Since starting the blog series, “Disabilities,” I’ve received numerous e-mails and have had several conversations regarding the subject. I greatly appreciate you sharing your thoughts and comments.
After reviewing your feedback and noticing how many of you responded directly to me rather than posting on the blog, I’ve concluded, this is a very private matter among individuals. A topic that most people avoid, especially when it comes to discussing it within a group.
I understand your positions and respect your privacy. As several of you stated, it is difficult coming to terms with the admission of being disabled and the need to file for benefits while those around you continue to work. There’s a stigma attached, making it uncomfortable to discuss or accept in the public eye, regardless of the need or circumstances.
Before concluding this series, I really want to emphasize that a diagnosis of arthritis does not mean a person will become disabled. As I stated in the blog, “Labeled Disabled,” having arthritis doesn’t guarantee a disability.
In fact, there’s actually good news related to this subject.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve wondered if the advancements in medicine, specifically those created to treat arthritis, have made a difference in the lives of people diagnosed with rheumatic diseases. For more than a decade, rheumatologists and other physicians have been prescribing a new line of drugs and many of us have been on the receiving end.
Recently, I contacted a handful of doctors, explained the reason for my inquiry and asked if there were studies that revealed a decrease in the number of people with arthritis filing for disability benefits since the newer drugs were introduced. None of the doctors had specific documentation to support a study; however, all of them said, based on their experiences (within their practices and conversations among colleagues), in recent years, there seems to be a decrease in the number of disability claims being filed by their patients. They all believe the decrease is linked to medical advancements and aggressive treatments.
Obviously this was not a formal study and the information above cannot be used as such. It was merely conversations, based on my interests, with physicians aware of my medical history and involvement within the arthritis community. I’m sharing it to give hope, especially to those who are newly diagnosed, and to re-iterate that a diagnosis of arthritis doesn’t label you as disabled. Based on your comments, some of you felt you were doomed and therefore, feared the worst.
During your next office visit, ask if your doctor has noticed a decrease among patients filing for disability benefits and share your findings.
The turmoil in those sixties was also part of his make-up. “We wanted to more richly experience why were we were alive,” he said of his generation, “not just make a better life, and so people went in search of things. The great thing that came from those that time was to realize that there was definitely more to life than the materialism of the late 50’s and early sixties. We were going in search of something deeper.”
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