Disability Abilities

There's a (Non-Crohn's) Fire Under My Bum

The Social Security Disability Agent that I spoke with today informed he that her cousin in Alabama also has Crohn's Disease.  He just went through a terrible surgery.

We're everywhere.

Her name is Marvalene.  She is Southern, gentle, and more understanding of my condition than another Agent could have been.  How on God's green Earth am I sent SO many positive signs?  I have been becoming negative in my fight.  And while I try to keep the smile that is usually on my face bright and wide, I sometimes start to lose my umph.

Then, I meet people like Marvalene.  And Casey's Lawyer pal who is willing to talk to me at any time about this intimidating ordeal.  And other Crohn's Patients- who will come to Support Group Meetings and find the tremendous courage that it takes to open up about their diseases, and share what they've gone through with me, a complete stranger.  Tremendous.

And friends and loved ones, who never seem to allow me to lose steam.

[Even when I'm ready to.]

I went online to set up my appointment to file for SS Disability.  After I see Dr. Flier at 8:00am on Friday, I am off to the SS Disability office in downtown Boston.  I was given a lit of things to take with me, and information to have ready when I see the powers that be.  Every piece of info that I mentioned in my last post, mainly.

I'm scared to be doing 'nothing'.  I am also caught in a place where I feel as though I do not deserve to 'take from others' who are in some ways, sicker than I am.  Not everyone is approved for Social Security Disability Benefits.  Some are denied and must go through the long and painful appeal process.  I am sure that if this happens, I will find the courage to fight for the help that I (now, desperately) am in need of.   

If you don't jump, you'll never know.  So, while I try to ignore fevers [see below]

I've got peas on my head, don't call me a pee head.

and lame muscles that don't work as they used to... I keep in mind that my stress levels will soon be lowered, and I will have the chance to live much happier in the Hobbit House.  

With Michele.

[April 17th!]

Cant waaaait!