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La2620
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I am trying to work and find it extremely difficult dealing with anyone and everything. I have just recently been diagnosed as being bipolar after being misdiagnosed for 30 years( I was told I had depression and anxiety). I am middle aged, lost my husband to brain cancer two years ago, and have two grown sons. My doctor says I shouldn't be working, or driving, for that matter....but how am I to pay the bills? I can't even get insurance due to my "pre-existing conditions". Does anyone have suggestions??? I'm desperate....LA2620 |
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cappymuir
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LA2620- In 2005 I was diagnosed with Bipolar and was hopsitalized already three times by my choice. Question is have you worked enough to qualify for Soc. Sec Disability? If so your doctor needs to state that you are diabled and you need to file with SS. office near you. It is not an easy process and it can take up to five months to complete and get result. You are able to work part-time if you need to get out for a bit too. But I would not suggest it right away. Take time to learn more about your diagnoses and how you are coping. Cappy |
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La2620
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Thanks, Cappy. My doctor, for some reason does not want to use the "D" word...disability with me. It seems to contradict when he says don't drive/don't work. I have worked jobs "sporadically" over the course of my life due to my lack of tolerance for people in general.Thus, I am not sure Soc.Sec. would work out. I also have elderly parents who tend to treat me like I am a six year old....this just adds to pushing me over the edge. They call daily(sometimes 3 times) and visit at my workplace.
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carmen33
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Hey LA, welcome to the group, we're glad to have you here, what type of job are you working? it's hard I know to deal with people, I know that I had a very hard time when I was undiagnosed, my tolerance level was about zero.. After a hospitalization back in July, I have found that my stress tolerance has dropped, perhaps if you find something that will bring you limited interaction with people, might help.. I've had to put on the public mask for so long, that I can for the most part just go through life in the working world on auto pilot, but sometimes even then it is hard to do. How long have you been on your medications? |
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fizzio
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Hi to all, I'm new and looking forward to communicating with other people who share some of the same issues as me. I have always found work a refuge and tried to work no matter what. I have worked while finishing long admissions in hospital because it was the only thing that made me feel good about myself. I did have to resign from a couple of jobs but something else always came up, although it was such an awful effort to get to work I always felt better when I got there. I would tell myself to do each step eg you only have to get dressed, you only have to get in the car, you only have to drive to the freeway, if you don't feel good you can always leave work (but I don't think I ever did). I once took a job and after 6 months I got sick and spent most of the next 6 months in hospital, and they weren't very happy but I was there for the next 6 years. I'm always confident that I will never get sick again. I think any job that will give you self esteem is worth trying. I can't imagine not working it is my refuge. In Australia you don't need insurance to get treatment, everyone is treated as needed (even though resources are stretched). Public mental health is hard to get a bed, though. All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us. Gandalf, LOTR |
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norma
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Good for you, fizzio...for working. I find work to be my refuge too...I love my work. Any job I have ever had I have loved it. Didn't matter what kind of work, just the fact that I am productive, and getting paid for my effort. I like giving 110% and applying myself with everything I have got. It is a rush...LOL "In the time of your life, live-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but, shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it." William Saroyan
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kimminentdanger
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Hi La2620, and welcome to the group. Have you looked into any community support programs??? I know that most cities have clinics that will provide free or low-cost therapy/medication for ANY illness you may have.... Hang in there - we're in your corner! Post edited by: kimminentdanger, at: 06/16/2008 09:09 "Insanity destroys reason, but not wit." - Nathaniel Emmons
"Been a bad boy since diapers and Gerbers; my first words were bleep bleep and curse curse." - Eminem
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La2620
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I thank everyone for their comments, suggestions and support. I have not worked since mid-February. I tried for SS Disability after both of my doctors' suggestions, but was denied and was told by SS not to even try appealing. I live in a very,very rural area where there are no support groups of any kind to vent with. My psychiatrist has me on Lithium, Lamictal,Klonopin and Buspar. Somedays I don't know if any of them work. I apply for jobs,but really get nowhere. I am highly educated, but my husband was the "breadwinner" who I lost two years ago to brain cancer. To top it off I have no insurance...being denied coverage due to the mental illnesses. I feel like I am at the end of my "string" (not rope) most days. I live alone with my dog at age 47. What kind of life is that?? I,again, thank you for your support since so many of you can relate. |
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carmen33
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LA, who the heck at the SS told you not to even bother to appeal? that is the biggest bunch of BS I have ever heard of, has the appeal time ran out? if not get the appeal in the mail asap, if it has then you are going to have to refile, no one and I mean no one can tell you not to appeal, they will as a rule deny you the first time, you appeal that decision and if they deny you again, you get a attorney to take it from there, the attorneys get a portion of whatever back pay you get, not much something like 25% of it, my husband is in the waiting stage of getting it, and I have told him, I don't care if they take the whole darn thing as long as we get a steady check coming in.. Start tomorrow morning calling the medicaid people, see about getting help from them for medications, see about getting food stamps to help buy the groceries, and maybe see if they can help you out with some money till you can get the SS going.. Please do not take no for a answer, people will try and bulldoze you, don't let them do it.. |
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graphdsnmouse
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LA, Carmen is right...my mom, who like me was also BP had to apply several times before she got Disability and she also had debilitating arthritis. An attorney is also a good idea. Dogs are good company! They don't judge you and always have a tail wag for you when your down!  |
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