Disability Secrets: January 2010 Archives

How Many People Develop a Ruptured Disc?

By Tim Moore on January 30, 2010 11:16 PM | Permalink A ruptured disc, also known as a slipped disc or a herniated disc, is caused by a tear in the outer ring of the spine allowing the soft, inner part of the spine to push and bulge out through the tear. When this happens the nerves can be irritated, resulting in various types of pain, found in various parts of the body. Pain can be in the lower back, buttocks, neck, leg, shoulder, chest or arm, and it can be accompanied by tingling, weakness or numbness. A ruptured disc can be due to age, since the spinal discs become less hydrated and more brittle with age. This makes your spinal discs less flexible and easier to tear. Overeating and smoking can also increase risk, since weight puts extra stress on the lower back and smoking depletes the body of vital nutrients. Traumatic events, such as a blow to the back or a severe fall, can also cause a bad disk, as can repetitive movements, and lifting heavy objects. There are many nonsurgical treatment options for a ruptured disc, from hydrotherapy, bracing, and pain medications, to electrical stimulation, stretching, heat or cold packs, best rest, and various exercises such as aerobic exercise or dynamic lumbar stimulation exercises. Most cases, over 70 percent, will heal on their own over time. There are also minimally invasive surgical treatments and decompression surgical procedures. The most common surgery is a microdiskectomy. It is thought that nearly 70 percent of all people living in the United States will develop some type of back pain during their lifetime – that is nearly one out of every 5 people. Out of this 70 percent who struggle with back pain, 25 percent will find out they have a ruptured disc. Alternative procedures for those with back pain involve yoga, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, and massage. Other Posts and Pages How to file for disability SSI disability qualifications and criteria Social Security Disability Requirements Can someone get social security disability for bipolar disorder? Social security disability and age What is a Mental Impairment for Social Security? Applying for Social Security Disability and Hepatitis How to get updates on a social security disability case How to appeal a social security disability denial The Social Security Disability Hearing and Doctor Records Social Security Disability Retroactive Benefits and Back Pay Social Security Disability Doctor Exam, what Should you Say? Return to the homepage for:Social Security Disability Secrets

The Benefits of a Patient Advocate

By Tim Moore on January 30, 2010 11:12 PM | Permalink Having a patient advocate can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. While not all cases that need an advocate are life and death situations, advocates can be priceless when it comes to negotiating with health care professionals, employers and insurers, making sure effective medication is provided, pushing for better care and circumstances, saving money, debt relief, and advocating for patients rights. Not all patients need an advocate, but for those who face life-threatening injuries, lack the mental capacity to make sensible decisions, are facing emotional and physical trauma, and those who are unaware of their treatment options and rights, it is imperative. While the main purpose of a patient advocate is to help uphold patient’s rights and communicate with health care providers, they can serve many other functions, such as helping with legal and financial issues due to injury or illness, and communicating with employers and insurers when a patient cannot. They can also help facilitate communication among family members and help them adjust to changes in family structure and routine. The benefits of having a patient advocate are many and can involve every area of life. Patient advocates can be a family member or friend, or they can be a professional or volunteer patient advocate. The most important qualities to look for in a patient advocate other than the obvious quality of being very knowledgeable in patient rights are cooperation, caring, being firm and aggressive when needed, being a good listener, and being committed to the patient’s wellbeing. While insurance companies and hospitals sometimes offer patient advocates, it is not always the best option; choosing an advocate that only has the patient’s best interest in mind (not the insurance company or the hospital) is the best option. Other Posts and Pages SSI disability qualifications and criteria Social Security disability requirements What mental health symptoms get you approved for social security disability SSDI Social security disability and age How to file for disability How to react if a social security disability or SSI case is denied Who is eligible for SSI disability benefits? Filing for social security disability, work history and medical records What happens if I miss my appointment to apply for social security disability or SSI? SSI child disability claim How Long Does It Take To Get Medicare If You Get Disability Benefits? How often should I call to check on my disability case? How Long can it Take to get an SSD Hearing (social security disability) What form can a disability hearing decision take? Return to the homepage for:Social Security Disability Secrets

Is There a Cure for Schizophrenia?

By Tim Moore on January 28, 2010 4:08 AM | Permalink Schizophrenia is one of several mental disorders that are oftentimes misunderstood. Many people think it is the same as multiple personality disorder, since the world schizophrenia means ‘to split mind’, but it is not. Those with schizophrenia perceive and express reality in a distorted and abnormal way, but do not have multiple personalities. Symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, incoherent speech, inappropriate emotions, paranoia, withdrawing from society, not taking care of personal hygiene or life responsibilities, and lack of motivation. Some people may be able to function with only a mild case of the disorder, and others may have a very severe form of the disorder that causes them to need specialized care. Men usually develop schizophrenia in their teens or twenties, while women usually experience the onset later in life, either in their twenties or thirties. It is estimated that there are over 2 million people in the United States with schizophrenia. There are five subtypes of schizophrenia, including paranoid, disorganized, residual, catatonic, and undifferentiated. There is a set criteria that must be met to be diagnosed with the disorder, including six months worth of signs, considerable impairment to daily living, and two major symptoms, including catatonic behavior, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, hallucinations, delusions, or the presence of negative symptoms, which include a lack of or decline in motivation, emotional response, and speech. The cause of schizophrenia is unknown, though many believe that genetics and environmental factors, such as living in an urban environment and using drugs, are somewhat involved in the cause. Although schizophrenia is a chronic disorder and has no cure, there are treatments that make it possible for those suffering from the disorder to live quality lives. The most common forms of treatment are antipsychotics and new, atypical antipsychotics, as well as rehabilitation, and group/individual therapy. The newer atypical antipsychotics have less side effects than typical or conventional antipsychotics. Currently, the most popular atypical antipsychotics are Clozapine, Risperidone, Paliperidone, Aripiprazole, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, and Ziprasidone. Other Posts and Pages SSI disability qualifications, how do you qualify medically? Is There An Automatic Qualifying Disability for Social Security? Social Security Disability Requirements To Show You are Disabled for Disability, You need Regular Doctor Treatment Can someone get social security disability for bipolar disorder? What is a Mental Impairment for Social Security? Records Used in Applying for Disability for a Child Can you Qualify for Disability if You are Younger? What can you receive social security disability for? Return to the homepage for:Social Security Disability Secrets

Pancreatitis - how it occurs, causes, and associated conditions

By Tim Moore on January 25, 2010 4:56 PM | Permalink 1) Pancreatitis occurs with inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located in the upper abdomen behind the stomach. The pancreas helps in the digestion process and also produces insulin, the hormone that regulates sugar in the blood. 2) Pancreatitis is usually acute, happening suddenly and lasting only a brief time. But it can also be chronic, occurring over a long period of time. 3) Around 80 percent of cases are acute. However, acute pancreatitis that reoccurs may cause enough damage to the pancreas that chronic pancreatitis develops. 4) Acute pancreatitis causes pain in the upper abdomen. The abdomen can be tender the touch, or there can be radiating pain, pain that worse after eating, and pain that is relieved by bending over or curling into a ball. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. 5) Chronic pancreatitis can cause pain in the upper abdomen, indigestion, unexplained weight loss, and bowel movements that are smelly with an oily consistency. 6) Pancreatitis occurs when enzymes that aid digestion are activated while still in the pancreas, rather than in the small intestine. This irritates the pancreas and causes the inflammation that leads to other symptoms of pancreatitis. 7) There are many causes of pancreatitis. The most common is gallstones, although many people believe alcoholism is the most common cause. Other causes include smoking, medications, abdominal surgery or injury, and gallstone treatments. 8) Other conditions may cause pancreatitis, including cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, infection and ulcers. High levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone, and triglyceride can also lead to pancreatitis. Family history also plays a role in the likelihood of developing the condition. 9) Pancreatitis can lead to serious medical problems such as difficulty breathing, diabetes, infections, kidney failure, malnutrition, cancer, and large cysts in the pancreas that can rupture and cause internal bleeding. 10) Treating pancreatitis usually involves hospitalization for IV fluids, pain medications, and rest. Once the pancreatitis is under control, medications and procedures may be continued in order to manage any underlying causes or remaining problems. Other posts and pages Medical determinations for social security disability Social security disability letters and forms What Causes SS Disability Claims to be Denied? Social Security Disability Hearing Denial, What if you get one? Support from a Doctor for a Social Security Disability Case Social Security disability interview and what it involves

Nine bits of Information on Behcet's

By Tim Moore on January 24, 2010 9:10 PM | Permalink 1. Behcet’s Disease is a rare chronic condition which causes excessive inflammation of blood vessels. 2. Behcet’s Disease is also called Silk Road Disease, due to the common occurrence of the condition among people living in the Middle East and Central Asia. 3. Behcet’s Disease is more common in men than women, except in the United States where females are more likely to have the condition. 4. A diagnosis of Behcet's Disease comes after assessing the common symptoms associated with Behcet's. The predominant symptom is chronic mouth ulcers, then at least two of four other prominent symptoms, which are genital ulcers, eye inflammation, rashes or pimple-like sores on the skin, and a positive pathology test in which a needle injection causes inflammation under the skin. 5. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals with Behcet's disease. Symptoms occur in flares, appearing unpredictably and fading again for periods of time before recurring. 6. Complications arise from symptoms that are not managed or treated properly. For example, blindness can occur if inflammation in the eyes is not watched carefully. 7. Treatment is individualized and involves relieving specific symptoms. Topical medications can help treat skin inflammation and sores, mouth rinses can help with ulcers, and eye drops can be effective for mild eye problems. Medications that suppress or regulate the immune system may also be used. Treatment of general inflammation often involves corticosteroids. 8. Adopt a healthy lifestyle that involves listening to your body. Take note of the common symptoms indicating a flare up and be sure to rest when you feel start to feel unwell. Exercising can help you feel better when you are between flares of symptoms. 9. Coping methods are an important part of living with Behcet's disease. Support groups, either local or through the Internet, are a great way to connect with others who understand the condition. Other Posts and Pages The social security disability evaluation process Disability claims filed with social security The Social Security Disability Hearing and Doctor Records Social Security Disability Retroactive Benefits and Back Pay Social Security Disability Doctor Exam, what Should you Say? Applying for disability for a mental condition « December 2009 | Main Index | Archives | February 2010 »