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