United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Todays been a good day.I got my papers back on my app. for ssi and disabilty the other day.They were denied.Add that to my medicaid being turned down,now thats good.
Was told the only way to get these benifits was to get a lawer.So I went to see one today.They said that it usually took about one and a half to three years to get it done.
As soon as I walk in the door this evening the phone rings.It's my current nuerologists' nurse.She was telling me they were calling another clinic to see if they could help me.(keep in mind these are the same people who helped me get turned down at Mayo).I was explainig to her that I really like my Dr.,but I needed someone who speciallized in tbpi.At this point she agreed considering that Dr.B... didn't do surgery I needed to try something different.(??!!!!!)
I'm over it.I am asking way to much of people.It's impossible to expect these people to help me.
I have been busting my ass trying to get someone to help me.Calling and calling and.....And today 6 months after my injury the one person that has all the chips in his bag decides to tell me that he doesnt do operations at all.(What a joke)
Marshall

Hi Marshall
I was hoping someone from the US would post with some answers. I don't understand this, I know lots of people have to go without health care in the US, but if you can't get help to actually live, what on earth are you supposed to do? Can you get an unemployment benefit or something? How do you eat?
I feel for you-a tbpi on its own is hard enough to deal with, all this other stuff on top would make it terrible.
I hope you get some answers and help soon, you're one tough cookie to be doing as well as you are. Keep on keeping on Marshall and hold on to that sense of humour, you'll need it :0)
Jen NZ

Hi Jen NZ,
I don't know why but I really don't get as many replies over here.I'm hanging in though.I had to move back in with my parents after my company went bankrupt.
Imagine that,35 yrs old and back home.I was 16 when I left the first time,so it's a pretty big culture shock for me.Anyway that's how I eat and stay in cigs.If it wasn't for them I honestly don't know where I would be right know.

I'm going to wright another post about my Dr. visit today.Thanks for taking a peek.=).
Marshall

I don't understand this either...what are you supposed to, just disappear into the woodwork?

I am appalled at the fact no-one from the U.S has answered your post either, not even a word of sympathy let alone any practical advice.

I guess your situation has really thrown up some glaring pitfalls in the U.S system, and no-one wants to admit that all is not perfect over there unless you have a few $$ to back you up.

Thinking of you mate, and hoping for better times for you...wish I could do more...

Lizzyf

I'll admit it. I spent the night in the ER about 3 weeks ago and after I was admitted the doc himsflf said to me " what kind of insurance do you have, so i can know how to treat and prescribe follow-up" WTF is that?

I believe that there should be help for anyone who needs it. I hope you get it. I truly wish that there was a Shriner's for adults.

MArlyn mom to Jody ROBPI (almost 2yo)

My husband recently lost his job and we had to go on medicaid. I have prescriptions like no one's business. No doctors in my area will even take medicaid so if my kids get sick I have to go the ER with them....because the health department does not have walk in hours !!!! GRRRRRR !!! I appreicate the fact that I have some kind of insurance grant it....but when I have to spend 4-5 hours in the ER and then I get sick because of it there is something wrong....hope someone else can offer advise.....what I am trying to say is that MEDICAID is not always the way to go !!! Gayle mom of Brandon robpi

Marshall

Here is a link to new guidelines for SSD please contact SSA and discuss it with a representative.

It has been hard for bpi injured to get disability.

You have to make sure that your doctor documented all of the problems with your arm when he/she submitted their letter to prove disability.
It is important that they understand all the loss of function and the pain issues your have.

They use the Blue Book to decide eligibility but this has just been revised so that bpi is now mentioned.

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/POMS.NSF/lnx/0424580030

Kath (adult/robpi)
UBPN Board of Directors

I will try to post it again as a link to make it easier for you.
Kath adult/robpi

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/POMS.NSF/lnx/0424580030

Kath...you need to put the whole URL adress in, complete with all the W's to make a live link... try this www.https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/POMS ... 0424580030

b*gger...that didn't work either..it usually does...oh well, at least we tried, ay?

Liz :0)