Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

[jenniegump]

hello,
i was wondering if anyone could give some advice on how common or uncommon rsd patients are approved for disability. i went to apply today and things went well seemingly. my case worker said i would know something in 4-6 months, maybe sooner. i had printed off the documents from the social security website that speaks about evaluating cases involving rsd/crps and the effects rsd causes patients diagnosed with it. i was going to give my caseworker the information but first asked if they were familiar with rsd and she said their doctors were, so we'll see. i have been a waitress, bartender, and dancer all my life. without the use of my right hand i have been unable to work for the last three months and i can't imagine anything changing significantly where i would be able to go back to that. i don't know what i would have done if i had not had my mother to depend on. i feel so much sympathy for those without the support of family & friends. i would be homeless without mine, never mind all the physical things i need help with. i am 33 and i feel so useless and like such a burden. this is all hitting me hard today. it was a real reality check going to social services today. i just would like to know if anyone has experiences thy could share, good or bad. i'd kind of like to know what to expect.
thanks jennie

[Bussey]

Hi,

I am a member of more than one RSD support group, and I have made many friends, quite a few of which, received favorable rulings, when applying for Social Security Disability benefits. I am also a recipient of Social Security Disability benefits.

I hope you are being treated by Physicians, who are very knowledgeable, in the area of treating RSD. The input made by your doctors, is a huge part of the process. If this is your first time applying, don't become discouraged, if you are denied on your first try. Denying individuals on their first try, regardless of the condition you are suffering from, seems to be built into the system. If that is the case, I would highly recommend that you file an appeal immediately, with the help of a disability lawyer. Disability lawyers are not paid, unless you win your appeal. Also, sometimes depending on the state you live in, the process can take longer, than in other states.

I wish you the best. Take care of yourself.

Bussey

[Raindancer10]

Definately get a attorney for this. The system seems to require it almost and will help in the appeals and appeals process. Also, there are so many addendums to the laws we can not be aware of all the changes that come forth or how they affectt he case.

[miley7]

I just tried to write you my story was almost done and hit the wrong button and los t it all. I will try again.

[miley7]

Hello I am trying this again. I was hurt on the job almost two years ago. I have been a nurse for 20 years. Anyway I have been and are currently on w/c benefits which is plenty enough to live off of for right know. I was forced to get an attorney when w/c stopped my benefits one time. It is a shame the they force people to get attorneys. For a year and my be still someone has been following me and video taping me. I have been to court twice the judge will make a discision in feb, 2010. I was let go for 4-5 months in severe pain before I was diagnosed with rsd/crps the burning pain that I stil l have is horrible I couldn't possible tell what my thoughts were. I have been to thearpys for p/t and o/t. the more they worked my hand the more pain I got but they wouldn't listen and I wasn't able to talk about my pain because it would bring other patients with rsd all they wanted to do was get me back to work as soon a possible. I hope I am not boring you. Well a doctor I was seeing suggested I have a stellate ganglion block which I was told would help with pain related to the rsd. Well I agreed to have it. When they stuck the 3 or more inch needle this was attempted twice in the right side of my neck the left side of my face became very numb as though I had gone to the dentist the dr yelled out I think she had a stroke. My left eye was shut, I had slurred speech, I fall over to the left and my left eye moves totally to the outer lower corner of my eye. I still have episodes throughout all my days. I use a cane now. I am doing a home exercise program and I use a parafin bath which is hot wax. I don't go out much My daughter uses my car to take me to the store and my appointments. My life has totally changed I feel lost and dn't know If I will get id back. my attorney told meto wait to apply for ssi untill the judge makes a discision in feb. My attorney takes 20 percent out of my checks know which comes out to almost 600.00 a month. I can still live off the rest. I am married but just became separated I have only been married two years. mY HUSBAND only made love to me 5 times in two years. I don'tthink he liked loking at me with a messed up hand and a face that looked I don't know what when I have the episodes. I had long blonde hair and have recently had it cut up to my ears I cann't wash it kills my hand. well I am going to ask my att again and see if I should apply for ssi so when it comes time for w/c to stop paying me hopfully I can start on it. sorry if this story was a bore but it felt really good to tell it to someone. So if you read this thank you for listening. I would like to hear your stroy if you don't mind. nursemate7

[reruho]

Miley,
This happens to me too. Write your story or any long post in Word and save it. Then cut and paste. It saves you having to write your story/post over and over.
Reta

[Raindancer10]

Wow I am there too. Your story sounds familiar minus the stroke symptoms. I force myself to drive and do all that i can to be independent and normal. (I do not have a good support circle)Somedays though I think I am operating on anger due to the frustration of this pain and people's understanding. As for workman's comp I too have learned I am under surveillance but I am not going to "hole up" . I am forced to be a product of this enviroment and adapt the best I can. Some days are better than others and can function almost normally, this makes me angry when I am up and down the night because I forced ..ermm.....normal. I am tired of the blatant misunderstanding and lack of knowledge on part of insurance and medical people. I too had no knowledge through 25 years of nursing until I received this dx and now I am being forced to prove it. I am not going to curl up and die and go away.

[miley7]

I am glad to hear you say that. If the w/c would have just listened to me to begin with and not let me suffer in pain for four months. I remember that last day I went to the dr he told me I don't know what it is I said aren't you a hand specialist which I was told he was by w/c he said no. I was crying with pain and frustration of putting up with this crap for 5-5 months I said there is something wrong and yu are missing it damn it and I stood up and kept repeating you are missing it. they looked at me like I was a lunatic. at this time I actually had thoughts of ending my life. being a nurse for many years I have listened to people and tried to understand what they were going through I aacturally listend. when I asked them why the made me wait so long they told me they had to make sure I wasn't drug seeking "What a load of Crap" I was furious. I only got the flu once a year and rearly was put on abt.I think if they had taken care of me at the beginnig I would probable be back to work by know. And the they have the nerve to survillance me they filmed me holding a cup and a bag from MDs. and putting a gas pump in my car but I pumped with my good hand. i KNOW some people are fraud and really make it llook bad on the one's that are telling the truth. I would trade one bad day to w/c and I bet the have a different opinion. are you married and have children. hope to hear from you

[Raindancer10]

Bussey:

I don't know what is a good doctor in crps and rsd. Can you point me in right direction. I have a major medical university north but just a neuroligist doesn't mean much as long if they don't deal in this alot.

[penney]

I was told by an attorney to apply online or by phone, he was no help. I wish you the best!