Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Is everyone still able to work?

Well, the main problem, PD Budd, is that I don't have insurance -- thanks to AS -- and it would cost a lot of money to get the x-rays necessary to prove that I have anything. And even then, what if the x-rays don't show anything conclusive? If that's the case, how do I prove my disability? If it gets much worse though (and I've been getting progressively worse, especially within the last few months -- my ribs and chest is starting to get involved now), I'll have to find some way to get the ball rolling on disability. Thanks for your encouraging report though; I'm so glad that you are receiving assistance.

Same answe, Pete.
Call Social Security and talk to somebody there.
You will never know if you don't try.

hi cindy,

thank you much for your advice. i do try to push myself, actually a lot of the time, this past year, but then i get discouraged when i feel worse at the end result! i guess i have to find a balance between the two until these med's kick in. Take Care! Renee

hi lisa,

i'm sorry you had to let go of your job, but if it's too much, then it's better to let it go than make yourself worse. i love my job and i want to stay there a very long time! i will keep fighting my own body to stay there. Take care, Renee

Hi Renee: This past year I received a 25 year service pin! I have worked with the same company for the past 30 years or so! It is physical work! I do all the jobs required within the job description therefore nobody seems to be concerned whether I can do the work required or not. Over the years various managers questioned my abililty to do the work required and over the years I have demonstrated I can do the work. I, too, am surprised! Unloading a liquor load, average 10 skids per day/40 cases per skid, is demanding. Average weight per case is 35lbs. I do not have to do it by myself but sometimes I think I do it myself.
10 years ago I had both hips replaced. I still work the same job! Over the years I have had good managers and not so good managers!
When the manager who hired me asked if I could do the job, I said I would let him know if I could or could not do the job. Over the years I have demonstrated I could do the job. I am blessed! I have managed to do the job! If one were to look at my physical being, one would think I would not be capable of doing any kind of physical work. I hike, bike, swim and walk to maintain my physical and mental well-being! I wish all could be as fortunate...Tom

wow, tom.. that's fantastic! i hope to achieve normalcy like you one day too!! Take Care, Renee

Hi Rene,
I am new here at this site.

I quit my job in December.
I have already been denied once by the SS Administration.
And my appt with my lawyer is going to be on April 10th.
I hope it doesn't take too long to receive the back pay and the benefits.
Honestly, I am in so much pain right now, I can't even imagine getting to work. Ouch, tears.

Oh, and you really are blessed to have such a wonderful family to be working for.

I was treated so badly for the last two years.
They tried to find reasons to fire me and also tried to make me want to quit.
I had some big stuff on them though, and let them know that I knew about their wickedness...so they backed off of me...a little bit.

I quit on my own.
I just couldn't do it any longer.

And even now, I don't know how to handle this pain.
How long will I live this way?
Years and Years?
Sometimes I not only want to quit a job, but to just quit.
But I keep on keeping on for now.
I don't mean to sound like a downer to anyone.
I want to help others, not hurt them, but I just need to be open and honest here about how I am feeling in my body and in my heart.
I hope that is ok to do?

I am wishing the very best for you Rene.

Hugs, Sunshine

Hi Sunshine,

So sorry to hear how badly you were treated at your former workplace. I guess the best thing now is for you to focus on YOU getting better. Not only will that put the bad memories behind you, but you will also feel your spirits lift as you feel better. I know how hard it is for you.. I'm in constant pain as well and I have felt the tears down my face many times too. If it weren't for my husband and family/friends, I think I would want to give up. It seems so much easier to do so, but you have to fight that urge, as hard as it is!! And, you have to try and think positive, with any and all blessings that you do have currently. I wish you the best and I am thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way. Renee