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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 4, 2004, at 10:28:52
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by HappyGirl on March 3, 2004, at 11:52:34
> Hi Judy:
> You have Bp I with Panic Disorder that sounds to me like pretty serious form of Bipolar. Being Bp II with ultra Rapid Cycler, I did NOT get it approved for the reason I could be functionalble with some accomodation, such as a shift-change, from day-shift to evening shift as long as the work done. Then, I convinced myself their point of view.
>
> In my knowledge, Bp I like yours, ... it gets approval even without attorney and on just 'first try,' that I heard/read, for that it might be all depend on State to State. However, mental disorder like Depression and Bp II, I'm a kind skeptical unless more physical/mental problem written by a specialist. Also, for alternative, they would recommend M.I. to other place where appropriate placements are available, ... even they would help you find a company in which your condition is suitable.
> H.G.
Posted by judy1 on March 4, 2004, at 11:25:27
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI « HappyGirl, posted by Dr. Bob on March 4, 2004, at 10:28:52
my state groups 'serious' mental illness- severe depression, bipolar disorder (all forms), panic, schizophenia, and ? i think bp2 and depression can be every bit as debilitating as bp 1- while i happened to be hospitalized a number of times, so have people with other disorders. if you are unable to work because of an m.i., then a SSD attorney will know how to fill out the forms to reflect this. honestly, that's why i think i was approved so quickly- it was made very clear that i was basically non-functioning.
best of luck- judy
Posted by HappyGirl on March 4, 2004, at 14:18:51
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by judy1 on March 4, 2004, at 11:25:27
Hi Judy:
Besides Bipolar I with Panic Disorder, you worked for ten years as a scientist along with supporting a little daughter, ... then it's VERY 'fair' to say that you're entitled SSDI.
Another thing to add/recall is 'age,' .... most of cases, if you're under 30 and especially 'male,' it's tough to challenge on SSDI, ... I cannot be sure to say, ... but it seems 'true.'
The determination on SSDI or SSD, ... it seems they WANT the younger generation, especially male under 30, being active, ... to get out of house and do the best they(young folks) can.
H.G.
Posted by judy1 on March 5, 2004, at 11:54:13
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by HappyGirl on March 4, 2004, at 14:18:51
that was interesting regarding age- i was in my early 30's when approved for SSDI and had been working fairly steadily during and after grad school. i have quite a history with my disorders- when i did apply i had just walked off my job and went into a hospital, i was severely suicidal (this had happened before but it was always short term disability). i know this type of situation can happen with other disorders so that's why i stressed the non-functioning state. if you simply cannot work because of symptoms and it is well documented (pdoc records, hospital, etc.) then it should be fairly straight forward to get benefits. my (then) pdoc had a lot of experience with filling out forms for SSD (i hadn't known that at the time but apparently it is important), and the attorney phoned me first and spoke to me at length before accepting my case. he has something like a 95% success rate- but then he only took cases he was ceratin of. i forgot to mention that there was a $4000 fee taken once i received my lump sum payment (that was the maximum)- in retrospect it was worth every dime since i literally just signed my name and that was it. have you consulted an attorney?- judy
Posted by Metalblade on March 5, 2004, at 11:59:19
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by HappyGirl on March 4, 2004, at 14:18:51
> Hi Judy:
> Besides Bipolar I with Panic Disorder, you worked for ten years as a scientist along with supporting a little daughter, ... then it's VERY 'fair' to say that you're entitled SSDI.
> Another thing to add/recall is 'age,' .... most of cases, if you're under 30 and especially 'male,' it's tough to challenge on SSDI, ... I cannot be sure to say, ... but it seems 'true.'
> The determination on SSDI or SSD, ... it seems they WANT the younger generation, especially male under 30, being active, ... to get out of house and do the best they(young folks) can.
> H.G.
>I am 25, male and have had over 25 jobs that failed. I made sure that I put a list of the jobs I have had in the info that I gave the SS office. I don't think its fair for them to approve women and not men just because we are male. Apparently equal rights are fine as long as they don't apply to men.
Posted by HappyGirl on March 5, 2004, at 16:00:52
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on March 5, 2004, at 11:59:19
Hi:
In my case, .... after non-approval on SSDI, my attending pdoc. advised me to go to Disability Agency(I just cannot remember the name for this, ..) and this place put me 'apptitude test' that lasted all day long, from my brain function(IQ) to hand/legs(manupulation) by using many different objects. My IQ got 'average,' although I did well in the school(both H.G. and more edu.at grade 3.52), ... guessing my Bp detoriated my brain function one and the other, especially those math problems. Anyway, ... they advised me to do some manual job for awhile until my condition would get stabilized, that I did consent, for both exercise and financial reason. Depression needs a good 'Blood Flow' into those chemicals of my brain.
Afterwards, I made some progress by working as hard as I could. I have almost 'medical field' degree before Bp hit me a big time. Then, those form of work made me quite degraded, ... but a job is a job. Currently, I've been thinking about going back to school to accomplish my 'dream,' as I know the State could help me as being a Disability.In my suggestion, try to go the place, 'Disability agency' to get a job to which your condition is tolerable(NON-stressful job), because to be honest with you, at age 25 it might be pretty tough for you to get SSDI. However, if you go for an attorney, that also might be a good choice. All up to you.
H.G.
Posted by Metalblade on March 5, 2004, at 18:25:16
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by HappyGirl on March 5, 2004, at 16:00:52
> Hi:
> In my case, .... after non-approval on SSDI, my attending pdoc. advised me to go to Disability Agency(I just cannot remember the name for this, ..) and this place put me 'apptitude test' that lasted all day long, from my brain function(IQ) to hand/legs(manupulation) by using many different objects. My IQ got 'average,' although I did well in the school(both H.G. and more edu.at grade 3.52), ... guessing my Bp detoriated my brain function one and the other, especially those math problems. Anyway, ... they advised me to do some manual job for awhile until my condition would get stabilized, that I did consent, for both exercise and financial reason. Depression needs a good 'Blood Flow' into those chemicals of my brain.
> Afterwards, I made some progress by working as hard as I could. I have almost 'medical field' degree before Bp hit me a big time. Then, those form of work made me quite degraded, ... but a job is a job. Currently, I've been thinking about going back to school to accomplish my 'dream,' as I know the State could help me as being a Disability.
>
> In my suggestion, try to go the place, 'Disability agency' to get a job to which your condition is tolerable(NON-stressful job), because to be honest with you, at age 25 it might be pretty tough for you to get SSDI. However, if you go for an attorney, that also might be a good choice. All up to you.
> H.G.I plan on going all the way even if it means going to court. I will post up here when I do get it just in case any body wants to here but more because it will just feel good to tell people I got it. If I get truned down and have to get a attorney I will say that too.
Posted by HappyGirl on March 5, 2004, at 20:07:58
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on March 5, 2004, at 18:25:16
Hi Metalblade:
I somehow understand what you're going for, ... even go to 'Court.' You said, in the previous post that you went through 25 different jobs, any of which did not bring you fullfilment and happiness. Possibly, for that reason, you might have lost some confidence on having a job? Sorry, this quote offends you, .... but it sounds like you did TOO much on job search even you had Bipolar.
In my case, I quit both study and work, part-time on both, at the same time when I was dx'ed with Bipolar. Because, my brain didn't function enough to think about holding down a job. On the top of this, my brain refused to keep a job I had. Then, I never looked for a job afterwards, until I got a right med. combo. rxed by my current pdoc.
Anyway, hopefully everything going WELL for you.
Please post up here, either 'Yes' or 'No.'
H.G.
Posted by judy1 on March 6, 2004, at 12:28:35
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on March 5, 2004, at 18:25:16
i've posted on sites where there were a significant number of males who had gotten SSDI (but i'm not sure how old they were). i guess i never noticed a gender bias. it seems clear to me that attempting such a large number of jobs is a symptom of your disorder- you didn't say why they never worked out- but when i left a job (always had the same vocation) it was usually because of a stress-induced manic or depressive episode. you have already applied?, if you are turned down then please get an attorney. it is the last year of your life that the SSD people are most interested in, so make sure your psych records are current, etc. the attorney will know exactly what is necessary. in my case i was on 6 different meds (a complete zombie), i can't imagine anyone doing any job successfully the way i felt.
best of luck, judy
Posted by Metalblade on March 6, 2004, at 13:06:22
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI » Metalblade, posted by judy1 on March 6, 2004, at 12:28:35
> i've posted on sites where there were a significant number of males who had gotten SSDI (but i'm not sure how old they were). i guess i never noticed a gender bias. it seems clear to me that attempting such a large number of jobs is a symptom of your disorder- you didn't say why they never worked out- but when i left a job (always had the same vocation) it was usually because of a stress-induced manic or depressive episode. you have already applied?, if you are turned down then please get an attorney. it is the last year of your life that the SSD people are most interested in, so make sure your psych records are current, etc. the attorney will know exactly what is necessary. in my case i was on 6 different meds (a complete zombie), i can't imagine anyone doing any job successfully the way i felt.
> best of luck, judyHi Judy, the reason I had trouble keeping those jobs is not only the Bp2 but I also have a social phobia and am like a scared rabbit around people. The fact that the lithium I take has helped me over come my mood swings and that in turn has given me the strength to tolerate the anxiety to the point where I can actual get out of the house a little bit and go places with out have to be drunk. Seems like when your depression is gone you can handle both stress and nerves better.
Posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 14:10:19
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI » Metalblade, posted by judy1 on March 6, 2004, at 12:28:35
Hi Judy1:
I know EXACTLY what it's like to be on 6 different meds, as I myself was once on 5 different meds., ... just one med. minus yours.
For me, .... in your case, it's NO way your SSDI could be turned down as seeing your condition, Bp I with Panic Disorder along with numerous hospitalization about which you did mention in your previous post. Besides this all, you've been supporting your young daughter as best you can, as a Mom.
I know VERY WELL that the cost of meds. are so outrageously HIGH, ... even mine, now 4 is more than $500.00, part of which my pdoc. helping me on 'Free Med. program' through different drug companies. But, this, 'cost' still scares me as wondering how long I am able to stay on this program, 'Free Med.'
H.G.
Posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 14:36:00
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI, posted by Metalblade on March 6, 2004, at 13:06:22
Hi Metalblade:
In other thread, I recall that you have not only Bp II also Social Phobia. For this, ... you've been on Lithium and Paxil ... if my recollection is correct. To be frank and honest, you may need some more meds., because sounds like you're still sufferring from those symptoms somehow. Also, in my knowledge, just Lithium alone for Bp II is pretty risky, because those who have Bp II are mostly on depressive side of Bp, rather manic one. For this, you may need anti-dep., even atypical med. like I've been on. I just wonder which med.-office you're been on, ... if County Mental Facility, ... they might cut a cost unless you have SI that needs ER. Then, in this regard, you may need think more, ... because as I mentioned one of my previous post, those SSA folks digging into which med. you're on. If there needs more med. for good motivation, energy and etc., they may tell you get the right med. combo. FIRST. But, on the otherhand, sounds like you did suffer enough not able to stay on a certain job, including 25 different jobs on which you made a great deal of effort. In comparison to yours, I never did try. Then, you may be entitled SSDI with some accomodation, ... like going to the counselling that enables you to get a non-stressful job.
But, I cannot be sure, ... an attorney might be one of good things to consider, ... but the price, ... unless 85-90& successful. But, this is just my personal opinion.
In the meantime, if you get some GOOD news on SSDI or any other up-to-date, please post up here SOON.
H.G.
Posted by Metalblade on March 8, 2004, at 11:11:07
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI//Metalblade, posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 14:36:00
There is a God and he heard me. I walked out to the mail box this morning and guess what was there? Not only had my income-tax check showed up but an envolope from SSA conferming that I'm disabled. There going to give me $872 every month starting in Aprl. They have to pay me for 24 months of back pay from where I got turned down before. Too bad all that back pay has to go to paying off my bills.
Posted by bookgurl99 on March 8, 2004, at 20:49:58
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI//Metalblade, posted by Metalblade on March 8, 2004, at 11:11:07
Yay! It's so good that you got the pleasant surprise in the mailbox.
Are you planning to move out of Mom's house? Do you have any special plans now?
Posted by HappyGirl on March 8, 2004, at 23:16:22
In reply to Re: Need to talk about SSDI//Metalblade, posted by Metalblade on March 8, 2004, at 11:11:07
Hi Metalblade:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I am really happy about the approval of your SSDI! Because, you are WELL deserved to get one.I believe that you did as best as you could before applying SSDI,... in search for right job suitable to your condition, however your 'three' different problesm prevented you from holding down a job you wanted.
At least, you got a lot of money, two years' worth? ... then be careful not to waste any money for useless purposes. Did you consider about your Mom also deserve from this 'good' outcome? At least, good compliments and appreciation to her. She must have been working on SSDI with you one way or the other.For me, ... I am quite HAPPY to keep working on through Rehab, although this form of work does not match to my background. However, thinking about the future when I become in 30's, I am musing, possibly go back to school to finish my degree, med. related field, ... around this fall or next Spring. Because, with a right med. combo. with right pdoc., my condition is pretty stabilized, for that I am VERY grateful.
Keep posting up here not only SSDI also other current events.
H.G.
This is the end of the thread.
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