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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 13, 2004, at 21:28:44
That's right. I'm checking out of the working world. I can't handle it. I'm gonna lose my job soon anyway.
Meds don't work. Every new one tried is just another nail in the coffin. Now I have all of this incapacitating pain on top the the psych issues. I cannot afford proper treatment and if the government doesn't want to spend less money and give a guy a leg up, fine! I'll just take it all the way and let THEM pay for my oh-so fabulous lifestyle. screw 'em.
Ive been going back and forth on this for a long time and there just is no other way. The irony is that I'll actually have more money and my daughter will get a benefit, too. The local Child Support sharks can't collect on it either. Now there's a bunch of people to add to my sh**list. Tyrants. You stay current and consistent for years and sacrifice and scrape, ask for just a little leniency for one month and get treated like a damn criminal.Now I suppose I should feel relieved that I'm doing this, and I do, but I'm so angry. I'm angry with myself, with these illnesses, The state, the feds, life, the whole nine. I'm scared of the inevitable battle with the SSA. Rant over.
Your friend in the system,
SDJ
Posted by Phil on February 13, 2004, at 22:05:08
In reply to I just hired an advocate for SSDI *rant*, posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 13, 2004, at 21:28:44
Jeff, I know exactly what you're going through and I am in the exact same state of mind. My job sucks, I'm stinking broke all the time, I may very well lose my job, I'm incredibly frustrated and way angry again tonight. I work for the state of Texas and due to Bush & co. my insurance has gone through the roof to where I want to get my meds flush em and say screw it, I'll live on the streets.
And besides mentally weirded out folks like us, nobody gives a damn.
It'll work out, it always does. I've lost it all before and at 50 may lose it all again. So what, so many of those people in the big houses with big cars and trophy wives and status jobs are so close to going under they can't borrow another nickel.
You are doing your best, that's all you can do. If you ever want to trade horror stories or just talk I'm at yahoo horizontalbliss@. We can even scream over the phone if you want. I hear you and I am pulling for you. It will work out.
Peace
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 13, 2004, at 22:33:36
In reply to Re: I just hired an advocate for SSDI *rant* » socialdeviantjeff, posted by Phil on February 13, 2004, at 22:05:08
Hi Jeff,
I understand what you're going through. For me, when my p-doc told me that I should apply for SSDI, it was a really tough day. I had been laid off of my previous job almost a year before, and that meant that for a while at least, I had no income whatsoever.
My kids are taken care of, and I can at least keep myself under a roof, and can afford food. On the other hand, I was just told that I can't keep my car. I haven't been able to drive for just about a year anyway, and my oldest daughter will be driving soon so I'm giving it to her.
As far as getting SSDI, it wasn't really that difficult. I called, got an appointment, filled out the forms (state and federal), and was approved.
It seems that approval depends a great deal on your diagnosis and on what the doctors say you are capable of. In my state, most of the forms seem geared toward someone with physical deficits. I answered the questions though with how my illness affects my ability to do the so-called physical things. So, when the question asks if I am able to shop for groceries, I said yes, but that often, I won't return from the store with the items I had intended on purchasing. Their forms aren't geared to my condition, but I want them to have the information.
Good luck on your journey. It's a difficult one, and it really can hurt your pride, but you'll make it.
Dee.
Posted by leo33 on February 14, 2004, at 17:33:34
In reply to Re: I just hired an advocate for SSDI *rant*, posted by deirdrehbrt on February 13, 2004, at 22:33:36
Jeff I hear you man! After 3 years of unemployment I was told I should apply for SSDI, which I did without the lawyers, unless they turn me down, then I'll get the lawyers on it. I too am way pissed at the system, if no one wants to give me employment then screw them, I will live off the government, god knows I paid enough crap to them over the years so I figure I deserve it. Instead of being productive and contributing member of society, I will now be a detriment. Thats the way they want it, they got it. I am not happy about going on disability but it will certaintly help with the money issues right now. I was too proud to do it before, but now survival is the main issue. Our government and country suck now more than ever and I wish the people would rise up and take this country back from the rich and powerful. Our founding fathers would be doing tumblesalts in their graves if they saw what their country has turned into now. Oh, did u hear this one, Allen Greenspan says that all the exportation of American jobs to other countries is good for our economy! That has got to be one of the biggest bonehead statements I ever heard! God may be the only one to help us if Bush gets re-elected. Ok, I guess i'll end my rant, I could go on for hours if I don't.
Posted by Karen_kay on February 15, 2004, at 19:41:47
In reply to I just hired an advocate for SSDI *rant*, posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 13, 2004, at 21:28:44
Hi Jeff :)
I haven't "talked" to you lately. How are things in Nebraska? Or Alabama? Or Ohio?
It's frustrating. And I can't even pretend to understand. But, I do want you to know that I'm listening. And if you ever want to picket, buddy I'm right there, on the next flight to Ohio, or Alabama, or Nebraska!
I'm almost ready to move to Canada. I told my therapist that last week, and he said I was the second client that week to say just that. Hmmm... Let me know if you're ready to move, maybe we can make the move together, Ay?
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 15, 2004, at 21:07:55
In reply to Re: I just hired an advocate for SSDI *rant* » socialdeviantjeff, posted by Karen_kay on February 15, 2004, at 19:41:47
So.... you want to move to Canada, eh? Well, there's alot of things you need to know...
1st. Lots of different kinds of places in Canada. If you like Hollywood, BC, by all means. It's where "The X Files", and many movies have been filmed. It's also smack-dab-in-between two parts of the US. The lower 48 and Alaska. Easy to get back if you want.
Ontario is nice if you like the Niagra Falls.
Quebec might just be the part of Canada with the most character. It still retains it's French Heritage. Is the birthplace of great Maple Syrup, the home of Chateau Frontenac, and it's where many of my relatives still life. I love Nova Scotia. (New Scotland) So, living in New-england, beside New Scotland, near what was once called New France, I feel almost like I'm living in Europe, except that all the buildings are far too new. I can't imagine, walking down a street in New Hampshire, that I'm trodding in the footsteps of Leaornado Da Vinci, but it's at least older than baseball. :-)The only warning though is that the world famous eh, is spelled eh. It's kind of like saying bienvenu in France. They just don't like it. They know you're from away. Even in Quebec, the correct response would be De Rien. People like it if you try to understand some of the details, it helps them believe you really want to be there.
On the other hand, I like Alexander, and maybe I'll move to Australia. Haven't been there yet. I do like Italy though..... Maybe I'll hang out here, or in Quebec.... at least until they let me drive again.
Boy! I'm really rambling now. I think I'll quit.
Dee.
Posted by fallsfall on February 16, 2004, at 7:43:41
In reply to About Canada....., posted by deirdrehbrt on February 15, 2004, at 21:07:55
You forgot the double double quotes, Dee.
"Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day"
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 16, 2004, at 20:32:21
In reply to Re: About Canada..... » deirdrehbrt, posted by fallsfall on February 16, 2004, at 7:43:41
my bad.... mea culpa. :-(
Posted by octopusprime on February 16, 2004, at 21:14:38
In reply to Re: I just hired an advocate for SSDI *rant* » socialdeviantjeff, posted by Karen_kay on February 15, 2004, at 19:41:47
well i can only speak about ontario and british columbia, because that's where i've tried the fine medicines, but here goes ...
british columbia is not a bad place to move if you're feeling mentally ill. however, you get no medical coverage until you're (a) a canadian citizen / permanent resident and (b) you've been in the province 3 months.
if you are hella poor (that is, you make less than $16,000 a year), your doctors appointments are free, and you have something like a $1000/yr deductible for drugs, and the rest are free. if you make more than $24,000 a year, you pay $54/mo for basic medical, and your drug deductible is $3000 a year. drugs are always free if you're in a hospital.
you can visit a shrink for free, and sometimes see a free counselor (once every two weeks or month). you have to be really insane in vancouver to see a free counselor, but if you live in the burbs you can be less insane and still see a counselor for free.
oh yes, and i was taking celexa 20 mg and seroquel 25 mg and the prescriptions cost $75/mo, so i wouldn't have hit my deductible.
in ontario you don't have to pay at all for doctors appointments, no matter how much you make. but they don't have any drug coverage or max deductibles, so if you take an expensive cocktail it's all out of pocket. shrinks are free, and i'm not sure how much it costs to see a counselor.
most people here have private insurance through their employers that covers drugs and basic medical premiums. this way i pay 20% out of pocket for drugs. (so my $75/mo for drugs is now $15/mo). and of course you don't get good counseling for free, that will still run you over $100/hr which is poorly covered by insurance.
however the welfare/disability stuff is still pretty bad. i think you get all your drugs for free. i looked it up, a single person in bc gets $461 + $325/mo shelter allowance. that won't buy you a heck of a lot. (shared housing situation, public transit, food, and that's about it).
so long and the short of it, if you move to canada, feel free to call. we also have tim hortons, which is quite therapeutic. and bc is famed for its bc bud, which some claim to be therapeutic.
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 17, 2004, at 2:03:54
In reply to canadian medical, posted by octopusprime on February 16, 2004, at 21:14:38
Well...
I've never been to big on the Stars and Stripes motif anyway. I could decorate better with Maple Leaves... At least on the surface, it looks like Canada's got Utah (Utah, Karen Utah ;) ) beat by a mile. Too bad about the whole having family here thing.
The situation I'm facing right now kinda sucks in the not so short term. I'm still working, barely, making $500-650 a month at the most. I'm just not physically or emotionally capable of more.
The SSDI proccess can take up to several years. There will be a minimum 6-9 months between the app and the mandatory waiting period.
Because of Utah's <insert colorful expletive> screwed up Medicaid eligibility rules, I get no help or coverage. I would also have a harder time getting any financial or food assistance simply because I'm applying for SSDI.
The of course once I'm approved, there is the two year waiting period for Medicare. The general consensus is that I can't have Medicaid either while on SSDI. Ergo, I won't have health coverage of any type for at least 2 1/2 years. I'm gonna stop here, before I go on a very uncivil tirade about my great state.
One minor upside - the benefit amount is deacent and my daughter will also get a benefit.
Oh, Canada! Oh, Canada!
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 17, 2004, at 2:09:22
In reply to Re: I just hired an advocate for SSDI *rant* » socialdeviantjeff, posted by Karen_kay on February 15, 2004, at 19:41:47
Awww.. I thought you forgot about me. After all, you have lala and well....
Sure, let's picket, although I don't know how effective we would be or how silly we might look, being there by ourselves. Maybe we should take a picnic. Hope you're doing well.
Posted by Karen_kay on February 17, 2004, at 7:41:43
In reply to It's nice to talk to » Karen_kay, posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 17, 2004, at 2:09:22
A picnic sounds wonderful! Just you and me, though, OK! No LaLa! She's getting married you know! That's wonderful (though I'm rather bitter :( I just want a ring and a chance to tell everyone I'm married.
And of course I wouldn't forget about you, Jeff sweetie! I doing well. How are things there? I'm taking a law class right now, so everything that comes out of my mouth is "sue them" "that's libel" or "picket that", as if it wasn't before!
Posted by leo33 on February 17, 2004, at 20:08:02
In reply to I think I want to move to Canada.., posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 17, 2004, at 2:03:54
Yes, I want to move to Canada, i just wish it wasn't so cold up there. The stars and stripes just don't cut it for me anymore. I might even argue that the USA (government) not the people, are the biggest danger in the world today. And jeff, just so you know, it is no better here in the sucky state of New Jersey in regards to SSDI and Medicare. I was just in Moab, Utah this last summer in my jeep doing some off roading. Utah is one of the most beautiful states we have, I think. Its certainly better than being scrunched between the armpits of NYC and Philadelphia.
By the way, what is the process of immigrating to Canada? Would they accept a down and out American looking for a new start?
Sing it with me, OH, CANADA! Blah blah blah blah blah blah. Oh, Canada.......
I'll have to start learning that antham!
Posted by octopusprime on February 17, 2004, at 21:42:20
In reply to Re: I think I want to move to Canada.., posted by leo33 on February 17, 2004, at 20:08:02
> Yes, I want to move to Canada, i just wish it wasn't so cold up there.
all you have to do is convert celsius to fahrenheit, then it won't seem so cold! :)
it depends where you live. canada is a big country. on the wet coast, winter temperatures are around 6-10C (thats about 40-50F). just like seattle. summers are nice here, about 20-25C (that's 70-80F) with low humidity. of course, travel 20 min in any direction and the weather changes. that's canada for you.
>
> By the way, what is the process of immigrating to Canada? Would they accept a down and out American looking for a new start?http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/index.html
they are looking for cash, a job in hand, or family connections. same as most other countries.
>
> Sing it with me, OH, CANADA! Blah blah blah blah blah blah. Oh, Canada.......
>
> I'll have to start learning that antham!o canada
our home and native land
true patriot love
in all thy son's commandwith glowing hearts
we see thee rise
the true north strong and freefrom far and wide
o canada
we stand on guard for theegod keep our land
glorious and free
o canada we stand on guard for thee
o canada we stand on guard for thee(i can also sing it in french, but la grapheuse en francais est difficile)
ps - there was an amusing simpsons episode where they sang the canadian national anthem instead of the stars and stripes so they could be peaceful and not sing a battle tune. heh.
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 18, 2004, at 18:55:20
In reply to Re: I think I want to move to Canada.., posted by leo33 on February 17, 2004, at 20:08:02
I like Moab too. Utah is prety, but as soon as you peel back the layers and see what the ultra-conservative radicals that run this state do to the state, and to anyone who is not one of religious majority (ok, mormons) it's like being on another planet. Oh, and I don't have a problem with LDS people as individuals, as a rule they are good people but I do thing the church as an organization could treat us "Gentiles" a little better and give us a break. Oh, well. The church runs the state and they get what they want. Political rant over.
Sorry to hear NJ isn't much better. A question, if you don't mind... Is there really some sort of rivalry between NJ and NY? Or is that some sort of media concoction?
I wanna go to the land of the nice maple syrup...
Posted by socialdeviantjeff on February 18, 2004, at 18:57:48
In reply to Re: I think I want to move to Canada.., posted by octopusprime on February 17, 2004, at 21:42:20
Aww... Man! That's it. Im gonna convince my family and my Ex (daughter's mother) to move to Canada...
This is the end of the thread.
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