SSDI requiring appt w/internist and psych

[laurarankel]

Hi Everyone,

So i applied for SSDI about a month and a half ago (before i was even dx'd with IC!) due to endo, chronic ibs, fibro, chronic pelvic pain, etc. I was dx'd with IC right after getting fired from my job (i've been out on Short Term Disability through work since March). anyway, I just got 2 letters-1 is an appointment with what i suspect is a psychiatrist and the other is with an internist. Anyone know what i should do?? do i need to see their internist or can't they just use the info from mine?? all of my docs seem to be on board as i have had 25 surgeries for endo alone and still suffer with debilitating pain. the IC diagnosis was scary but makes sense. unfortunately, they waited so long to test me it is pretty out of control. i started taking elmiron, started pelvic floor pt last week and basically all i ever do is go to the doctors office. i ordered the disability packet for SSDI and one for Liberty Mutual (they denied me while i was out due to a form not being signed by my GYN and they wanted me to see a rheumatologist for the fibro which i did the day they called to deny me). i am appealing their decision, which i am certain will be overturned and then i just got these letters from SSDI.

I read through many posts and realize that the psych eval is pretty standard, but i wasn't sure about this internist. one thing to mention, when i applied, my phone interview took almost 2 hours and they had to send me 27 medical release forms. i have been dealing with this for more than 10 years and supplied them witht the name of EVERY doctor i have ever seen for pelvic pain and all the other issues.

this sucks. it was discovered during my most recent lap that my gallbladder was enlarged, and i had a bunch of tests including an endoscopy. after they then diagnosed me with severe gastritis and duodenitis, the gallbladder was put on the backburner. well i have continues to lose weight and really don't have much to spare. my surgeon recommended a urologist, they dx'd me with ic and i went to a new GI doc too. well now my bloodwork from the GI is abnormal again and they say i have celiac, but they never biopsied my stupid small bowel in may, so i have to have another endoscopy tomorrow! i am really feeling down right now, as every time i walk into a docs office they diagnose me with more crap. still, i am feeling nervous about these letters.

if anyone can give me an idea if this is good or bad, or even just some words of encouragement, i would really appreciate it. am i depressed? um, YEAH, i'm in horrible pain every day and can barely function! these people would be depressed too if they had to deal with what we do even for just 1 day!

anyway, thanks guys, you're the best. i have learned so much from this support forum and i really appreciate it!

hugs to you all,
laura r:angel:

[ShePurzz]

HUGS Laura -- you have been through so much and I am sorry it is going to be longer before you are able to get the SSI -- I can only say that it was a full day on the internet for me -- filling out all of my doctor's names, addresses, phone numbers, etc (you can do that on line) and then when I went to my appointment, they were able to pull that part up on the computer -- however, that appointment was somewhere between four and six hours long -- I cried several times because I was so tired and my brain was fried! It is frustrating to know that there are so many people abusing this system that it comes to this intense and extremely time (and money) consuming process.

Fortunately, the day of my appointment my husband was able to go with me. I had to use the restroom (need a security guard to let you in and out of the room so that was embarassing). At one point, I was feeling so sick to my stomach, I was asking for a cup of water (the lady was VERY kind, however, the paperwork still had to be done) and then my husband walked next door to a gas station and bought me a package of peanut butter crackers just to help settle my stomach.

I do know that it is a long process -- just try to focus on one step at a time, and don't let yourself get in a hurry -- it may take some additional paperwork even after you send in your originals -- I know I had to supply extra things after all of this. Also, ask them when you have an appointment about how long they expect it to last, so you can plan to bring water and something to snack on to help keep you fresh. I wish I had known and I would have packed a sandwich.

Again, I am very happy with the way the office handled my case and how I was treated, but I was so discouraged at the amount of paperwork even AFTER I had done so much online. She told me that if I hadn't done all the pre-stuff on the computer I would have had about 8 more hours of stuff to do -- that is about what it took me on the computer -- but I did have a lot of names and addresses to look up...

Keep putting one foot in front of the other... and ask the questions you are concerned about -- like why you have to see another doctor -- if there is a reason for it, they shouldn't have any problem explaining it to you if you ask respectfully to know what the reason for the appointment is... after all -- YOU are going to be giving information to the doctor -- you should know what that information is going to be used for and whether or not you can provide them with more information from one of your own doctors that perhaps they are in need of... maybe it is just a glitch!

BEST to you!
Mary

[laurarankel]

thanks Mary,

I agree. the amount of people who abuse the system have ruined it for those of us truly in need. I NEVER thought i would be filing for SSDI. not in a million years. but i just can't do it anymore. i feel like crap every day, i can't sleep, i spend all of my time in the bathroom or at the stinking doctors office. it's so annoying.

i will try not to worry about it. i will call them tomorrow and ask about the internist. the psych eval i understand. it seems that is the norm. but i REALLY don't want to see another new doctor. although he would probably take one look at me and feel sorry for me, so that could work to my advantage (LOL). i swear I am losing it over here :loco: .

can you beleive i am actually looking forward to this thing tomorrow now!!! just for the simple fact that i iwll be able to actually sleep!!! even if only for a short while.

thanks again. i'm sending you a big hug. i'll keep you posted.

:angel: laura r