Migraine

Is there any information on this site about getting disability for migraines? I'm just looking for information at this point, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to work or go to school. I talked to my doctor the other day about what my expectations should be, and while he promised he will always do everything he can to get me as headache free as possible, he said the longer I stay like I am, the less likely it is that I will be able to return to my more normal life (1 migraine every 6-8 months). I have 26+ migraines a month on average with rare, total recovery between, so I'm not in good shape. He says that people do learn to live with milder headaches everyday, so it is do-able. He won't give up on me though and will always work to get me as healthy as possible. I know that's not the speech most people expect, but I really like and respect this guy for always giving it to me straight with no frills. Our relationship works well because he's honest and forthcoming with all his answers to my questions. I'm getting a double-whammy too with my migraines and my mental health, which is really being affected by my migraines. It's a real struggle to keep myself healthy, and my husband suggested this morning that maybe it was time for me to look into disability. I don't think I'm quite there yet, but it couldn't hurt to look for information. So, are there any articles available? Something dumbed down and easy to read?

Hi,

The site that helped me the most was the Social Security Website.
Magnum http://www.migraines.org/ Has a section on migraines and disability. They also have links to the disability website. That should help you start. If you have any questions just ask. I got on disability in May of this year.

Beaker,
Thanks for the info.I'm sure it'll help alot of people.

Thank you so much! Sorry it took so long to reply. I'm back on the upswing of migraine activity, I guess . I had another question, if you apply and get accepted, has anyone had any difficulties with their current doctors continuing to see them with Medicaid insurance? I wouldn't want to have to see a new specialist.

Sorry to hear about the beastie upswing.

Perhaps a few extra of these will put them in their place...

I don't have any experience with Medicaid insurance. I am on my husband's insurance plan. Hopefully someone else can help you.

Sorry this is a bit late, Migraineur,

SSDI or SSI? What are the differences and basics?

I looked and looked for that link, Nancy! Apparently I looked right past it. Good to know it does exist outside of my imagination.

How do you know which one to apply for?

quote:

Originally posted by Nancy Bonk:
Sorry this is a bit late, Migraineur,

SSDI or SSI? What are the differences and basics?

Hmm, it says you can't be working in the current year or be making more than $810/month. That disqualifies me at the moment (barely), but I expected that. It's what happens if I can't continue going to school anymore that scares me, and I'm getting dangerously close to that. I'd lose my health insurance and my small income. How do they decide what is "severe enough" for migraines? That seems so highly subjective. I'm not nearly as bad off as a lot of people here. I just don't see how my migraines would qualify as being "severe enough".

I think the folks at the Social Security office help you determine whether you qualify for SSD or SSI, and then help figure out which program will provide you the better income. For most people with much work history, that will be SSD, but the Social Security people will check for you.

Sherry,

I can never keep that straight in my mind, but it's all explained in the article Nancy posted the link for.

quote:

Originally posted by sherry:
How do you know which one to apply for?

quote:

Originally posted by Nancy Bonk:
Sorry this is a bit late, Migraineur,

SSDI or SSI? What are the differences and basics?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by sherry:
How do you know which one to apply for?

SSDI is for disability, typically you must be totally unable to work and go through the medical exams required by the program.

SSI is for low-income, no necessarily health related. You can typically draw SSI while waiting for SSDI approval.

You can apply for both, but SSDI will take longer for approval.

Geez, I wish I had known about the SSI while I am waiting on my SSDI approval!!

I really hate to hear that you are not ready yet. I too have severe migraines. last year I had one every day for 11 months. I was suicidal by the time I finally got some relief. My relief came in the form of a blood pressure med as a preventative. Inderal. It cut mine in half. However the dr tells me that 15 is intolerable I have never gotten better results than 15 per month.
Recently I discovered I may have fibromyalgia. That pushed me over the edge to the disability idea. I spoke to an attorny and she said that for my migrains alone I stand a really good chance of getting a disability. So If I stand a good chance you, my dear are a prime candidate. I have had migraines for 25 years now.
I cannot make a decent amount of money per year anymore. My medical bills for the past 3 years have been closeto $50,0000 out of pocket. That is beyond what my Ins. paid. My poor husband is taking a big financial hit with the bills and me not being able to earn
Here is something for you to thinkl about. The disability is an insurance policy that you have paid into since you began working. If your home burned down would you file a claim to re-coup your money? Of course you would. So why should you suffer trying to work and you know you cannot. Honey, I do not know how old you are- I am 43- But we only get ONE life. Go ahead and get your dissability. You may feel better just not stressing about trying to work when you cannot. My theory is if I can cut just 4 or 5 migrains a month it is worth it. Also I am filing for disability to help my husband. If we could have a better income for me it would help him alot.Now I can only work 2 days a week and I had to get a family medical leave intermittant so they cannot fire me if I miss my scheduled work days. I have to ask myself is all that really worth it? Since it is money I have paid into since I was 16 years old. I believe I am going to go ahead and file.
Can I ask you what you mean by your mental health? Because I am having ALOT of memory problems.

quote:

Originally posted by Migraineur:
Is there any information on this site about getting disability for migraines? I'm just looking for information at this point, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to work or go to school. I talked to my doctor the other day about what my expectations should be, and while he promised he will always do everything he can to get me as headache free as possible, he said the longer I stay like I am, the less likely it is that I will be able to return to my more normal life (1 migraine every 6-8 months). I have 26+ migraines a month on average with rare, total recovery between, so I'm not in good shape. He says that people do learn to live with milder headaches everyday, so it is do-able. He won't give up on me though and will always work to get me as healthy as possible. I know that's not the speech most people expect, but I really like and respect this guy for always giving it to me straight with no frills. Our relationship works well because he's honest and forthcoming with all his answers to my questions. I'm getting a double-whammy too with my migraines and my mental health, which is really being affected by my migraines. It's a real struggle to keep myself healthy, and my husband suggested this morning that maybe it was time for me to look into disability. I don't think I'm quite there yet, but it couldn't hurt to look for information. So, are there any articles available? Something dumbed down and easy to read?