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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Krazy Kat on June 20, 2002, at 15:03:31
I'm only going to post a TEENY bit of what I just went through because the rest is going into a nice letter to the State of NY and into some publication hopefully, where the mistreatment of the "mentally ill" will at least be entertaining to some.
Was I mistreated? That's the first issue. To glance at it, no. The man was not UNCIVIL persay.
But here's what ensued (sp?):
1. He asked me, in a roundabout way-everything was roundabout-, why I don't see a therapist. Because that's my choice, I answered in a roundabout way. Would a person with a back injury be asked that question?
2. He asked me how I felt when depressed (I looked at him and said, "suicidal, black, etc."). When I told him about the two suicide attempts this year, he made me explain what I had done (taken pills) and if I had been hospitalized. When that was a "no", he shook his head, and wrote something down. So, do "normal" folk try to commit suicide twice a year, or did he just not believe me?
3. I had to remember three words. O.K., I've done that before.
4. I had to count backwards in three's. I can't do that right now, and it's really frustrating. I told him the DEpakote causes cognitive problems. His comment, though:
"So, were just never very good at math?"
WHAT??? No, I excelled at math, AP classes all through high school, you g......
5. He asked me about the mania. He commented that it sounded like it could be helpful in work...
WHAT?
6. He was frustrated that my answer to every stupid question about my daily routine on the form was "it depends". IT DEPENDS in Bipolar Disorder.
7. He asked which of my family members were "diagnosed" as Bipolar since I answered yes to the question on the form "are any family members bipolar". I said none "diagnosed" but offered examples. No good. You could tell he marked that one off as insignificant right there.
8. Do you get along with your family? - what does that have to do with a brain disorder?
9. He asked me "Why should people pay taxes?" ????He must not have even looked at my Dr.'s notes which had been sent over. Nor the very long form I had filled out weeks ago.
How can a Psychologist determine if a person with an illness diagnosed and treated by a medical Dr. needs disability? Would they have a back injury patient see a optrician?
The most frustrating thing is that I mostly want the last year-and-a-half worth of disability, not necessarily going forward. I'm really hopeful I can start doing something now.
Geez.
- kk
Posted by susan C on June 20, 2002, at 17:23:48
In reply to psycho-blah state psychologist, posted by Krazy Kat on June 20, 2002, at 15:03:31
Posted by krazy kat on June 20, 2002, at 18:19:44
In reply to a psychologist, not a psychiatrist? (nm) » Krazy Kat, posted by susan C on June 20, 2002, at 17:23:48
He specifically introduced himself as a "psychologist". I think I would have figured that out regardless because of the jargon. Now, other posters, please understand that I am not anti-therapy. In fact, I met with a wonderful therapist last week. But I have decided it's not for me right now, for a few reasons.
So, does this surprise you mouse? Did you meet with a psychiatrist?
I've had two MD's, my psychiatrist and a GP whom I really respected in NYC diagnose me. :(
- kk
Posted by ctrlalt n del on June 20, 2002, at 19:15:03
In reply to yes... » susan C, posted by krazy kat on June 20, 2002, at 18:19:44
Wow...some strange interview that was eh..
My interview for disability was brief 10 mins. I was too ill to speak but I do remember he said I see you're meds are not working.
Don't know what kind of doc he was ..didn't care..but I got the allowance...
My dx is still unspecified even after that..the uk way : )
Posted by krazy kat on June 20, 2002, at 19:20:33
In reply to Re: ..disability » krazy kat, posted by ctrlalt n del on June 20, 2002, at 19:15:03
i'm surprised you received any funds - from what i've read here, the uk treatment of the "mentally ill" is worse than ours. glad you got some help, though.
this man also asked me how i've been recently - i wasn't going to lie, so I said "better". But does he understand that that does not mean "cured"? I doubt it...
Posted by ctrlalt n del on June 20, 2002, at 20:11:04
In reply to Re: ..disability » ctrlalt n del, posted by krazy kat on June 20, 2002, at 19:20:33
At the time I thought I wouldn't get it so you may be ok...
Posted by Willow on June 20, 2002, at 21:36:44
In reply to Re: ..disability » ctrlalt n del, posted by krazy kat on June 20, 2002, at 19:20:33
> this man also asked me how i've been recently - i wasn't going to lie, so I said "better". But does he understand that that does not mean "cured"? I doubt it...
Oh Kat, I wish you had brought your spouse in to answer that question. An optimist always looks at the bright side, apparently for a disability application you have to dwell on the negatives, (which for me is too painful to admit that any exsist.) I'm currently still receiving my assistance but I've had to appeal to have it continued and emotionally I'm not going there, so I have a lawyer looking after it for me because in my opinion it will not help me on the road to "living." I hate to be the one to tell you but often there are no cures for some of these conditions anymore than there is a cure for me having straight hair. I need to accept my hair as it is or perm it, and neither option is ever going to make it curly permanently, so I live with it and or put a hat on. (Slip in any symptom for hair.)
Your psychiatrist filled out the application too? Hang tight, don't expect anything either way, and once you get an answer proceed forward.
Whispering Willow
Posted by Kar on June 20, 2002, at 22:14:36
In reply to psycho-blah state psychologist, posted by Krazy Kat on June 20, 2002, at 15:03:31
KK- sorry you're going through this. It really irks me that this man has the power to make assumptions about you from one meeting! So insulting and unfair. I was rejected the first time and appealed it; ended up getting it the second time around. Apparently once you're rejected twice, the lawyer can really help. Anyway, I posted this in May. If you don't get it this go around, see if you can have your doc use the following wording. In CT at least, it really helped:
Hey everyone...found out some catch phrases that the disability people are specifically looking for when deciding if you are eligible. I had applied and was turned down and just went through the appeals process. My therapist talked to a rep at SS and was told what they look for in the letters from docs and therapists. She said to make sure that they stated the percentage of time that your depression, etc. keeps you in the house (like for me, we said 75%) and also that you are NOT improving. Apparently that's a biggie. My therapist also added that it's hard enough for me to do things for myself, "let alone for other people, that a job would require". We had my pdoc write something very similar to that, and poof! I was accepted! I know there's only like 20% chance of reversal at the appeal stage so I think this really helped...Hope someone can use this... :D
Posted by Krazy Kat on June 20, 2002, at 22:44:28
In reply to Re: ..disability better, posted by Willow on June 20, 2002, at 21:36:44
oh, willow:
please forgive my typing - i am very tired. thank you, love, for your comments:
> > this man also asked me how i've been recently - i wasn't going to lie, so I said "better". But does he understand that that does not mean "cured"? I doubt it...
>
> Oh Kat, I wish you had brought your spouse in to answer that question. An optimist always looks at the bright side, apparently for a disability application you have to dwell on the negatives, (which for me is too painful to admit that any exsist.)My poor hubby had to go into the city for several meetings today. The State called me on Monday (!!) of this week re: this appt. and said it would be at least another month if I didn't come in. So, we're stuck -- hubby has to go to meetings to try to pay bills, I have to go to this meeting alone to try to get funds to pay bills. It's not fair... But, you are correct. I needed him there.
>> I'm currently still receiving my assistance but I've had to appeal to have it continued and emotionally I'm not going there, so I have a lawyer looking after it for me because in my opinion it will not help me on the road to "living."
Yes, yes. I need to be able to turn it over to someone. I'm FREAKING about bills this month and that doesn't help. We have worked so hard and tried so hard. When I was "really" ill all I could think about was if I would survive that day. But now, I can think beyond that. It's kind of a curse...
>> I hate to be the one to tell you but often there are no cures for some of these conditions anymore than there is a cure for me having straight hair. I need to accept my hair as it is or perm it, and neither option is ever going to make it curly permanently, so I live with it and or put a hat on. (Slip in any symptom for hair.)
My hair is Curly and I wish it were Straight. ;) Weird, huh? I understand. I'm actually not as concerned about a cure as these, can I say, IDIOTS, seem to be. Even my Mom, who is having a really tough time with this, seems to have come to a point where she sees it as an "on-going" thing. Oh, and she used the term "biochemical" today. Really groovy. (She's a very bright woman.)
> Your psychiatrist filled out the application too? Hang tight, don't expect anything either way, and once you get an answer proceed forward.
No, they didn't give him any "forms" just asked for his notes. He called me right after he received their request, and said that it was unusual. Asking for his notes, is like asking for my journal over the last two years - there's no filter or scientific rehash. He's not happy with it either (I'm really fortunate to have this man).
Krazy Kat Jumping Cloud to Cloud
Posted by Krazy Kat on June 20, 2002, at 22:54:39
In reply to Ticks me off..., posted by Kar on June 20, 2002, at 22:14:36
Thanks! Very odd, that you should repost this, b/c I recalled seeing it before when I was thinking about applying and I could not find it on the site. To be honest, I decided Dr. Bob had eliminated it because it was "subversive".
And this is why I'm so mad -- your comments make perfect sense to me and are Very sound. We deserve this help -- it's the same as a back injury. And, frankly, it's not much help, is it? The last year and a half, if I Do get it, is a 6th of what I made before. I have tried to work several times in the past 2 years as well and failed both times to my ego's dismay.
I can't get over the question from the psychologist about why we Should pay taxes -- how bizarre. I gave him an Ayn Rand answer and a compassion answer to cover both and then I felt icky...
And, THEN, I'm driving away in this big vehicle because my husband's mother Happens to work for a car agency and we got it for the same price as a Metro...
This morning I actually thought about what I wore -- do I wear my linen pants and shirt from the Gap or do I try to slum it with Kmart stuff, or do I ignore it all together and wear things my mother-in-law has sent me (Polo on sale). I never think about these things.
Ug!!!!
Thanks, Kar.
- kk
Posted by Fi on June 21, 2002, at 10:28:31
In reply to psycho-blah state psychologist, posted by Krazy Kat on June 20, 2002, at 15:03:31
Sounds dreadful.
Not unique, unfortunately... I was once being seen every few months in a clinic for a non-painful minor physical problem. I didnt have any surgery for it, in the end.
But at one appointment, the doctor (it was a different one each time), gestured me impatiently at a chair without even making eye contact or saying hello. My notes were unopened on his desk, and before I had even reached the chair he said 'got over the surgery OK?' I said I hadnt had any, and without pausing for breath we went straight onto 'how's the pain?' By the time I had actually sat down and responded (politely but stonily) that I didnt have any, he just sighed theatrically!
Not making *any* excuses for that idiot psychologist of yours. Just sharing that there are a lot of them about, including in physical medicine!
Fi
Posted by Krazy Kat on June 21, 2002, at 17:04:22
In reply to Re: psycho-blah state psychologist, posted by Fi on June 21, 2002, at 10:28:31
that I call now and ask why I saw a psychologist and not a psychiatrist? i want copies of everything I've summitted as well, and already requested this but was told that was impossible.
Posted by ctrlalt n del on June 21, 2002, at 19:37:12
In reply to thanks! would you all suggest..., posted by Krazy Kat on June 21, 2002, at 17:04:22
Wish I could decide sweet..bet you are going through lot of anxiety with this.
Whatever you do remember you have a mental illness --so this anxiety is part of it so justified --may be a good thing to contact- appeal---do you know what i mean?-If this is causing big stress then how are you supposed to cope in work environmentWe both having to going through this waiting , uncertainty although different things hope things work out for us eh.
Posted by judy1 on June 22, 2002, at 2:09:22
In reply to thanks! would you all suggest..., posted by Krazy Kat on June 21, 2002, at 17:04:22
I think you need to wait for your decision, which should be hopefully soon (and they do weigh your shrink's opinions heavily- afterall he's the one who has been seeing you). If it's negative, get an attorney and just say you're too ill or incapacitated or whatever and have them do the work- they get 25% or up to $4000 of back pay. BTW I went with an attorney right off and was approved in 2 months and never spoke to a state shrink or psychologist. Try not to worry though (I know that's really hard), since your shrink was supportive. Take care, Judy
Posted by krazy kat on June 22, 2002, at 10:06:32
In reply to Re: thanks! would you all suggest... » Krazy Kat, posted by judy1 on June 22, 2002, at 2:09:22
thanks for your advice, judy. is there an upfront fee for a lawyer?
thanks again.
- k.
Posted by susan C on June 22, 2002, at 10:38:34
In reply to Re: thanks! would you all suggest... » judy1, posted by krazy kat on June 22, 2002, at 10:06:32
The fee should be 'contingent' meaning, they dont get paid til you do...get or talk to several, to get someone you trust and has experience,also, they can vary in what they charge. The Gov does limit the Maximum they can charge. Usually your regular attorney knows someone who specializes in this.
The Pdoc I saw was the local SSDI evaluator, worked at public mental health clinic and had a small practice. He said the number one thing for him to determine was not the medical diagnoisis, that comes from your doctor, and the gov. is not looking for thatfrom him, they are looking for evidence/observation that you can not do the work you used to do to your illness. that is it.
The questions he asked you sound strangely familiar. There must be some kind of evaluation test they give every one...I still get stumped on the count backwards by sevens...IKES...I was so agitated, wringing my hands during the whole thing afterwards I was dizzy...oh and before, cause i dont drive, they said they could send an ambulance, or a paramedic, I said, no, hub could drive me, they said and did pay for his trip....
I wouldn't talk yourself out of future coverage, you can still work and receive some benefits...this could give you some breathing space...
Just a thought
mouse
Posted by judy1 on June 23, 2002, at 12:37:28
In reply to Re: thanks! would you all suggest... » judy1, posted by krazy kat on June 22, 2002, at 10:06:32
The lawyer does work on a contingency basis. I used Allsup, a very large firm that works across the country- a paralegal called, asked as many questions as she could over the phone; sent forms to my pdoc, psychologist, hospital, and spouse. ONE MONTH later she told me I had been approved, about 3 weeks after that the SSDI office informed me and I had to go (or my representative) to the office with birth certificate and social security card. Since I signed up for auto payment in my checking account a big chunk of money showed up in a couple of days, then I wrote a check to Allsup for $4000 and my monthly payments started the next month. I just had my reevaluation (4-5? years after first approval), they approved with a letter from my shrink and husband- that was all (took about 2 weeks) Best of luck- Judy
Posted by krazy kat on June 23, 2002, at 21:34:33
In reply to Mouse was absolutely correct... » krazy kat, posted by judy1 on June 23, 2002, at 12:37:28
that helps a lot!!!
- kk
This is the end of the thread.
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