This is me in a nutshell. I have had RA for 23 years, a small female over 60 years old. My construction-like job (union painter) required me to lift 50 lbs. That is almost half my weight of 115 lbs. I couldn't do the job any more due to weak grip and pain in the wrists, and ankles. Also severe chronic neck pain for all those years attributed to OA. I have been on 22 major and minor arthritis drugs and none of them worked whatsoever. The only thing that keeps me mobile is prednisone, which I have taken for more than 15 years. Of course, I developed Osteoporosis, but it was better than not being able to move or walk. I stopped working in 2020 and applied for SSDI. I was approved in the Reconsideration phase. Yes, I look almost completely normal, but inside there is an epic battle with pain going on, and nothing helps. Thank you for shedding light on one of the "invisible" diseases.
Thank you. I have had arthritis for the past 8 years. Finally today I made the decision to do something about it am 36 and my body aches everyday. It sucks but comments like yours make me actually pull the trigger. I have a 6 figure job I work everyday almost in pain.
Thank you for this info. I feel a little less nervous about the approval process now. I have osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine so badly that my spine surgeon said I’m, “walking around on 4 flat tires.”
My issue will be this: I have degenerative arthritis in 5 locations on my disability… but now, years later, I now have extremely bad rheumatoid arthritis in most of the same areas. I am concerned that they will not link it to my service even though I probably had it and was misdiagnosed.
28 years diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis Crohns and Graves, thyrodectomy in 2022. After thyrodectomy I've been in a flair. Meds not working. I'm out on state disability right now. I'm in a high stress job as a director and all my doctors are saying it's time to stop putting myself in this situation where I don't take care of me. I know I have to wait 6 months to apply. Are you able to help me now or do I need to wait for first time application rejection?
I fractured my wrists when I was 14. At 19, I started working on heavy equipment. I did that job for 3 years. The heavy lifting was bad enough, but the real problem I had was when using the hydraulic impact guns. They were heavy and vibrated a lot in my hands. Now at 63, I have OA in both my wrists. I’ve had corticosteroid injections in my wrists twice, but the pain doesn’t completely leave and the effectiveness of the injections lasts for only 3 months or so. Does anyone think the work I did at 19 could have aggravated the healing of my wrists somehow and caused my OA? Thanks!
I'm sorry to hear about the pain you're experiencing. It's possible that the heavy lifting and use of vibrating tools in your early career could have contributed to the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in your wrists. However, I'm not a doctor and can't provide a definitive answer. It's important to discuss this with your healthcare provider, who can take into account your full medical history, the nature of your work, and other factors to give you a more accurate answer. If you're considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to your OA, it's crucial to have thorough medical documentation of your condition and how it affects your ability to work. For best results, I suggest that you take advantage of a free Disability Digest membership because it includes a step-by-step disability approval course and live support to help you get approved. The free course has saved many up to $7,200 in legal fees. If you would like to consider having a representative help you get approved, you can discuss this option with one of our Advocates. To get started, go to bit.ly/34wviJY.
Hi , my name is Lisa. I am applying for disabilty for the third time. I had laywers my first times but I have to apply by myself this time because I can't wait for a court date. I wanted to know if I could possibly email you with a couple questions before I apply?
Ankylosing Spondylitis and the various forms of Spondyloarthropathies or Spolndyloarthritis is also an autoimmune arthritis that causes the spine to fuse. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of spondylitis. But you forgot the main form of it Ankylosing Spondylitis as well Undifferentiated Spondylitis and Juvenile. THERE ARE MORE THAN FOUR!!! A.S. Is VERY DISABLING
They did mention the topic , it was arthritis and the different types that are recognized. And your referring to muscle skeletal issues. It’s the way ssdi and their Black Book describe the illnesses or injuries.
This is me too! RA! I look completely normal on the outside except for my posture due to back pain I don’t stand up as straight as I used to. I was also a yoga instructor for many years so to look at myself in the mirror and see my posture makes me so sad 😞. I’m in moderate to severe pain almost daily. I also have fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue syndrome so that in itself is very painful. Oh! And I’m also a nurse. My body is broken now. I’m only 56. 😢
Were you able to get a rating with gout? I’ve saved up my treatment paperwork but can’t be guaranteed to be suffering with a flare up when it comes to getting a c&p exam.
