Amputations

Posted on: Thu, Jul 23 2009 9:20 AM

Posted by: karen05982 Posts: 1

Iagree that your chances are best for SSDI with an attorney, but you have got to show you are unemployable in your condition. I'm 65% burn survivor and a LBK amputee. I called DARS and made an appointment. Their purpose is to help return you to work.  They paid for a prosthesis for me. They also have vocational help that will give you a skill so you can work. They didn't do that for me because I am a lawyer.  Don't give up. Also, when you get your prosthesis, you can get rehab from the county if you are still not working.  Good Luck!

Posted on: Sat, Jul 25 2009 10:49 AM

Posted by: oldbuddy Posts: 1

 My problems are not nearly as severe, but with narcolepsy I can't hold down a job and yet I still can be productive while I am awake. I have a computer and Internet connection, so I decided to see if I could make it pay and after many years of marginal success, I now earn over $6,000 a month with it. Problem solved.

Posted on: Sun, Jul 26 2009 2:13 AM

Posted by: inge66 Posts: 43

 I'm not an amputee, but I know alot about dealling with Soc. Sec. It does take a long time. If you have worked most of your life & paid money to S.S. while you were working, then you need to apply for SSDI. If you haven't put into the system, you need to apply for SSI. Any lawyer will tell you that you have to be turned down by the idiots that work at Soc. Sec. at least once before anyone will take your case. (And you will be turned down)!!! Hell! That's the only thing you can count on when dealling with SS! Anyway, it normally takes 6-8 months or longer to hear anything from these people. A word of advice; when you start getting stuff in the mail from SS, KEEP IT!! When they start sending you papework to fill out & send back to them, do it ASAP!! When they tell you to go to their doctor, go! If you're dealling with your local SS office, which most people do, try not to get upset if you call the office & leave a message for your case worker to call you back & you don't hear from any1 for a couple of weeks. If you wanna check on the statious of your application, or if you feel that the local SS office is dragging their ass, call 1-800-772-1213. This is the MAIN #. They're open 'till 7pm M-F. I almost forgot, & this is very important After you get the 1st turn-down, DO NOT  appeal it yourself!!! Just re-apply. If you get a second turn-down, then call a lawyer.

I understand that this doesn't help you money-wise or food-wise. The only advice I can give on that is; get out your local phone book. Look under "FOOD BANKS", "DISABLED or DISABILITY", "HANDICAPPED", FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE", "GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS", & look up your local Uninted Way. They may be able to help or at least give you #'s to call to get help.

I know how frustrating it can be being newly disabled & feeling like no1 cares about you but your dog, but don't give up! Hell! I've been wheelchair-bound since 1969 & sometimes I still feel that way!!! Therefore, if you wanna talk about anything, feel free to send me a personal mail, k? Just be sure to sign it so I know it's from you. And, I'm stuck in the damn house too!! My electric chair is so old IT'S ready to apply to SS itself! I've been waiting 1 1/2 years for medicaid to get their thumb out of their ass & fix this broken down POS so that I can go outside in my yard by myself! I can't get up my ramp without my chair dying! And, to top it off, my husband is in the hospital & I can't go see him! He may be dying! (Read my "HELP!!" thread).

Take care,  inge66

 P.S.- Get your regular doctor to write a letter to SS conferming your disability. SS requires proof & documentation of EVERYTHING!!!

Posted on: Wed, Jul 29 2009 1:15 PM

Posted by: crazylegsBley Posts: 44

DeanoA I am a double below knee amputee for almost 30 years now due to an accident on an aircraft carrier in 1981.I know this is the hardest time for a new amputee, word of advice stay busy so you are focused on something other than what you cant do. Everything I have ever achieved since being an amputee has ben because someone told me I could not do it. I guess I have a hard head but I persist on my quest on earth with a smile. I know I can do anything. You need to give it time to find out who you are now. Good Luck  Bill

Posted on: Mon, Dec 14 2009 8:34 PM

Posted by: Evangelist Dave Harper Posts: 130

 There are many people who care, just not the ones who control the pocket book. Have you applied for Medicaid in your State? It takes 2 years for Medicare to step in once your on SSDI, but many States take you within 30 days if you are unemployed and disabled. This would mean that they would pay for a prosthetic leg very quickly. You should apply now because when Obamacare starts you will not be able to get one because of the restrictions. Call you State Health and Human Services ( welfare) office and apply and you may be all right. I hope it works out for you...Dave

Posted on: Tue, Dec 15 2009 2:36 PM

Posted by: betsywetsy Posts: 29

i care too!  i'm newly amputated 18mo. and mine is ak right.  3mo is a short time.  i made the mistake about saying to everyone that everything was alright when it wasn't and i missed out in getting needed help.  so, keep asking, keep bugging people until you get what you need.  it seems like agencies and goverment hire alot of people who don't want to work (and alot of them get paid alot of money) so bug them till their sick of you!

its ok to have some sad days but if you have too many in a row be cautious of getting depression.  and i mean not your everyday blues but a deep profound depression.  do you have a therapist or someone close to talk too?    right now is the time to surround yourself with alot of support and good for you to come here to talk and vent.  Theres alot of good advice here.

one thing that has helped me is a program called "dial a ride"  it is a part of the bus service that the county supplies.  I pay 2.25 one way and they pick me up at the house and take me almost anywhere i want to go.  its a shared ride system and sometimes it sucks but i get out without having to bum a ride from anyone.  My bus have wheelchair lifts. thank god!

anyway, so nice to meet you,

betsy