[Kg198202]

#1059132

Hi, My doctor states that he doesnt believe that I can work for an unspecified amount of time. Right now Im on ATD and I really dont see it working except for controllling my tremors, palpitations and weight loss:(. For the past few years I havent been able to keep a steady job, the sad thing is I have three little ones and I need some type of income. Ive tried to apply for disability and I keep getting denied. Emotionally its taking a toll on me because at this point I feel like less of a woman and mom. Im only 29 and Ive been dealing with Graves for at least 5 years that we know of. I was just diagnosed last year however Im unsure of the damage that it has done. Any tips or suggestions? Im about to start job hunting again despite the doctors advice because I really cant do this for much longer. How is everyone coping with Graves and trying to keep a steady employment?

[Kimberly]

#1172415

Hello – I’m so sorry you are dealing with all of this…especially with three little ones at home!

Your first priority, though, is to get you levels under control. If you are being 100% consistent with taking your ATDs as prescribed and you aren’t seeing any relief, you might talk to your doctor about the other available treatment options (surgery and RAI). If you aren’t being consistent with the meds, I would really encourage you to find a system (calendar, alarm, etc.) that will work for you.

Personally, I had a difficult time with my job for the first 10 weeks or so that I was taking the meds, but I eventually started feeling better.

The process of filing for Disability is very bureaucratic and very time-consuming. Getting a claim through for Graves’ disease can be very challenging, as it’s difficult to *quantify* the symptoms. Also, if you are currently working, that will result in an automatic denial. If you do decide to try the process again, it’s best to have an experienced disability attorney on your side to guide you through this process. Here is a site that offers attorney referrals: http://www.nosscr.org/ Keep in mind that by law, a disability attorney cannot charge you until your case is settled, although they *can* bill for reimbursement for reasonable expenses such as photocopying medical records.

(Note on links: if you click directly on the above link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

Take care!

[LaurelM]

#1172416

Hi,

There are both Federal programs and state programs. Have you applied in both places? The state programs vary from state to state. State programs are generally easier to qualify for and quicker with the application process. Because you have children, there are non-disablity family programs for which you may qualify depending on your income and resources. I used to administer programs for the State of Wa. I can’t promise that you would qualify but you should at least apply.

Best wishes,

Laurel

[snelsen]

#1172417

Hi, I think you got some helpful advice from Laurel regarding disability. There may be some financial help because you have children.
Generally speaking, Graves’ is regarded as a treatable disease, which we recover from, so getting disability is tough and time consuming.
Disability attorneys, like all attorneys, are very expensive.

It does seem that the ATD’s are really helping you. How long have you been on them? Generally, people feel better and better as they take the ATD’s.
So perhaps that will help your job situation.

I am sure it is very disturbing to be told not to work. I understand why you will continue to look for employment. You need the income. Any chance you can find a job less than 100%,but does have health insurance?

Are there any other programs for your children that would help relieve your financial burden? This seems like a good thing to explore.

i hope you feel better. Once you feel better, it might be easier to work. When you can work, and can explore any benefits that you can find to manage your Graves’ with further treatment, life will be better and easier for you.
I sure am sorry for your situation. It is tough to have three little ones, plus not feeling well and worrying about finances.
Shirley

[Kimberly]

#1172418

snelsen wrote:

Disability attorneys, like all attorneys, are very expensive.

Hi Shirley – I’m not at all familiar with the state programs that LaurelM mentioned, so I don’t know what the cost structure is there if you were to hire an attorney to guide you through that process

However, for patients who are applying for federal Social Security Disability (either SSI or SSDI), there are strict rules noting that the attorneys do not get paid unless the case is settled in the clients’ favor. At that point, the attorneys either get a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the lump sum back pay that the client receives, whichever is less. If the claim is denied, the attorneys don’t get paid at all. (However, during the case, they can charge for reimbursement of reasonable expenses, such as photocopying medical records, etc.).

[snelsen]

#1172419

Nice to know. And always good to check!
shirley

[LaurelM]

#1172420

State administed programs really can vary significantly from state to state both with the type of benefits available and eligibilty requirements. Usually these programs are a mix of federal and state dollars. This gives the states some leway in how they administer the progams (within some federal limits).

Since she has children, she may qualify for cash (State of WA calls it TANF or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), medical, and/or food assistance benefits. It all depends on complicated eligibilty based on income and resources. Some types of income and resources are counted against the maximum limits to qualify and others are disregarded.

In WA a TANF recipient may be deferred from work search requirements of these programs based on a medical reason. States will also facilitate the application for federal benefits if it appears that the client may qualify. (States would prefer to have the client on all federal benefits rather than a mix of state and federal dollars.)

It is best to find your local social services office for your state and start your application process there.

[Kg198202]

#1172421

Thanks Im going to check into that website!

[Kg198202]

#1172422

LaurelM wrote:

Hi,

There are both Federal programs and state programs. Have you applied in both places? The state programs vary from state to state. State programs are generally easier to qualify for and quicker with the application process. Because you have children, there are non-disablity family programs for which you may qualify depending on your income and resources. I used to administer programs for the State of Wa. I can’t promise that you would qualify but you should at least apply.

Best wishes,

Laurel

The problem Im facing with the state programs is that they wont assist me due to fact that Im currently staying with my kids father. I need the financial assistance that he brings by paying the bills and the extra hand with the kids right now. I really dont have anywhere else for me and the kids to go so Im kinda of stuck where that matter is concerned. I tried explaining the situation to them and regardless if we are in a relationship or not since he is thier father assistance is hard to come by

[Kg198202]

#1172423

snelsen wrote:

Hi, I think you got some helpful advice from Laurel regarding disability. There may be some financial help because you have children.
Generally speaking, Graves’ is regarded as a treatable disease, which we recover from, so getting disability is tough and time consuming.
Disability attorneys, like all attorneys, are very expensive.

It does seem that the ATD’s are really helping you. How long have you been on them? Generally, people feel better and better as they take the ATD’s.
So perhaps that will help your job situation.

I am sure it is very disturbing to be told not to work. I understand why you will continue to look for employment. You need the income. Any chance you can find a job less than 100%,but does have health insurance?

Are there any other programs for your children that would help relieve your financial burden? This seems like a good thing to explore.

i hope you feel better. Once you feel better, it might be easier to work. When you can work, and can explore any benefits that you can find to manage your Graves’ with further treatment, life will be better and easier for you.
I sure am sorry for your situation. It is tough to have three little ones, plus not feeling well and worrying about finances.
Shirley

I just started to take the meds a couple of months ago, I kept forgetting to take them twice a day. When i first started to take them as prescribed i would start hallucinating and becoming very lethargic. I dropped it back down to once a day for awhile after that. Now Im taking two 10mg of tapazole once a day and it helps a little, but I just started taking like that earlier this week

[Kg198202]

#1172424

Kimberly wrote:

snelsen wrote:

Disability attorneys, like all attorneys, are very expensive.

Hi Shirley – I’m not at all familiar with the state programs that LaurelM mentioned, so I don’t know what the cost structure is there if you were to hire an attorney to guide you through that process

However, for patients who are applying for federal Social Security Disability (either SSI or SSDI), there are strict rules noting that the attorneys do not get paid unless the case is settled in the clients’ favor. At that point, the attorneys either get a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the lump sum back pay that the client receives, whichever is less. If the claim is denied, the attorneys don’t get paid at all. (However, during the case, they can charge for reimbursement of reasonable expenses, such as photocopying medical records, etc.).

I have a host of other problems aside from the Graves, but my doctor state theyre mostly related to the Graves disease. Most of the disability lawyers Ive spoken to wont take it because of my age etc; most of them have the slightest idea what Graves is..

[Kg198202]

#1172425

update!!
My doctor said my levels have gone down a little bit and if I wanted to Try to work I could. he doesn’t fully recommend it at this time, but doesn’t hurt to Try. so I found a part time job that I should start later this week working mostly evenings. problem: I’m exhausted as Hell . I’m battling a serious case of insomnia, but I’ve been pushing myself to stay in the bed and return back to sleep. I did ok last night, but by the time the afternoon hits I’ll feel like I need 6-8 hours of more sleep, so I’ll take a nap and have a time waking up. tips???

thanks for everyone’s help !!

[Bobbi]

#1172426

Some — a small bit, but some — of the fatigue we feel when we cannot sleep at night is psychological, due to knowing that we haven’t slept during the night. It helped me a bit when I found out that just resting, with my eyes shut, is about 75% as “restful” as full sleep. So your tactic lately, to stay in bed, is a good one. It isn’t perfect, but it’s good. The problem is that our bodies are revving 24/7 at an abnormal metabolic rate. It isn’t “just” the fact that you cannot sleep which makes y ou tired. Being hyperthyroid makes us very, very tired.

[Author]

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