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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Justherself54 on January 9, 2009, at 21:57:33
Just when I thought I was starting to handle being disabled by my mood disorder, a little bolt of lightning came in the mail which started my hamster running.
I have been receiving long term disability from my employer. The sentence in the letter that threw me is " review of your file has been completed and the XXXXX XXXXX has reclassified your disability as "Total and Permanent". Quotations and capital letters!
"Total and Permanent"...there it is, in black and white..I feel very conflicted, to say the least.
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2009, at 13:19:33
In reply to Total and Permanent, posted by Justherself54 on January 9, 2009, at 21:57:33
I know the feeling as I never get reviewed. I often wonder what was written. It's heartbreaking that's how I feel. I'm sure you had plans to work again. What faced with is finding peace which I haven't been able to do yet. How do you feel now? Confused? I feel it's a bit like Elizabeth Kubler Ross and the stages of dying. A part of our life gone. Like having babies. Phillipa
Posted by kath on January 11, 2009, at 20:13:05
In reply to Total and Permanent, posted by Justherself54 on January 9, 2009, at 21:57:33
Dear Just,
My friend had a similar situation recently.
I'll give you the same input I gave her.
Is there any way in which you can view this as the Universe (or whatever Benevolent Being you might believe in) taking REALLY good care of you to ensure that you receive the insurance you need & so that you can KNOW you're going to keep receiving it.....meanwhile you can work towards getting better?
It would be lovely if you could view it that way rather than a big EDICT written in stone. What do they know?? You don't need their judgement or permission to carry on with moving forward in getting better.
((((((((((((((you)))))))))))))))
My daughter would LOVE to be diagnosed as permanent, even though she is definitely working on getting better from her MCS. The big stress of wondering if she'll continue to get Disability until she's better is a huge stressor for her.
love, Kath
Posted by Justherself54 on January 11, 2009, at 21:39:42
In reply to Total + Permanent Support until you don't need it » Justherself54, posted by kath on January 11, 2009, at 20:13:05
Thanks Kath! I think I was just feeling sorry for myself. I know my situation could be much worse. I loved my career and was good at my job. I know I have to focus putting closure on this chapter of my life. I'm at the age where most of my friends are retiring and they can't believe I still harboured hopes of returning to work. It probably is the control factor. It would have been nice to retire on my own terms.
I'm still working hard with my pdoc to try to find the right mix of meds. Right now I'm having to settle for "partial response" to meds.
I know what your daughter is feeling, as I had to jump through all the hoops and the red tape they throw your way. It is hard to do when you're ill. I sincerely hope that she gets the peace of mind of knowing she has some sense of financial stability. Society has a long way to go in proving the proper financial support in which a disabled person can put their complete focus on treatment.
Thanks again for your support and hugs to you.
Posted by Phillipa on January 12, 2009, at 19:41:12
In reply to Re: Total + Permanent Support until you don't need it » kath, posted by Justherself54 on January 11, 2009, at 21:39:42
Oh how well I know the closure part and loving your job. It's really really hard. Love Phillipa
Posted by Kath on January 13, 2009, at 18:03:59
In reply to Re: Total + Permanent Support until you don't need it » kath, posted by Justherself54 on January 11, 2009, at 21:39:42
Hugs back Just - & thx for the kind words.
I know my friend was devastated to see such disturbing words on paper!
My good thoughts are with you & I think that there's nothing wrong with feeling sorry for ourselves sometimes!
((((you))))) luv, Kath
This is the end of the thread.
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