According to the New York Times, a new study has found that the most popular medication for treating Multiple Sclerosis has “little or no effect” on the progression towards disability. While it certainly assists with the symptoms, it’s not an effective way to prevent complete disability. While this isn’t great news, there is at least the comfort that multiple sclerosis is treatable to some extent—and that recourse exists for those who suffer from the disease.
Multiple Sclerosis is listed in the Social Security Administration’s bluebook, which defines the illnesses that qualify for acceptance for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and defines the extent to which a disease must have progressed in order to qualify. For MS, the disease must have progressed to one of three points listed in their bluebook. A person with MS must possess loss of motor skills, loss of sight or mental faculties, or severe and/or repeatable fatigue that is related to the disease when performing actions related to a job. If you meet any or all of these three criteria, then according to the Social Security Administration you qualify for SSDI.
The Scoop on MS
As many of you are already aware, MS is defined as the demyelination of nerves caused by inflammation. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body attacks itself, creating the inflammation that destroys the myelin sheathes that house your nerves and insulate them. The onset can be as early as 15 for some, though the typical range is anywhere from 15 to 40 years old. This means that vast portions of MS patients are of working age—an alarming fact to think about when you consider the implications.
Losing the ability to work and be productive so early in life is a difficult change to suffer through for anyone. This is especially true if you have goals that include a lifelong career. Such a huge loss doesn’t just affect you, either—your spouses, parents, and children all suffer along with you thanks to the loss of certain functions.
So, What Can I Do?
The best news is that MS is in the SSA bluebook for these diseases. There is a very clear and concise definition of what qualifies someone to receive benefits or not, which makes the process far simpler to handle. When you’re diagnosed, you can immediately begin the process without second-guessing whether or not you can get SSDI. However, you might still be worried. There is enough of a stigma on diseases and non-productivity in America to intimidate almost anyone into not claiming their rightfully deserved benefits. The main thing to remember is that you can succeed, whatever path you take.
Don’t Worry About the Justification
That stigma mentioned before is pretty severe in our society. People who lack understanding of the disease or its effects may not understand what it is to suffer from MS.
If you can’t work regularly, as is required from a job, then don’t worry. Overcoming MS isn’t so much about the cure as it is enjoying the life that you have. Do what you can and don’t worry about justifying it to others. Worrying about that takes valuable time away from the family and friends that support you all the way, and they’re already aware of your plight and will support you through it.