I was diagnosed with PsA June of 2012. Am currently a teacher, but the fatigue in the evening, especially, is making it very difficult to do the usual 3-4 hours of planning/grading I have done the past 32 years of teaching. As a result, I am considering retiring this June. I will be 55. Hadn't planned to retire till mid 60's. This is a very difficult decision for me.
I am wondering if anyone on site has applied for social security disability with PsA. I contacted a disability specialist lawyer, and he is telling me that the process could take about a year. PsA isn't one of the disabilities that receives automatic approval. Any advice on this process and anything I can do to help myself in this process would be very helpful
do a search under "disability" and you'll see a lot of discussions and even a group for disability claims. You might get some useful hints there. Good luck!
Hi. I'm currently in the same status as u. My lawyer told me whatever I do. ...to not quit my job.
Whatever the doctor states - whether it be no work at all or if they would have many restrictions ..leave that up to the employer to decide whether they can accept it.. Confirm with your lawyer before doing anything. Wishing u luck
Hi Mari.....I was Dx'ed with PSA in the Spring of 2011 by my new Rheumy. My situation excelerated quickly and in December of the same year I had to stop working (nursing) due to multiple joint, back, enthesitis and fatigue issues. No results with trying many medications. **I did have about a 2 year history of joint problems prior to being Dx'ed. My Rheumy talked to me about SSD in December2012, so in January of 2013, I applied (age 57). I did not use a lawyer. I took my time and filled out all the paperwork in detail....example....trouble dressing, brushing my hair, sitting, standing, walking, doing laundry, memory, brain fog, fatigue etc. I wrote down all of the MD's I had seen in past years....GP, Rheumy, Ortho, eye doctor. In May of the same year 2013, I was notified that I had been accepted into SSD with a year of back pay. I think the biggest thing was that I had been seeing doctors and especially the Rheumatologist, so there was very good medical documentation concerning the progression/disability of the PSA. I had no other health issues except a seizure disorder which had been stable for years with medication. I continue to see the MD's....new medications.....no results as of yet. But I have great hope!!!
I hope in some way this will be helpful to you.....Take Care
I applied directly, filling out the paperwork myself. My rheumatologist recommended disability, I was on medical leave and was unable to return to work. The SSDI went through without a hitch. I did not have any difficulty getting approved for PsA.
I think it is important to make sure you take into account you medical insurance and possible retirement and figure out what makes the most overall sense for you. Then have a conversation with your doctor regarding disability.
Talk to your union advisor/rep. before you do anything. I hear you about the fatigue and not being able to so the “after hours”. My supervisor asked if I could take a Sunday to catch up. Bless her heart, she doesn’t understand.