Living with a Disabilty (Free Online Magazine)

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own organs and tissues.  It is accompanied by painful symptoms that can make it difficult to maintain a normal level of activity.  For those suffering severe symptoms, lupus can be debilitating.  The majority of people suffering from lupus are women, most commonly between the ages of 15 and 44.

There are four types of lupus; systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus. Of these, systematic lupus erythematosus is the most common and serious form of lupus.

The early symptoms of lupus are slightly different in each person, and range from mild to severe cases.  Symptoms may also flare up and subside over time.  The most typical symptoms of lupus include unexplained fever, painful or swollen joints, painful and swollen joints, extreme fatigue, swollen glands, unusual hair loss, and anemia.  In some people, a characteristic “butterfly rash” may be visible on the nose and cheeks. Rashes may also occur on the arms, hands, chest, and ears.  Many people with lupus are sensitive to sunlight and may notice that rashes develop or worsen after sun exposure.

The nature of lupus makes it difficult to diagnose, and there is no single test that can confirm a diagnosis.  If you have experienced one or more of the common symptoms listed above, it is important to keep track of when and how often you have experienced each symptom.  It may help to keep a written record of specific symptoms and dates.  Your symptoms, medical history, and medical exams and tests will help your doctor determine whether you may be suffering from lupus.  Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist or dermatologist for further evaluation.

Early diagnosis of lupus is especially important for women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.  Though most women with lupus can safely conceive and give birth, managing lupus during pregnancy requires careful planning with a physician.  Pregnancy places women at elevated risk for lupus flares and pulmonary hypertension, which can be potentially fatal.  The good news is that babies of mothers with lupus have no greater risk of developing lupus, and only 3% of babies born to mothers with lupus will have neonatal lupus.  By working with your physician to actively manage lupus, women can increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

If you believe that you may be suffering from symptoms of lupus, it’s important to discuss it with your physician.  Early diagnosis is the key to effectively managing and treating lupus.

The Social Security Administration provides financial support and medical benefits to individuals suffering from qualifying illnesses, injuries, and emotional problems.  These benefits are provided under two programs; Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  People suffering from chronic medical conditions such as Lupus may be eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits (both commonly referred to as Social Security Disability benefits).

To qualify for either SSDI or SSI, a person must prove that they cannot work, in an occupation for which they are suited, due to a long-term medical condition, must be out of work due to disability for 5 months in order to qualify for benefits, and the medical condition must be expected to last for a minimum of a year or be expected to cause death.   The Social security administration determines which program people qualify for based on work history.  SSDI is available to people have paid into the FICA through their wages.  SSI is for people who meet income guidelines, regardless of work history.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own organs and tissues.   There are four types of lupus; systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus and neonatal lupus. Of these, systematic lupus erythematosus is the most common and serious form of lupus.

The symptoms of lupus vary, making diagnoses difficult.  Physicians sometimes misdiagnosis or dismiss the symptoms.  Initial symptoms include fever, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue.  Other diagnostic factors include dermatological, musculoskeletal, hematological, pulmonary, cardiac, and neurological symptoms, including; skin rashes and lesions, anemia, low white blood cell count, inflammation of organs, pulmonary hypertension and hemorrhage, extreme joint pain, and excess red blood cells and proteins in the urine. Inflammation caused by Lupus can affect many body systems, but it most frequently attacks the skin, joints, blood, heart, lungs, nervous system and kidneys. There is no cure for lupus, but there are treatments for certain symptoms, most commonly immunosuppressants and corticosteroids.

The Social Security Administration has compiled a list of medical conditions so severe that they will most likely cause a person to be declared disabled, called the “Blue Book.”  Systemic lupus erythematosus is included in the Blue Book as a qualifying condition, and lists specific criteria for eligibility.  To see if your lupus is at the listing level, review the Blue Book listing 14.02.

The Social Security Administration denies over 60% of first time disability applicants.  The majority of these applications are denied due to insufficient documentation of their medical condition.   To improve your chances of being approved for Social Security benefits, be sure to submit all available documentation, including; proof of diagnosis, complete medical records, all test results, course of treatment, duration of condition, medications (and any negative side effects), and functional limitations.