Does anyone know?

[alicia]

Harrybaby,
Heart disease knows no age limits. I was 39 when I was diagnosed with mitral valve leakage and it got to the point that I was having trouble walking any distance without gettinsg so winded that I couldnt talk and was breathing heavily. I then had a mitral valve repair which didnt work. I ended up 6 months later with CHF and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and my EF was at 15% and the same vlave was leaking again moderate to severe. A year and 2 cardiolosits later I found a cardiologist that would really listen to me and did something about it. After a year and giving my heart time to rev up again he referred me to a dr at Duke and I ended up having the second open heart surgery on Jan 6th to replace my mitral valve. I am doing so much better with my new valve and the only problem Im having is getting my Coumadin level under control. I just had surgery to remove my ovary and a cyst and Im still kicking and doing well. Please take this seriously and seek answers for your sake. If you need a second or third opinion then get it! Listen to your body, it will tell you when its time for surgery to correct the problem. Best of luck to you..

Alicia

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi There Alicia

Hi There Alicia

Hi Alicia,

By the sound of things, you can really relate to my situation and as I feel, you probably got to the point where you were "sick of being sick" I am at that point now, and I just hope that I can get through to the Doc that I am starting to have a very tough time. I live about a mile from my hospital and where I am waiting for Social Security, I don't have a car. I can tell you, I can walk about 1/2 mile before I start feeling chest discomfort and winded, and on hot days, I sweat like a stuck pig and really can't seem to do anything. I guess what I am trying to say is how will the doc's know when it's time to take action when they don't take you seriously, or they are very ambiguous about what is really happening? Moreover, will my body tell me when it's time? Thanks for Caring...Harrybaby666

 

[Ross]

Your body is already giving all the signals that it's time. Age has nothing to do with these problems. I was 33 when my aneurysm ruptured. My Cardio saw it on one of my many ICU vacations (November 94) and said that corrective action would be taken if and when necessary. Well it nailed me in March of 95. No advanced warning, it just started dissecting and then blew.

Am I to assume that your awaiting the decision on your S.S.D.I. case? If so, do you have a lawyer working on it with you?

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi Ross

Hi Ross

Yes, I do have a lawyer working on it (supposidly) I have contacted him twice and he has not returned my calls at all. What happened was that I had to submit an appeal because an agency that I see on a weekly basis didn't process the paperwork properly, then on top of that, my case worker refused to do as I asked and she sent in paperwork when I asked her to send it to the lawyer. Because of this, my case was delayed even longer, and I finally had my hearing in February and March. I should have had a decision at least 2 months ago, but alas, still nothing. They say it's because the administrative law judge(s) are backlogged, but still, this has taken way to long. As for my body, I guess I had better get back into see my cardiologist asap...Maybe if I complain enough someone will do something. Thanks for caring, and stay well Harrybaby666

 

[Ross]

I've been through the SSDI nightmare myself. My wife filed on my behalf in March of 95 and it was never approved until December of 97. I started the whole thing without legal assistance and was getting no where. When it came time for the hearing in front of the ALJ, I got a lawyer in on it. All it took was a phone call from him. Easiest $3000 that guy ever made! Sorry you gotta go through all the crap. From the time I got my decision until first benefits was about 4 months. They take their good ol time.

The thing that really disturbs me, some people apply and are approved right off the bat. Others have to jump through hoops, play the darn game, and still have a heck of a time getting it.

Good luck and let us know what the outcome is. I'm trying to think of ways for you to get the help you need without being turned away.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Thanks for The Support

Thanks for The Support

Hi Ross,

Thank you for telling me this, as I know that I am not the only one that has had this battle. My lawyer, I feel has not earned the 25% that he wants, in fact, I wonder if he is really working for me or for SSA. I cannot believe that it has taken me 4 years to get no place, not to mention that the judge doesn't want to pay me back until the time of application. He only wants to give me retro back to November 2001. How can anyone suffer this long and still not get what he or she is entitled to. I am sooooooo glad that you got yours in a shorter time than I am. I hope all is well with you, and yours. Thanks for caring. Harrybaby

 

[Birky]

SS Benefits

SS Benefits

My daughter who is 36 and diagnosed with Rheumatiod A. applied for SS and it took her 2 years to get it. Finally got her hearing on 07/25. They are going to pay her back to 1998 when she first got sick but didn't know what it was. They have 4 kids and this has been really rough. We have a friend who is 55 and got approved in a matter of weeks. Can't understand the system. Now she is waiting for her check and that is another story. She had to get an attorney to get this done. Like she said, this was the easiest $ he made. Hope it comes through for you soon.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi Marcia

Hi Marcia

Thank You for your encouraging thoughts and support. I can tell you that my lawyer said that it's alot harder for someone under 50 to get it as they use a whole different criteria for those who are under 50 as opposed to those who are over 50. My father was just medically retired because he is dying of heart failure (he needs a heart transplant badly) and they pushed his Social Security through in a heartbeat (No pun intended!!!) I guess it's just the way of the world. Thanks again for sharing and caring.

Harrybaby

 

[alicia]

Dear Harry,

I was 41 when they approved my disability and it was settled in 3 weeks. I kid you not. A woman from the SSDI office called me on the phone and said they were making a final decission that day and she wanted to know how I was doing. That shocked me to say the least. 3 weeks later I called my local SS office and they said I would be getting an approvial letter in the mail. I was shocked it was so easy to get. I have heard such horror stories.
Good luck to you! Keep us informed. When do you go to the cardiologist again?

Alicia

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Harry,

I think your list of symptoms hit every one of the key indicators for Valve Disease. Perhaps you should make a WRITTEN LIST to take to the ER / Hospital / Cardiologist on your next visit.

They may be brushing you off because of your age, but VALVE Disease can strike at any age.

Do whatever it takes to GET THEIR ATTENTION before it's too late!

Good Luck,

'AL'

 

[Harrybaby666]

Called Cardiologist Today

Called Cardiologist Today

Hi Alicia,

I am soooooo glad that you were able to get yours with so little trouble, unfortunately, as I said to the others, my delay was partially because of SSDI, and my case worker at my therapist's office. So I don't blame SS totally for being slow, but they sure do contribute to the misery. I did end up calling the Cardiologist's office today, as it has been so hot and muggy here in New Hampshire, I have had trouble just walking around my apartment. not to mention climbing the stairs from my front steps to the second floor. My heart has been pounding, I have been sweating like a stuck pig, and I have been short of breath after taking a few steps. In combo with a constant cough, and pink tinged sputum, I Had to say something to them. He however, is not going to see me. He is sending me for bloodwork and taking things from there. So much for priorities on his end....Hope all is well with you and yours and I will talk to you soon. Stay well Harrybaby

 

[Harrybaby666]

Isn't It Amazing.....

Isn't It Amazing.....

Hi Al,

Isn't it amazing how a person can have so many symptoms for one calamity...and so many calamities for one symptom....I agree with you wholeheartedly as on my last echo, the doctor found that my left ventricle is enlarged and the front of my heart is not moving the way it should be...YET, they tell me "don't worry" or 'your fine, go home' will the descrimination ever end? (Age) LOL LOL, but seriously, it will be interesting to find out what's next....meanwhile, stay well, take care, and thanks for the support. Harrybaby.

 

[nadi]

Sounds like the health care professionals there don't care about malpractice suits. Maybe a note to the editor of your local paper??

I hope you find a doctor that is informed enough to give you a good check up and get you on the path to recovery.

Also sounds like you need to stand up to your lawyer. He works for you and gets paid well to handle your case.

INCOMPETENCE in the medical and legal fields drive me crazy!!! It took my husband 3 yrs to get his SSDI. My Mother who had CHF, heart muscle damage. lung damage, kidney removed, and an aneurysm could not get SSDI, she applied several times over a 10 year span. She/We never thought about getting a lawyer. ( I still feel the reason she is not here now is that her GP took her off her Lasix and cause the CHF to go into overdrive and then into renal failure.) Sorry I will get of my high horse.

 

[LeoLillac]

Isn't it amazing

Isn't it amazing

Hi harry ,if u dont mind me saying so u need to get a nerw cardio u don't tell a patient with enlarged ventricle and CHF symptoms
don't worry . MY cardio ( dr fuster is one of the top 3 in the country very busy but treats me with kindness and alot
of respect . I am only 35 and had 5 open heart surgeries .
My case and I made medical history
I wish u luck in getting the medical care u are entilted to .
Dara ( new york city )
Tricuspid valve replacement
Dr Fuster ( my angel)
Dr griepp ( surgeon )
MAG ( awesome nurse practioner )

 

[Harrybaby666]

No Nadi, your not on a high horse, just angry like me.

No Nadi, your not on a high horse, just angry like me.

Hi Nadine,

Yes, you have it pegged right, the medical profession in my area of New Hampshire does not care, as long as they are covering their porshe payments....I am sooo glad that you responded to me because you just raised another question that I should be asking.....If I am on lasix, and atenolol, and zestril, could it be that the doc feels as if I do have CHF and he just didn't want to tell me until it....say.....maybe too late? HMMMMMM????? I am so sorry that this happened to your mom, but essentially the same thing happened to my aunt, only Lupus was the culprit for her... Thanks for caring and sharing....Harrybaby

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi There Leo

Hi There Leo

Hi Leo,

Thank you for your moral support, even though It's horrible what you have been through, it's nice to know someone in my own age bracket who is as sick of being sick as I am....I guess it's time that I start searching for a new set of doctors as I have not received a difinitive answer about what is going on....Let me ask you, with your heart problems, how in the wide world did you ever get through the bad days when your symptoms were bad, such as on hot, humid days? I know that today, just getting out of the chair caused me to get winded and my heart started pounding.....All I know is I don't want to have to ask for a refund on a bum heart...lol (I try to use humor to help me not get down, so please pardon the smart alec remark. lol) Please, keep me informed as to how you are doing, I really feel that having someone around my age for support is really important. Thanks. Harrybaby

 

[LeoLillac]

HIthere LEo

HIthere LEo

HI harry, as i stated in my last post i have had 5 heart surgeries .
I guess was on the wrong line when hearts where been giving out . Its a long story but was told i would no tlive past my teenage years . Obviously, they were wrong and i am determined to prove them wrong over and over agin .
Ofcourse ,when my chf got bad i had days where i felt down
but i am a fighter its not in my nature give up.
Fortunately,i have an outstanding cardiologist who treats me more like a family member than a patient The women in his office are really awesome .
I am much better now but still a heart problem is for life .
I am having an ablation next week to stop rapid arrythmias
( fast heartbeats )
The though of being in the hospital again does no thrill me
but giving up is not an option for me .
Hope this reply is helpfull to u
Take it easy, Dara

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hope All Goes Well

Hope All Goes Well

Hi Dara,

I hope all goes well with your abilation next week. I just got back from having bloodwork done this am, and it will be interesting to see how things go from there. Take Care, and thanks for the support. Harrybaby