of the
spine, I also have been diagnosed by a Pschyatrist for generalized
anxiety Disorder & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I have a GAF score
of 55. My red blood cells are always low too, but borderline anemia.
That may be caused from the medication I take(Celebrex). I also have
Acid Reflux Disease.
   From hearing my conditions, does anyone feel that I have a Good
shot at disability?
   Part of my anxiety is worrying if I will get approved or denied,
and the length of time it will take to get my hearing. They say it
may take up to 18 months which would be FEB. of 2007. Could it take
longer than that? My girlfriend supports me and my financial status
is poor.
   So if anyone has any feed back, I would deeply appreciate it!
  Thanks for everything!
       Phil

Alice,

My cervical vertebrae C2-C5 (or something like that) have actually
fused.  I find Aspercreme or Icy Hot (my husband hates the icy hot
smell) or heat or cold actually help alot-along with as much movement
of the neck as possible. I also recently started taking Enbrel and
after the first injection noticed a big difference in my range of
motion in my neck-it didn't last though.  I do believe the Enbrel has
made me feel lots better-along with several other meds I take
regularly.

Hope this helps you and gives you some ideas of how to help yourself !!


Good luck to you in finding treatments that work for you.

Joy

This is quite good...

http://arthritis.about.com/cs/disability/a/ssdi.htm

Susan

I am on remicade, and while I like it a lot, I was a bit troubled by
the article.  I knew about some of the problems going in, and, for me,
so far, the risk has been worth it.  Would I say the same in ten years
if I got cancer?  I don't know.

I do think that you have to take into account this was not a clinical
study, but, I believe, someone taking data from a bunch of other studys
and re-interpreting the data.

I also found interesting the viewpoint expressed by one of the doctors
interviewed that said it is hard to tell whether it is the fault of the
drugs or whether the patients they are giving the drugs to, are the
sickest, and therefore more prone to disease.


Spenser23as

I don't remember if you have the option of trying Enbrel.  There are several of
us on here that use it,  and love it.  There is also the option of Rhemicade,
which there are several on here as well.  Keep the neck moving,
stretttttttcccccchhhhhhh it as much as the pain will allow.  I didn't do this, 
and I am down to about 60 degrees total X axis movement, and probably 30
degrees, in the Y axis, all down.

   Craig


ally2132002002 <alice_white@...> wrote:
   Keith, Thanks for posting that website. It came at a great time for
me. A month ago the Dr. gave me a prescription for humira. After
doing the research and finding out about the cancer risk, I didn't get
it filled. He wanted to see me in a month, and that is this Thursday.
Now I have a hard copy to hand him plus a list of questions. My neck
is getting stiff. What do others do?

Alice







Yahoo! Groups Links










[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Keith, Thanks for posting that website.  It came at a great time for
me.  A month ago the Dr. gave me a prescription for humira.  After
doing the research and finding out about the cancer risk, I didn't get
it filled.  He wanted to see me in a month, and that is this Thursday.
Now I have a hard copy to hand him plus a list of questions.  My neck
is getting stiff.  What do others do?

Alice

Hi this is Joeette

Yes I am in the process of fighting Social Security. I had to get a
lawyer also. My lawyer also specializes in Social Security cases.

I had applied a year and a half ago and was turned down. I got
discouraged because I did not have a diagnosis at that time.

When I kept getting worse and finally diagnosed with AS, I got the
lawyer and reapplied. I did not know that they usually turn you down
at the first attempt. So the appeal time had passed I had to go back
to square one.  I now have a diagnosis, MRI, CAT scan and all my
medications. I am hoping to hear from Social security this week.
they have 180 days to respond. They sent me to their(Social
Security) doctor 3 weeks ago. Timing was perfect because I was in
the throes of a real bad flare up.

So yes,keep fighting, and do whatever they tell you and keep good
records of anything related to your AS.

joeette
PS I go for my second Remicade infusion tommorrow. I hope I will not
react like the first time. They are going to give me benadryl first
and then do the infusion. They are going to infuse me over 6 hours
instead of 4. Keep me in your prayers please.



--- In Spondyville@yahoogroups.com, "mulkins98" <mulkins98@...>
wrote:
>
> Has anyone ever tryed filing for disability for ankylosing
> spondylitis?
>

I'd like you guys to add me to your yahoo messenger too.. I don't
log in a lot but when I do, it'd be nice to maybe put a IM face with
a message board face.. LOL  New friends are always cool...... mine's
mindy_1969@...     I haven't posted much lately, been super
busy, just started a new job May 1st..... I'm liking it though I
wasn't used to working as hard as I do now, it's a welcome change.
I'm also battling my demons and taking the stairs..... it's starting
to not wind me as much..... and ironically..... was at my new sleep
doc yesterday  (yes, now they say I have apnea too.. oh yay more
joyous diseases!!)  anyway... I have lost about 12 lbs...... since
Apr 1 I'm rather happy about that!!!    Hope everyone is well....
and remember... you guys add me too! :)

--- In Spondyville@yahoogroups.com, "C. Conwell" <n5vis@...> wrote:
>
> I just sent you an invite.  If you have yahoo messenger log in,
and accept,  I will see it and send you the invite.
>
>
> ally2132002002 <alice_white@...> wrote:
>   Just read your post. Should have read it before I tired to sign
in.
> Guess I'm out until a child from college comes home and helps me
figure
> this out. Alice
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Question is Fibro in the same family as AS
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: ANN
   To: Spondyville@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 3:27 PM
   Subject: [Spondyville] Re: Social Sec. Disability???


   Hi everyone!
   Yes I'm 50 years young. I am on disability for my AS & Fibro. It
   takes a good lawyer that specializes in this. It took 2 1/2 years to
   get full approval.
   What I do know is this. You can not work for one year before you
   apply.
   85% of the first time applications get turn down. This is the system
   testing the waters to see who is really serious.
   Then the applicants that apply the second time are 62% get turned
   down. Then less as it goes.
   The trail is not very pleasent. I was in tears from my judge.
   Thinking ii was faking it.
   So please understand that this process is stressful. Your Rheumy is
   a very active part in this. Keep all your records of mileage to &
   from appointment. Your meds & pain management record keeping also.
   What you pay your lawyer is a percentage of what is due to you.
   There is a federal law as to what the percentage is.
   Please feel free to email me, I'll be glad to help & support anyone
   going through this.
   Good luck,
   Ann





   -- In Spondyville@yahoogroups.com, "mulkins98" <mulkins98@...> wrote:
   >
   > Has anyone ever tryed filing for disability for ankylosing
   > spondylitis?
   >






   SPONSORED LINKS Ankylosing spondylitis


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS

     a..  Visit your group "Spondyville" on the web.

     b..  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Spondyville-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

     c..  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ususally people with heart problems get it first, so I have been told. I had to
get a lawyer, got on second try
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: ANN
   To: Spondyville@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 3:27 PM
   Subject: [Spondyville] Re: Social Sec. Disability???


   Hi everyone!
   Yes I'm 50 years young. I am on disability for my AS & Fibro. It
   takes a good lawyer that specializes in this. It took 2 1/2 years to
   get full approval.
   What I do know is this. You can not work for one year before you
   apply.
   85% of the first time applications get turn down. This is the system
   testing the waters to see who is really serious.
   Then the applicants that apply the second time are 62% get turned
   down. Then less as it goes.
   The trail is not very pleasent. I was in tears from my judge.
   Thinking ii was faking it.
   So please understand that this process is stressful. Your Rheumy is
   a very active part in this. Keep all your records of mileage to &
   from appointment. Your meds & pain management record keeping also.
   What you pay your lawyer is a percentage of what is due to you.
   There is a federal law as to what the percentage is.
   Please feel free to email me, I'll be glad to help & support anyone
   going through this.
   Good luck,
   Ann





   -- In Spondyville@yahoogroups.com, "mulkins98" <mulkins98@...> wrote:
   >
   > Has anyone ever tryed filing for disability for ankylosing
   > spondylitis?
   >






   SPONSORED LINKS Ankylosing spondylitis


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS

     a..  Visit your group "Spondyville" on the web.

     b..  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Spondyville-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

     c..  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi everyone!
  Yes I'm 50 years young. I am on disability for my AS & Fibro. It
takes a good lawyer that specializes in this. It took 2 1/2 years to
get full approval.
  What I do know is this. You can not work for one year before you
apply.
85% of the first time applications get turn down. This is the system
testing the waters to see who is really serious.
  Then the applicants that apply the second time are 62% get turned
down. Then less as it goes.
  The trail is not very pleasent. I was in tears from my judge.
Thinking ii was faking it.
  So please understand that this process is stressful. Your Rheumy is
a very active part in this. Keep all your records of mileage to &
from appointment. Your meds & pain management record keeping also.
  What you pay your lawyer is a percentage of what is due to you.
There is a federal law as to what the percentage is.
  Please feel free to email me, I'll be glad to help & support anyone
going through this.
Good luck,
Ann





-- In Spondyville@yahoogroups.com, "mulkins98" <mulkins98@...> wrote:
>
> Has anyone ever tryed filing for disability for ankylosing
> spondylitis?
>

I was approved on the first application.

Hi,
   My name is christie.  I am 37 yrs old.  I did get disability for ankylosing
spondylitis, as well as fibromyalgia.  It took three years and a good lawyer to
do so.  It's a long process but keep fighting for it.  If you have anymore
questions just let me know.  Good luck and God Bless,
   Christie

mulkins98 <mulkins98@...> wrote:
   Has anyone ever tryed filing for disability for ankylosing
spondylitis?





   SPONSORED LINKS
         Ankylosing spondylitis

---------------------------------
   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS


     Visit your group "Spondyville" on the web.

     To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
  Spondyville-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

     Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


---------------------------------





---------------------------------
Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make  PC-to-Phone Calls using Yahoo!
Messenger with Voice.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Has anyone ever tryed filing for disability for ankylosing
spondylitis?

Sorry, I was not online most of today. I deleted the spam as well as
the two following messages since they contained parts of the spam, and
banned the spammer.


Spenser23as

In a message dated 5/19/2006 12:56:04 PM Eastern Standard Time,
no_reply@yahoogroups.com writes:

thanks-  Betty I think I precede you by at least 12 hours! I think I
was early in  the morning.  Yippee- now we can have senior coffee and
10% of at  Kohls on Wed.- do you have Kohls?




Nope.. no Kohls near by.. though I do beleive there are some in Va... maybe
eastern part of the state..I'm more in the central part.
We have a Krogers  (grocery store) and they give Sr.s  an extra  5% off their
grocery bill every Tuesday... They've automatically been giving me  that
discount for about 2 yrs... with out asking...LOL  now today...I'm  "legal"
..Maybe it's the white hair...   I quit "touching" it up  about 3 summers ago
and
let it grow... Now it's Long.. and about 70% white...  and I wear it in a pony
tail alot... lol
Tomorrow I am going to an Indian (Monacan)  PowWow up in the next  county...
so maybe I'll try to braid it..

I've never drank coffee  ( I think I'm allergic to it.. makes me real  sick)
  I like to get my
caffeine from Pepsi.  lol




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yes its been awhile since I bloged , its like once every two months
haha . Hope all yall are doing well . I jsut had a great day besides
its hot as Hell here but thats what I get for being in Texas in the
summer but been doing it for over 23 yrs now.  So on a good note I
have been working my ass off to get accepted into a medical study
program that will give me a treatment injection for the disease I
have (Ankylosing Spondylitis) well I GOT ACCEPTED ****happy
dance***** OMG this is a true blessing.  But its also such a
adventure everytime to get there its over 300miles one way to the
office where I go. First serval times I went I went by car having
mainly my mom go and driving, and once my bestfriend. But this last
time she had her own stuff goin on so I looked up other
transportation and found that I could go on the train or bus for less
or about what it cost in gas for the car.  So I got a train that left
the night before at 4 pm . I got a phone call that afternoon telling
me how late the train for running first call they said it was only 2
hours delayed I was like ok , and still went with what I was doing to
get ready to leave.  Then a lil while later got another call from the
local train station tell me the train was 6 hours late ...6
HOURS ....what are they doin pushing the train??  ok so I called the
main line and asked about it , cause my train is scheduled to arrive
in San Antino and then I transfer onto another train onto Houston.
and with the train running 6 hours late it will cause me to miss the
transfer.  The lady on the phone was nice and informed me that they
guarentee my connection and if I miss it, they will get me there some
how even if its on the bus.  I arrive at the train station at 5:30pm
and was lookin at leaving at like 8:00 pm SO I waited and waited the
time seemed like it got pushed back more after someone asked when the
train would be there. A lil after 11:00pm the train arrives.  we all
are excited we get our bags and go get on the train. its neat cause I
have never been on one before. We are all gettiing settled in, and we
waiting and waiting and seemd that since the refular trains were
using the track we needed out on and since they own it they kinda get
first use of it grrrr. So here comes 12:00 and we get to pull out of
the station and its now the time I was suppose to be in San Antino.
The ride goes well comfortable, not alot of people was able to
streght out and sleep or go sit in the obserbatore car and look out
the glass windows that go all the way up half way up the ceiling.  so
pretty of a view.  When I arrive in San Antino the man tells me my
only option of them putting me in a taxi driving to the greyhoud
station and getting on a bus for the rest of the way.  And let me
tell you if you ever plan on taking a bus in the southern part of
Texas you better know spanish ..lol really no one said one word to
me . I jsut sit there alone and took a nap for a couple of hours.
Arriving in Houston seemed like I would never get there. First
thought was wheres the bathroom, but as we got off the bus the door
at out gate was lock , (oh come on i need to pee ) so we go down 3
gates and finally get in.  Now that things are releaved I go to the
front doors walk out and look around and see the city train tracks
that run down the main street and needed to see where the platform
was to get on. When a man walked up to me and asked if I was goin to
take a bus or the train ---Yes , he handed me a day pass ticket that
he didn't need anymore that was good til noon tommorow. How sweet was
that = ) So I start walking to the next block and look at the clock
and its jsut a lil before 2 and I oringrally had an appointment at 8
in the morning but they knew the troubles I was having to get there.
Got to the next street and looked up and they was a McDonalds and
well thats when I remembered I haven;t eaten since yesterday
afternoon , so much going on and never a place to get anything. So
yes Had to stop and get something to eat fast.  I finally get out of
there and down to the train and mind you I have never been on a city
train , got on and there was no place to sit so I grab a pole thank
god I did OMG that thing took off like we were goin into space or
something .  so after a couple of stops I sit down man note to all
you sit down on those  train or you will fall down .  I came real
close to it.  Arriving at the hospital gettin off the train and
having to walk around the construstion to get to the front door.
Don;t we all love constustion.  Finally arriving at the office
getting started on paper work , wieghing in and all that good stuff.
Then they called the DR that was suppose to measure the bones. He is
across the street in another building and he tells them to bring me
over there what is he kidding a man with knee / ankle problems and a
woman with a broken knee cap wearin nothin but a wrap and high
heels .  They put me in a wheel chair and pushed me across a sky
bridge and then go down stairs and out on the street and then back up
stairs.  So get that all done went well.  Have to go all the way back
to the other building and back to the office I started at.  I am
finally ready to get the injection shot. one in each shoulder.  I go
to leave I have called to find out what bus to take me back to the
train station I start to go there and don;t find the stop but find
another on that will work , I sit there for almost an hour waiting
and then called then back to see when that bus was coming and found
out that by the time it got to me I would only be gettin to the train
station maybe 10 minutes before it leaves and that wouldn;t work I
walk a couple blocks back over to the city train pull out the map of
the city I have and can't find where I suppose to be going I am
getting more stressed I finally ask this lady what time she had and
she said 9:07PM OMG my trains leave at 9:50 I have to get there now.
So I finally break done and call for the taxi to come get me , never
has cost me 20.00 dollars to get across town before. But it was worth
it I got there on time and was happy but still stressed walked up to
the counter asked if I need to check in , she said yes needed to see
my ticket and ID so I open my bag to pull it out and my ticket is
GONE , omg now thats the last straw I start crying, ask them since I
have a reservation can't I jsut get a another print out.  Of course
not , has anything else on this trip went easy no, so she tells me I
have to buy a new ticket , and now I have only 10minutes before the
train leaves. omg crying more. Now I have to call home and explain
mom I lost my ticket . so she had left her credit card on me jsut in
case , well here was the case she told me do what you have to , put
it on the card.  I did get on the train and the give me an asign seat
WHAT WHAT are u kidding me that the train is so packed that I have to
know be seatin next to some stranger , well fine I go sit in my
assign seat. In a few minutes a tall thin black man walks up to me I
say your sitting here he shakes he head yes.  So I over and let him
in. Now I have noticed the reason he was up he was out smoking , and
I can smell it was a vanilla cigar and well I have a allergy to
vanilla.  I was still so stress I got and asked wheres the bar? I
want a drink , they crew grin and say that the diner is below and I
went down there its a tiny lil counter and one person.  and no bar so
I go sit in this emtpy car that looks jsut like the coach car my seat
is in but they are calling it the lounge yeah right , a nice lady
showed me where there was a plug for my cell phone charger was thank
god for that .  I sit there for a lil bit and another older couple
came and sit across from me.  I was wondering during this whole time
why we haven't pulled away from the station. They go to tell me that
there was a man drunk sitting across from them and since no one can
travel like that they had to call the cops on him. He sit there and
fought with him  , after an hour we say the train pullin away and the
cops and the man walkin away from the train.  I went back to my seat
to seat and found that they had moved me one up so I we all could sit
in two seats , so much easier to sleep.  so I sit there and talked
with a nice man in front of me and then fall alseep.  when we arrived
in San Antino we still had a 3 hour layover til the next train got
there. And whats up with having the most uncomfortable benches you
can have a a train station.  Finally the other train arrives and get
we goin on time. and on of the conductors is the same one that
brought me down the day before and he saw me and asked me how things
were hahah he said you had a fast trip YUP.  So everything went well
on that ride home. we got to the station only 30 minutes after we
were schedules which is not bad.  So I am not saying I would not ever
ride the train again just learned to allow more time then I did and
keep calling and see if the train is delayed any.  and if you sit
here and read this whole thing then god bless yeah.  Cause my hand
and wraist now is killing me.  So here I go having to plan for the
next trip in 4 weeks , suppose to be down there again June 9. Keep
you all up dated .



Thanks YA'LL

Hello all and especially Ann,

My situation is completely resolved. Ann, the Quanti-Fero test has nothing to do
with a skin test. It is a blood test and they actually check if you have been
exposed to TB. I have learned recently that TB tests are far from being
accurate. Some people have allergic reaction to Tuberculine (the protein in the
TB test) and therefore, after a few hours, their test looks positive. I am
myself allergic to Tuberculine, on top of having the BCG vaccine. So allergy +
being vaccinated against TB, you all can imagine what my arm looked like.
My advise: just do not trust the medical skills of your doctors all the time.
Most of them do not do research and they fall in a routine mode, which cuts out
their curiosity and fever for learning.
Good luck Ann. Let me know how it goes. Sorry to hear about your divorce and
selling the house and all the stress that goes with it.

H

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]