Government Disability
Thu, December 13, 2018 3:42 PM
I was wondering if anyone has received disability benefits for Crohn’s (outside of their employer)?
I was diagnosed 5 yrs ago and this terrible disease has affected everything in my life; both personal and professional. I have always had good jobs in the pharmaceutical and medical device world and worked with many professionals throughout my career. I have always received excellent performance reviews. Since my diagnosis, I have had multiple jobs and my performance reviews have declined. I do not agree with some of the feedback given to me from my bosses on my performance as I am a hard worker and I do a good job which is a completely different discussion. Perhaps my performance does suck?? Anyway, if there is anything to blame on my performance, I would attribute it to my illness as there are many days that I struggle to make it thru the day let alone work at 100% capacity. Recently, I have tried a different career path and have been attending classes to be trained and find myself failing at that too. Everyone else in the class is doing well except for me. I am beginning to think that my condition has severely reduced my ability to think and function on a daily basis.
I am receiving Remicade infusions and I am on an incredible amount of prescription drugs (25 pills a day) for the Crohn’s and other conditions; high blood pressure, herniated discs in my back, severe sleep apnea, depression and anxiety. I don’t have any stamina, I am tired each day and/or don’t feel well, and simply don’t have much fuel left in my tank. I had open heart surgery years ago and had a colon resection due to diverticulitis, and now the Crohn’s. Not sure how much more I have left and was wondering if anyone knows of someone or if anyone has filed for disability benefits and been successful due to this disease. It is obvious that I am struggling and of course the employers don’t seem to give a damn, so I am beginning to doubt that I can hold a job anymore as the evidence suggests that I am not performing well.
Not even sure where to start to apply for government disability and if it’s worth it to try? Any advice or suggestions would be most appreciated. This disease coupled with my additional health issues have pretty much ruined my life and I never get sympathy or help from the outside world, especially my bosses. I have tried really hard to make this work and function normally but can’t take much more abuse. Any ideas?
Joined Dec 22, 2018
Sat, June 05, 2021 6:41 AM
Reply posted for Dan Kberg.
Unfortunately enough, a large variety of individuals across the globe find themselves disabled. With the prime example being that of dallas hcs, these individuals do deserve the best in services. They need to be taken care of the most.
AdelaideBeckJoined Apr 1, 2021
Thu, December 13, 2018 5:55 PM
Reply posted for davidmmulder.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I am a US citizen and have always thought I can go without the disability gig, but obviously I am reconsidering. I have always had a desk job but it has been high stress. I know that the stress is a common contributor to Crohn's; albeit not proven scientifically. I appreciate the info you provided. Good to know to dispute the claim if it doesn't work the first round. Thanks.
Joined Dec 22, 2018
Thu, December 13, 2018 4:06 PM
Reply posted for Dan Kberg.
Assuming you're in the US, you apply for disability through the Social Security office. I tried once, and was denied. I decided to just keep working and I've managed pretty well.
I've read (somewhere) that only 25% of crohn's cases are approved the first time by Social Security, but if you dispute the finding, most crohn's people qualify and many are accepted. I don't know how true that is since I've never gone that far.
Also, you said you're trying to get training for a different job. That made sense for me, because I was diagnosed pretty young. During high school I tried working as a janitor, which was an aweful idea (was sick most of the days, plus catching viruses from the elementary kids). I choose desk work, and it's been much better for me.
I'm not sure how well that applies to you, but if you're working a high stress or physically demanding job, I'd think retraining for a different career might be good.
Joined Dec 13, 2018
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