** Due to the increasing severity of MY ILLNESS, it has become impossible for me to continue to post on a regular basis. Unfortunately, as much as I desperately long to, I am also unable to visit each of your blogs often or reciprocate all the loving, supportive comments many of you continue to leave - even though at times it may appear as though you've arrived at some long ago, forsaken blog! With that said, I really want you to know that I miss every single one of you and that I really am still here! I'm just too sick and too weak most days to be able to sit up long enough to create a brand new post...or even read one. However, I absolutely do receive AND read every new encouraging word you leave (and, often, the old ones, again and again!) and I cherish them now more than ever! I truly appreciate your love, support, and, most importantly, your precious time spent on your knees in prayer for my family and me. It ALL means the world to me and I am truly blessed to have friends like you!
~Hugs and Sister Love, Teresa

FYI: All comments come to my email, which I can easily read on my phone. I also enjoy Facebook on my phone because I can catch up on A LOT in a very short time there. Soooo, if you're on Facebook, come 'friend' me there! {{HUGS}} **

Friday, March 19, 2010

DYSAUTONOMIA:
MY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PART 3

Please note: If you have not read PART 1 and 2 in this series, please click on the following links to do so before reading this post. It will make a lot more sense that way! :0)

PART 1 Questions 1-4

PART 2 Questions 5-8


9) WHY ARE YOU NOT ABLE TO GET OUT MUCH EXCEPT FOR YOUR DOCTORS' APPOINTMENTS, HOSPITALIZATIONS, ETC?

This illness has left me basically bedridden. I must have help doing almost everything, from getting bathed and dressed to having someone prepare my food and help me back and forth to the bathroom. Every time I am up on my feet, there is a very likely risk that I will pass out, fall and injure myself. I have a wheelchair but just sitting upright in it for more than a few minutes makes my blood pressure drop and my heart race. This makes me extremely nauseated and often I start vomiting. The same is true for riding in an automobile. All of this not only makes me feel miserable but it is very embarrassing, too. Therefore, I stay home where I can be in a safe, controlled environment and feel a little better, too.

10) WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS? HOW DO YOU OCCUPY YOUR TIME?

I truly enjoy my quiet moments with the Lord, in His Word. When I am able, I love spending time with my family, reading, blogging, listening to music on my iPod, watching TV and occasionally attending my 2 youngest daughters’ high school band activities (Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to do this in quite some time.) Some of my other interests include Interior Design/Decorating, Buying/Selling on Craig’s List, Public Safety-EMS, Child Safety, Dysautonomia Awareness, Being Frugal/Thrifty, Living Debt Free (I Dave Ramsey!), Teaching Others How to Become Debt Free and Participating in Message Boards about any of the above! I have just started dabbling a little in learning about photography. I collect teapots, nutcrackers, beautiful stationary and books.

11) IS THERE A CURE FOR DYSAUTONOMIA/POTS?

There is no known cure for my illness at this time. Right now, all they can do is treat the symptoms. However, I serve a MIGHTY GOD and I know that through Him, ALL things are possible!

12) HAVE YOU APPLIED/BEEN APPROVED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI)? IF SO, HOW LONG DID IT TAKE?

Yes, I was approved for SSDI on the very first attempt! I did my initial application over the phone in December 2008 and I was very pleased with the representative who took my information. She was very kind to me and seemed very empathetic. She even stated at the end of the interview that she would request that my case be expedited. She explained that she wasn’t in a position to actually approve it to be expedited but she could recommend it. A couple weeks later, my husband and I had to fill out a few other forms and I had to have my eyes examined at the Health Department.

Very long story short, I was approved for SSDI in February 2009. I firmly believe I was successful because I was completely prepared, as were my doctors. I am very thankful for their help, but I am especially thankful for the help and advice of one very special lady. Her name is Carolyn Magura. I was very blessed to find her on the SSDI message boards at ButYouDontLookSick.com. She gives EXCELLENT advice there and on her own website DisabilityKey and her blog Disability Key Blog. I very highly recommend you check out those sites if you are preparing to file for SSDI or if you have already been turned down. I truly believe they played a HUGE role in my being prepared which led to me being approved so very quickly!

God is SOOO good! Have a wonderfully blessed weekend everyone. Be sure to check back for the 4th part, hopefully on Monday.

{{HUGS}}

Teresa

8 comments:

septembermom said...

I'm learning so much from this series. Hugs to you my friend :)

Amy DM said...

Thank you for sharing more about your challenges.

May God bless you today!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the helpful series and bringing awareness to your condition, I'm sure you don't even know how many ppl you're helping! Found you via SITs and your newest follower!

http://thepursuitofmommyness.com/

The Sierra Home Companion said...

Hi,
Thank you for coming by my blog today. I've been reading yours and I must say you are a strong women. I'm sure you have your days, but what a great blessing you are to so many people. Thanks for sharing.

Rebecca

Unknown said...

Hi Teresa,
Thank you so much for visiting my blog from SITS and following me! Don't worry about rambling on, I love hearing from people :) I have never heard of your illness and learned so much from what you have written. Prayer DOES go a long way, and I will be praying for you!

Crown of Beauty said...

Hi Teresa
Thank you for taking time to post these three very helpful blog entries. I never would have understood what you are going through without having read these!

God is a mighty God, Jehovah Rophe, and I am believing with you for the complete healing you are waiting for.

Love
Lidj

Trudie said...

Prayers and hugs for you! May God bless you and I pray that He will bring healing to you!

Anonymous said...

My great grandfather who played football in 1987 for the University of Kentucky dropped out of medical school because he fainted at the sight of blood. It's something we all kind of laughed about - and then my uncle who fainted (at the sight of blood supposedly). He took the table tilt test. He has a lot of the symptoms, but not to the extent you do. His blood pressure just bottoms out (like in hospitals and such) and boom, he's down. One of my sons has "fainted" 3 times, once when he was in 5th grade, once in 8th grade and once last year. We are definitely keeping an eye on it. My uncles grandkids have it, too, but again, not as debilitating.

I cannot imagine going through your great challenge. I can imagine your faith and it is so inspiring when I think things are tough!

I will be praying for Healing, too!

Your sister in Christ,

Maryleigh

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