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Covid and ARDS and not getting approved for SSDI
Hi everyone, my name is Josh. I became sick with Covid pneumonia and ARDS back in 2021. I spent nearly 5 months in 3 different hospitals, I was in comma for nearly 7 weeks and was told I died 3 different times. I had to learn to talk, walk, and eat all over again. Everyday has been a struggle since then. I was on oxygen almost daily, I have came along way since I became sick, but the shortness of breath during regular activity and the fatigue felt for days after doing some sort of activity has been difficult to deal with. Some of the medication I was on for my anxiety had some terrible side effects that gave me awful thoughts that I’d never felt before. My SSD has been denied over and over. I will never be able to do the work I’ve done all my life and I feel so useless. It’s been so overwhelming that it’s caused problems in my marriage and family to the point my wife of nearly 25 years filed for divorce. It’s to the point I really don’t know what to do, I’ve tried finding a part time job to help get back into the workforce but can’t even find that, because of my health condition I know no company will hire me full time. Blue collar work is really all I’ve ever known. My heart rate skyrockets during activity and panic attacks are something I’ve also had to learn to deal with. I was considered a essential worker during the pandemic and so was my wife and oldest son, we didn’t get to hide inside our homes like a lot of people did and it’s taking it’s toll on all of us. I feel like I have just been kicked to the side and forgotten about by the people leading our country. I’m almost 46 and worked my entire life. Americans work and pay in to Social Security and then are denied it when we need it and it’s very frustrating. My life will never be the same and it’s cost me my marriage because of how I’ve been reacting to the situation. I’ve lost medical insurance and can’t really afford any insurance so that has led to my Drs just forgetting about me, I know I’m not alone and others are probably dealing with some of the same issues. I wanted to put some of my story out for others to see and maybe get some support in return. I’d been thinking of joining a Covid support group for a while but just couldn’t bring myself to take the first step. I hope this helps someone else and they realize they are not alone in dealing with what happened to people that have been affected by Covid, I know I’ve felt like no one would understand for a while now but I know I’m not alone in this situation.
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@josh80 I am so sorry dealing with that as well. My son had texting driver rear end him going 75 mph while fully stopped in construction zone over 10 yrs ago and my daughter has had challenging health journey many years as well. Have literally fought all systems since while trying to focus on the actual peoples kind intentions as they explain how broken they are😞 Please dont give up and know many here in your area Im sure happy to provide there helpful providers etc!🌈
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2 ReactionsSSDI is hard to get for any condition. I work with families who have children with birth defects. The most successful appealants use an attorney. Yes, you will have to pay part of what you receive. But, if you are approved, you will receive compensation back to the first time you applied. The most crucial thing in the application process is a really strong letter from your doctor detailing how your situation will not allow you to work.
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2 ReactionsYou are definitely NOT alone in this. I got Long COVID in 2022. I was working and had to stop due to not being able to physically function. I also applied for SSD and was turned down, I believe due to my ability to work from home or get some kind of remote position. This virus has turned my life upside down as well. I also lost my partner of 28 years in 2023. I this virus and other trauma caused me to start isolating. I still do to some degree. There are people studying this, but the current Administration has axed many programs trying to find answers to this virus. There are STILL people that I come across that have never even heard of Long COVID and the doctors are stumped as well. The only relief I have found is treating some of the symptoms. Also, this group has been a wonderful outlet because of the understanding and empathy of those of you with Long COVID. Hang in there. Come back here and vent. There are people who care, me being one.
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6 Reactions@diverdown1
I'm sorry to hear that not only have you been struggling physically, but also lost your partner as collateral loss. Depression has accompanied long covid for me, as well, and while my husband has been supportive, it has definitely negatively impacted our relationship, since he simply can't understand how I'm still sick after 5 years, especially as I have had to continue to work for financial reasons, yet work takes everything out of me and I have little if anything left for our relationship. Wishing you all good things
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2 ReactionsYeah I’m not against research at all so don’t misunderstand me. I know in order to figure out out something works or to overcome certain things research is definitely critical. Too much of Americans money goes to foreign countries for unnecessary research on stupid things and it’s used to launder money from illegal means. Americans need to come before dumb agendas. Not trying to offend anyone on any of this. It’s been almost 5 years since I became disabled and still struggle breathing and my chest hurts every day, I’ve always told people not to take the health for granted but I also realize that someone always has a worse situation than ours if we just take the time to understand it. I’m going to try my best to continue my education if financially possible so I can maybe get back into the workforce. I can’t type nor do I really desire to learn but guess that’s one of the obstacles I may have to overcome, wish me luck at almost 46 one that one. My coffee is getting cold so I’m going to quit venting for now and hope everyone has a great day.
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2 ReactionsI'm on my second try at SSDI.I just saw their appointed doctors last week and the internist was shocked that I was denied the first time around. It's my LTD company that has pushed me to apply, of course they don't want to keep paying me, its been 2.5 years since I've been able to work, since I got my second covid (3/2023) .
The doctor told me if I get denied this time that I need to get a lawyer, but to not give up.
None of us wants to be in this position, to be on disability at 53 years old but this is where we are and we need to stand up for ourselves, this is not our fault.
Good Luck xx
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