On Disability

Being on disability is different for everyone. Whatever your situation, there are the following commonalities:

Physical and Medical

• You do not have to experience pain. It does not have to be part of a health condition.
• Side effects from your health condition, drugs and/or treatments can be controlled or possibly even eliminated. Speak with your doctor.
• Stick to your drug and other medical regimens (this is known as "adherence"). 
• Think of non-traditional treatments as complementary or in addition to - not instead of what your doctor has to offer. State-of-the art new drugs being tested are available through clinical trials.
• Keep track of your symptoms so you can report accurately at each doctor visit. (Survivorship A to Z provides an easy-to-complete and read tool. With the click of a button, it turns the information in to an easy-to-read graph saving the doctor more time to spend on other subjects.)

Emotional

• Expect emotions of all types to surface.
  • Express your emotions.
  • If you get stuck in a down cycle, seek help.
• Work on doing your best to keep a good mental attitude. It is virtually impossible to stay positive all the time.
• Seek a person similarly situated to speak with.
• Family and other relationships are bound to change. The key is to keep communication open.

Care

• If you need it, home health care may be paid for by your insurance. If you don't have insurance, find out if you can take steps to qualify for Medicaid which pays for such care.
• If you may need a nursing home, start researching homes in your area so a last minute rushed decision doesn't have to be made.

Finances

• Do what you can to keep finances in shape. In particular, make sure health insurance and disability insurance premiums are paid. Financial assistance may be available if necessary.
• If you have not done so before, learn how to maximize use of your health insurance.
• Accept credit card offers that come in the mail. You may need the credit.
• Check all alternatives to maximize income replacement.
• Revise investment strategy to incorporate your health condition.
• If you are experiencing a financial crunch, there is help available to reduce debt and pay it off. Bankruptcy is a credible alternative.
• You may be able to do part time work from home. Check the rules of any disability income you receive before proceeding.

Disability Income

• If you are receiving disability income, prepare for questions about whether you continue to be disabled by keeping track of how disease, side effects and/or drugs affect your ability to work and daily life. (Survivorship A to Z provides worksheets).

Estate planning

• If you haven't yet, consider executing a Living Will and a Health Care Power Of Attorney to assure that your wishes are followed in case a medical decision has to be made if you become unable to speak for yourself. If you execute a DNR order, inform the people around you not to call 911 if your lungs or heart stop working.

In general

• If you are physically up to it, and can afford it, traveling is a great way to enjoy your self while you are on disability. There are techniques to use to make travel safe and enjoyable.
• Keep laughter in your life.
• Experience indicates that spirituality helps.
• Seek fulfillment each day.
• Especially if your disability is likely to be long term, remind caregivers to take care of themselves. They are no good to you if they are not emotionally and physically able.

If you are considering returning to work, learn the steps to take. For instance, consider volunteering first to learn about your limits and to update your skills. See Survivorship A to Z's information: Work: Return To

If your illness progresses to end of life, read End of Life.

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