I have dibilitating Migraines. I can only work a few days a week and when those days are depends on when I donot have a migraine. Employers will not keep you when you are ill 3 to 4 days a week. I cannot even attend Church regularly because of the sudden onset of Migraine. My life is moment to moment. I can go from one room to the next and have a #9 [pain scale] Migraine. I have had Migraines since I was 4 years old. I have tried every thing. Acceptence that this is my life is all I have. However I need an income to pay for medications and Doctors visits. HELP!!!
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Q: does Social Security Administration recognize Chronic Migraines as a Disability
Answers (3)
5/14/09 11:52pm
Hello sizzlingranny,
Yes, people have been awarded Social Security disability benefits for Migraine. One of most important things is that your doctors feel that you're disabled and qualify for benefits. They will have to fill out reports and back you in the application process.
I do hear you about paying for doctors and medications too. Unless you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, I don't know of many resources for paying doctors, but most of the pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs to provide free medications to patients with no insurance who meet their income guidelines. Those guidelines are pretty generous. Try going to www.pparx.org to check on all of your medications. You list all of them on the site, and it will tell you which ones have programs you qualify for. It will then even take you through the process to fill out the application forms and print them. You then take them to your doctor for his or her signature and send them in.
I also know how easy it is to feel as if you've tried everything out there, but there are so many medications that can be used for Migraine and headache prevention that it's literally impossible. You can find a list of potential Migraine and headache preventives in Migraine preventive medications - too many options to give up!
If your doctor isn't able to help you, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.
Wanted to share this other information with you to let you know that there is still hope.
Hope this helps,
Teri
5/21/09 6:09pm
Dear Sizzlinggranny -
I wanted to add on some info for you, as I answered a question for someone a few months back who wanted to know how to go about applying for Social Security benefits. Teri has written a really helpful guide to the two types of Social Security Disability Benefits which you can find at Disability Benefits: SSI and SSDI. For some basics on how to apply, you can read Applying for Disability: Tips & Pointers. Getting your doctor's support and documentation of your disability is important. Need to Apply for Disability? Help Your Doctor Help You.
Good luck!
- Megan
6/16/09 9:11pm
Sizzling,
I have had a Chronic Daily Migraine since 2004 and spent the first 2 years on disability. I have been hospitalized twice, 12 days the first time, 6 days the second.
My previous employer's disability plan basically required that I apply for SSDI after 6 months as my benefit would be reduced dollar for dollar. They provided me with an attorney to represent me and do all the paperwork.
Unable to work, drive or basically function I refused to give up and tried what had to be 100 different medications. I finally found a doctor and a combination of preventatives that got me functional again. I still have the constant headache but the pain level is more "tolerable".
In January, 2007, I went to my doctor and told him I wanted to return to work. My disability had a clause that said if I could go back on the disability if within 6 months. He allowed me to return and I notified the attorney who was furious and literally disappeared. The claim had already been denied and was being appealed.
In December, 2008 I finally had my hearing and decided against finding another attorney as every penny I would be awarded would be refunded to the employer. I did not want to have to keep taking off work either.
In January, 2009 the claim was approved and I was awarded SSDI for the 2 years that I was on disability. I have not missed a day of work although I did go in late once. Sometimes my abortives work, other times they do nothing but I decided that I can either let them control me, or learn to control them.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
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By sizzlingranny— Last Modified: 12/22/10, First Published: 05/09/09
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