New here seeking advice regarding Disability in the USA.
Background story about me for context:
- November of last year admitted to ER with severe infection from perianal abscess (first serious signs something was wrong with me)
- spent 1 week in hospital, intensive care, surgical removal of abscess, treatment of infection, etc.
- doctor suspected Crohn's but recommended I see a GI to make sure
- follow up with GI who recommended colonoscopy but I had no insurance until after the new year so I had to wait
- steadily became sicker because I couldn't see a doc and was unsure what was even wrong
- in March became so sick I had to leave my home, sell all my possessions, and move in with family to help care for me (was virtualy bedridden; had lost ~50lbs of body weight, couldn't care for myself, etc.)
- in April was officially diagnosed with Crohn's by GI
- in May had another surgery to remove abscesses / fistulae and began taking Prednisone while I waited for insurance to approve Humira
- in June, after putting it off for months, finally applied for Disability (I was putting it off because I was sure I would get better "any day now" but never did.)
- promptly received a letter saying I was declined due to having not worked enough (this is an error, though, I certainly have worked enough)
- decided at the time to just forget it and try to go back to work somewhere (have yet to do so, was waiting for Humira, still not feeling 100%)
- on Monday I took my first Humira treatment and have begun to taper off Prednisone
- next Monday have appt with a psychiatrist to discuss anxiety attacks that I have (often afraid to go in public because I worry about Crohn's symptoms coming back)
Last night I spent 1 hour in the restroom with painful, bloody diarrhea. (the wounds from my surgery still bleed when I go)
This morning my abdomen and perianal area are very tender.
The day before, I was fine: only 2 bloody bowel movements for the day.
Some days I feel like going back to work -- at least part time -- is something I would have no trouble with.
Other days, like last night and today, I feel like I'll never be better. I AM much better than I was months ago -- I can walk around, eat, sit upright, I've gained ~15lbs since Prednisone, etc. -- but with Crohn's you never know what a day may bring.
I want desperately to go back to work and regain my independence; I feel like a tremendous burden on my family and I feel terribly confined here.
At the same time I'm terrified that I'll become sick again and be right back where I started.
>> MY QUESTION: <<
Should I go ahead and try to get disability benefits or should I just forget it at this point and try to go back to work while the Humira takes effect?
Thank you sincerely for any advice and I apologize for the wall of text!
Background story about me for context:
- November of last year admitted to ER with severe infection from perianal abscess (first serious signs something was wrong with me)
- spent 1 week in hospital, intensive care, surgical removal of abscess, treatment of infection, etc.
- doctor suspected Crohn's but recommended I see a GI to make sure
- follow up with GI who recommended colonoscopy but I had no insurance until after the new year so I had to wait
- steadily became sicker because I couldn't see a doc and was unsure what was even wrong
- in March became so sick I had to leave my home, sell all my possessions, and move in with family to help care for me (was virtualy bedridden; had lost ~50lbs of body weight, couldn't care for myself, etc.)
- in April was officially diagnosed with Crohn's by GI
- in May had another surgery to remove abscesses / fistulae and began taking Prednisone while I waited for insurance to approve Humira
- in June, after putting it off for months, finally applied for Disability (I was putting it off because I was sure I would get better "any day now" but never did.)
- promptly received a letter saying I was declined due to having not worked enough (this is an error, though, I certainly have worked enough)
- decided at the time to just forget it and try to go back to work somewhere (have yet to do so, was waiting for Humira, still not feeling 100%)
- on Monday I took my first Humira treatment and have begun to taper off Prednisone
- next Monday have appt with a psychiatrist to discuss anxiety attacks that I have (often afraid to go in public because I worry about Crohn's symptoms coming back)
Last night I spent 1 hour in the restroom with painful, bloody diarrhea. (the wounds from my surgery still bleed when I go)
This morning my abdomen and perianal area are very tender.
The day before, I was fine: only 2 bloody bowel movements for the day.
Some days I feel like going back to work -- at least part time -- is something I would have no trouble with.
Other days, like last night and today, I feel like I'll never be better. I AM much better than I was months ago -- I can walk around, eat, sit upright, I've gained ~15lbs since Prednisone, etc. -- but with Crohn's you never know what a day may bring.
I want desperately to go back to work and regain my independence; I feel like a tremendous burden on my family and I feel terribly confined here.
At the same time I'm terrified that I'll become sick again and be right back where I started.
>> MY QUESTION: <<
Should I go ahead and try to get disability benefits or should I just forget it at this point and try to go back to work while the Humira takes effect?
Thank you sincerely for any advice and I apologize for the wall of text!
