Asking your opinion

[Csteam12]

Hello. I'm diagnosed with MCTD. Just starting the plaquenil and my symptoms haven't gotten any better. I thought for so long I was a hypochondriac and a freak of nature. I am security at a medium security correctional facility. The hours are long and the work is taxing. I have a family to support, and I am wondering about disability. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

What you describe is unfortunately, only too common. Since the majority of lupus patients are women (during their child bearing years the ration is (9:1), many women find they are treated as hypochondriacs or they are somatizing. This is because the symptoms can be quite vague. Since diagnosis is difficult and only doctors looking for lupus are likely to suspect SLE, the chances of early diagnosis is minimal. Men also have a difficult time in getting a diagnosis since it is often seen as a "woman's" disease! Children can also be affected by lupus.

Plaquenil or hydroxychloroquine, is an anti-malarial and us a standard drug in lupus. It can also help with fatigue. However, it can take a while for plaquenil to "kick-in". There are many other medications that can be taken in addition to Plaquenil, but your doctor will assess the right treatment for you.

You need to speak with your doctor about being unable to work since you will need a medical certificate. You will then need to find out about medical disability and your entitlement. Are you in the UK?

With good wishes,

Ros

[USAhousewife]

You are in a similiar situation I was in many years ago. On advice of my physicians, I applied for SSD (in US, it's Social Security Disability, not sure what it's called accross the pond) I was denied the requisite 2 times, then had an Administraive Law Judge hearing, and I was awarded my benefits. I am thankful everyday that I had the support of my family. I had 3 sons ages 12, 10 and 8 at the time. The SS benefits aren't enough to live well on, but the Medicare was my lifesaver. Now there have been many changes in the SS Adm, many more conditions at different ages are awarded. I will try to get my act together and amass the info. I can brag a bit, using the free info, I applied for my husbands SSD and he was awarded his in 33 days.

Best of Luck to you!

[lonelyone in reply to USAhousewife]

can u explain that to me. Just Dx. Financially devastated due to all this. Im in us. Thank you.