The insensitivity of others.. :<

[KimchiiFiend]

The temporary non profit funded insurance that paid for my recent surgery and follow up care, is going to run out in March. My mom encourage me to go down to the local state social services offices and apply for what I can, cash assistance, disability assis., food , etc etc.

After waiting around for a few hours a a clerk called my name and asked me a few questions about why I was applying for temporary disability. I told her because of my crohns and before I could get another word out, she tells me in this snooty tone, "Well I know people who have crohns and work!" I was shocked at her attitude and tears started welling up in my eyes, although I forced them down as to not give the old loon any satisfaction. I wanted to tell her I kept a job working thru the pain of this disease for many years before it got me down to 90 lbs with constant vomiting, diarrhea, fainting spells, and intense gut pain ! Instead I was quiet fighting back my tears. LOL I'm very sensitive I guess.

On the plus side she wasn't the one responsible for whether I was approved or not. I've just never encounter that reaction from someone before, and it really saddened and appalled me.:voodoo:

 

[Oakleygold]

I am with you!
I'm new to the forum & am having a hard time talking about all I've been through but I can tell you that getting ANY kind of assistance is very hard to do!!
Apply, re-apply, and repeat!!
Writing or calling local & state representatives can also help push things along.
I applied for SSI in 1991 and in LATE 1992, with help from a local Senator (Rosco Bartlet) I was approved. Of course 6 months later Johns Hopkins miracle workers got me to the point I could return to work-great timing Soc Sec.
I am in the process of seeking assistance once again due to complications and the government just DOES NOT GET IT!!
Alcoholics and Drug ABUSERS can get it but if you have Crohn's your Sh*t outta luck-pun intended...
Best of luck & God Bless!

 

[Jessika]

I feel your pain too! Because I go to college classes 2 days a week I'm apparantly able to do things. My county is the worst for fraud in that respect! They'd rather you not work and be completely dependent on the government and help with addiction to pills and drugs and be eager to help, than people like us who can barely afford medication and food! It's sickening! I didn't even get to tell my worker I have crohn's, she just asked if I lived at home with mom and dad and then asked if I go to school and didn't ask any further questions - flat footed turned me down based on that! Super aggravating! I hope we can both get help we need...

 

[So-over-CD]

Glad that stupid woman is not the one deciding!
I know what you mean I spent 3 days of work and when one of my colleagues saw me back asked where I was been. Told her I had been off ill and when I told her it was crohns her reply was "oh at least it wasn't anything serious and shew you put on weight hey"
I was speechless and insulted and felt like asking her how her body would react to prednisone!

Some people are so clueless .....

 

[Jonhenry]

I had a horrible time with gov't services, but ended up with medicaid for a while, and that helped ALOT! Especially since they backdated it and it took care of some big hospital bills.
You have to apply, re-apply, then apply again. I got denied twice for disability. I work now so it doesn't bother me. As I understand it though if I go back and fight to get it the will backdate my pay to the first time I applied, which isn't bad.
If the lady that did my interview had an alcoholic in front of her she'd probably say "I'm an alcoholic and i have a job."
I don't know if these people all need some sensitivity training or they are just really burned out, but it sure doesn't help the people who come in there with real problems when they treat you like that.
I hope something comes through for you!

 

[Angrybird]

Stupid ignorant cow! It does sadden me when one of us crohnies encounter such situations :hug: Have you been told yet whether your application is approved or not?

 

[xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx]

Thats awful! How can anyone be so narrow minded, and at the end of the day, just plain rude. She doesn't know you or anything about your struggles. She made a judgement, which was wrong factually, morally and professionaly.
If I were you I would write a letter of complaint, maybe you don't want to go down that route which is fair enough.
But in that line of work they should see all sorts of people and they should not be judgemental like that, let alone say something like that to you.
Good luck with your application.