Who says you can't fight City Hall and WIN! I did! I won my appeal with Social Security Disability on October 22, 2013. Yep, I put on those pink boxing gloves and showed them I'd win the fight, and that I'm a SURVIVOR and not a victim.
I heard stories how extremely difficult the process would be. Actually, the process is HORRIFIC with countless paperwork, telephone interviews and medical exams (both physical and psychological). I initially applied for long-term disability in April 2013; the effects of the third major breast cancer surgery had taken its toll on my body. I was becoming increasingly weak: unable to keep food down, feeling exhausted and faint, severe muscle spasms. People were appalled when they heard my initial application was denied. Why wasn't I awarded disability status? Two reasons: (1) My HMO primary care physician indicated my life was not in danger because all three operations (and a reincision) were diagnosed as stage 1 cancer. (2) The disability examiner noted that it was my age, not the operations, that was causing most of my physical issues.
I decided, just like a professional boxer, to "go back into the ring" a year later. Those twelve months would allow me the sufficient time to build a strong, viable case.
First, I attempted to work full-time from home. Although I wasn't faced with the stress of commuting to an office, my body could not handle the stresses faced with the pressures of the job: deadlines, demanding executives, trouble-shooting technical problems, creating complex documents. My body's systemic problems became worse, and my immune system was being compromised. Within two months of returning to the corporate world, I had no option but to quit.
I then returned to the workforce in the retail industry as a sales demo specialist. Although I worked only two days per week, my body could not endure the strain of working six hour shifts. It took me several days to recuperate after a day of standing (in spite of wearing appropriate industrial shoes). Within two months my body's systemic issues worsened. By March 2013 I could barely work six hours a week; the vomiting had become more severe and the spasms more frequent and intense.
During the months following my Social Security Disability denial, I continued to see alternative doctors. I maintained detailed journals of my health, my nutrition plan, my difficulty driving a vehicle, my struggle doing minimal chores. On April 4, 2013 I felt I had sufficient evidence to prove I can no longer work. Individuals, including one of my doctors, advised me to seek an attorney. They said there was a minimal chance that I could "fight City Hall and win." I knew that with my Faith I would win.
The initial telephone interview was a "snap." The second, very detailed telephone interview went smoothly. Then in September 2013 I met with a Social Security medical team. The physical exam with the internist was flawless. For days I "rehearsed" answers to questions I felt would be asked. On the day of the exam I provided all medications, traditional and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) I was prescribed. When the examiner asked what type of life I was leading and what was my typical day, I literally sobbed and broke down.
"What kind of a life? I have no concrete life! I can drive only for very short distances; some days I cannot drive. I cannot plan events with friends because I cannot predict how I will feel from one day to the next. There are days when I must cancel medical appointments because of the vomiting and intense stomach and intestinal spasms. I once hiked for several hours; now I am lucky if I can walk my dog around the block. Before my December 2011 mastectomy, I had plans on competing in ballroom dancing. Now I cannot dance because I might faint because of certain movements. My friends don't ask me out anymore because 90% of the time I cancel due to illness. I no longer date. Instead of walking hand-in-hand with a guy along the wharf, I now stroll with a walker. That, Doctor, is my life. I am an avid writer, yet there are days when I cannot type because I cannot sit up due to the "awkward" feeling."
When asked about working, I replied, "Doctor, I was offered a full-time job working from home. Does it make sense for me to quit a good-paying job for disability? I would work if I could."
The examination was scheduled to last 15 minutes; the internist devoted 1 hour and 10 minutes to my case. At one point he tested the severity of the nerve and muscle damage done to the left side of my body. He concluded with, "Ms. Henderson, you have severe nerve, muscle and tendon damage that is irreversible. How can you be asked to work when you obviously need help in your house." He then talked to me about reinventing myself using the 12 Chihuahua Method. It was such a relief to talk to a medical professional who truly listened and cared.
That was two months ago. This Tuesday I received a call from the local Social Security office. The analyst called to tell me I won the appeal.
I hope my story helps. Remember that you are a SURVIVOR and not a victim. Put on those pink boxing gloves and become the champion of your life!
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