Help with My Mother, She Is Falling apart.....Seriously Please

Are you aware that statin drugs can cause muscle deterioration in the legs? I could barely walk and had terrible pain at times in
them until I discovered this was a side effect
from taking statin drugs. After I got off of
it my legs got better.

A Grandmother in Dumas, TX.

Take her in until she can get the assistance, which shouldn't be too long. Working at a dry cleaners in this condition probably has a lot to do with why it is so severe. She needs to quit that job and rest. Also, blockages? Let me guess, lots of sugar, caffeine, high fat, high cholesterol foods and drinks? No fresh fruits and veggies, no greens? Cokes, cinnamon rolls, cheeseburgers, fries, burritos w/ extra cheese etc, are deadly. Might as well eat crisco with a spoon. Please be realistic with yourself and her. A 54 year old woman should not be in this shape. Take her in to your home and change that diet. This is something you need to look at for yourself and your girls too. Are you going down the same path? Don't blame the system, you are responsible for your own health. Now that she is in this mess, help her get out of it and prevent it in the future. Also, the minute she quits that job, she will qualify for food stamps, so groceries (healthy and whole, of course) won't be a problem. Think of it this way, if you were sick, would she take you in? This could also be an opportunity to see what "mr. wonderul boyfriend" is made of. You can see if he truly is husband material, because this is the stuff real life is made of. Reach out to God for healing and support, He will be faithful, He will bless your effort to care for her, and He will provide. You sound like a wonderful, caring daughter and mom, you go girl.

I can't relate to this, and I don't rally have any advice. I just wanted to let you know that I said a little prayer for you and your mom. I know that getting government assistance can be very difficult for those of us "stuck in the middle", where we don't make enough, but we make too much. My hubby and I don't have health insurance b/c we can't afford it, but we make too much money to qualify for medicaid. I understand how frustrated you feel about that aspect. The only advice I have is don't give up. I hope that everything works out for your mom, and for you.

My mother has a life threatening thrombosis in her sinus cavity when she was four that caused her head to swell up to the size of a basketball. She was given last rites, but she survived despite the limitations of medical knowledge and the available pharmaceuticals in the late 1930's.

Thirteen years ago right before my father died, she had an angioplasty and then a stent and finally bipass surgery. In the subsequent years, she has also had stent place in some arteries in her neck. She's also had some occlusions in those arteries despite the stents.

What she's learned in the last 13 years is that she has probably had a lipid disorder for her entire life. The prognosis was questionable, but right after her first procedures, the drug Lipitor came on the market which almost immediately brought her cholesterol under control. She has several other medical conditions that also complication things, but the cholesterol problem has been largely under control.

My husband has been on long term disability for a year and a half. He was approved for SSDI in January retroactive to last July. The payment is not a whole lot compared to what his income was. Luckily, he had long term disability insurance and had paid for the highest level of coverage. The disability insurance payment was reduced by the amount of the SSDI payment, but the SSDI is only about 1/3 of his total payment and the total payment is only 60% of his gross income while employed.

One of the benefits of the insurance is that they paid for a company to pursue his Social Security claim. You can hire an attorney to work on a continency, which means when she is approved and receive her disability lump sum backpay, the attorney with take a percentage as compensation.

The application process can mean a wait for one or two years for the claim to be processed.

I would not think that working in a dry cleaning company would enhance her health, and the exposure to the chemicals may actually be doing her some harm. If she has blockages in her legs, standing all day cannot be good for her.

If you or another family member can take her in for a time, she can reduce her expenses and she may be willing to help you raise your children.

The new Social Security is not like the old Social Security. Even on disability, they encourage retraining and provide some flexibility in the amount of earned income a recipient can make without affecting the benefits. They have a program called Ticket to Work which helps folks to re-enter the workforce at whatever level they are able.

Feel free to contact me if you find what I've said helpful. I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Hi S.,
My heart goes out to you and your mother. A friend of mine is a massage therapist and studies herbs. His grandmother had surgery on her breasts to remove some lymph nodes in May. Since the surgery, she has been in a lot of pain. He decided to give her a fast acting adaptogen spray specific for aches and pain. In less than one week her pain was totally gone. The website to learn more about the Relieve and other adaptogen spray formulas to reduce the damaging effects of stress in the body is www.vitalhealth.tblast.com and the product is only $25. As far as a solid home based business, yes, it is one for sure. If your mom is teachable and coachable and has a strong desire, then it may be a good option for her. She can significantly improve her own health, and help others, while improving her financial situation. Good luck and God Bless:)

If she has $2,000 or less in assets, she will qualify for Medicaid. They do a 3 year "look back" so she can't just give the money she has in the bank to someone (like you) because they'll look at her bank statements and ask about anything that looks odd (like large amts. of money that are withdrawn). She needs to "spend down" her money on her health care then you need to help her file for Medicaid. If her husband was a veteran who is no longer living, she may qualify for some benefits but you need to check with the VA (Veterans Administration). Does she own any property? She can get a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage allows property owner to borrow against the property. If you need more information about these types of mortgages, let me know and I can track down the website for you that explains how they work. Good luck!

You need to find a social worker who will help you understand and utitlize the system. The system we have all paid for. Check with your church,friends, etc... A good social worker can really make things bearable. God bless!

If you're in Dallas County, try taking her to the nearest Parkland COPC clinic (Community Oriented Primary Care). These clinics are there to help people get regular medical care and they have specialists on staff who know the ins and outs of various programs. I would definitely try them and see if they can help your mom.

http://www.parklandhospital.com/medical_services/centers_...

Hi S.. I'm sorry to hear about your Mom, it must be very hard for her and for you.

I am part of a group called the Network of Enterprising Women and we are sponsoring a Career Exploration Expo for women who are looking for a new career. It will be held from 7-9pm on Tuesday, September 16th in Frisco. There will be several business representatives available at the Expo. It is Free to attend.

Go to http://www.ntxnew.org/careerexpo.htm for more information on the expo and how to RSVP.

Hope to see you and your Mom there.

S.,
I have no medical advice other than eat all the good food God gave us not the supermarket packaged stuff. God's food is full of enzymes and nutrients that are still alive -- not dead and full of chemicals.
If at all possible, bring your mother to your home and take care of her like she did for you when you cried at all hours, poopy diapers and not always at convenient times, fussy with teething and illness etc etc. What a valuable lesson you will be teaching your children. We live in such a selfish time. Other countries care far better for their parents and grandparents than we do. Honor her with your love & devotion and God will bless you.
I will be praying for your strength, peace, wisdom, courage and patience and I'm sure you will be blessed with JOY.
Sweet love in Jesus......

S.,
Your mom and I are about the same age, I'll be 54 in 6 weeks. I rep a terrific skin care and nutritional product called Arbonne International. It is a wonderful business for folks with health problems. Two National Vice Presidents, Neta Irwin (3 up my upline) and Cecilia Stoll, (in my upline's group) both have serious health problems. I think Neta has MS, but honestly cannot remember. Anyway, she makes many of her phone calls from her bed or chair and gets out on her good days. Getting started is easy, training often is by telephone or downloaded CD's, plus meetings in person if a consultant would like. The product is absolutely terrific, and one can get started for $29.00. You might go to our website www.arbonne.com and do some surfing. I'd also be glad to send you some information. E-mail me at ____@____.com

Best wishes for you and for your mom.
A.

My mom is on social security disability after having a stroke 7 years ago, and I know from experience that ss disability is a convoluted system full of rules and exceptions. The real question that they will look at first is if your mom is able to continue working in her current job, not necessarily at her income from that job. That's the be all end all for them - because if she can physically continue the work she is doing, there is no way she'll get approved. However, if she has a medical file and doctor's letter that spell out exactly what her disability is and how it severely limits her, she has a fighting chance. It would be a smart move on your mom's part to find a job that is a LOT less physically demanding. They are not going to take her seriously if she declares a disability based her on leg condition, and then see that she works a full or part time job standing or moving all day. Basically they need to see that she can no longer do what she has been doing, so she cannot continue with the status quo of her current job and be accepted. She either needs to quit entirely, based on a doctor's recommendation, or she needs to find a job that will both not put a physical strain on her at all, along with not meeting her financial needs.

As far as a limit on what she can earn while receiving SS DI, the limit for 2008 is $940 a month. There is a lot of really great information on their website:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html#part2

It will be an uphill battle to get her approved, but it will be worth it in the long run. I don't know how I'd support my mother if she weren't getting SS DI right now.

I hope this helped,

E.

I also have to add that at this point it doesn't matter one bit how your mom got to this point in her life. Blaming her lifestyle or the choices she made in the past is a moot point. What matters now is getting her the help she needs so that she can continue to financially independent. I have a feeling that once she changes her job, her health will improve dramatically - at least to the point that she can go shopping without having to worry about finding a place to rest every few minutes. Good luck girl!

Disability social security will not help her unless she quits her job or dramatically reduces her hours. The way they see it, if she is able to go to work, then she doesn't need the extra support. My mother had medical issues and she got no help until she quit her teaching job and just stayed home and even then, it was not nearly enough to live on. If your mother can quit her job and depend on you for some support, the disability social security might be able to cover the rest of her exspenses. Good luck to you both.

My father, who recently passed away, use to help people get on disability all the time. The process is tedious and frustrating BUT he says the system will automatically turn you down " 3 " times! Even in the best case scenario when the person is obviously physically disabled, they were still turned down three times. He always told people to be persistant! Don't give up! Document everything that pertains to your mom and get her doctor's support. Also, throughout the months of trying to get disability, document the changes that are happening to your mother to prove her disability is a permanent thing, not something she just needs to adjust to.

S., I would love to help your mom with a legitimate home based opportunity that I have been partnered with for 3 1/2 years.....It is an Inc 500 Wellness Company with a 23 year history....they manufacture wellness products....My husband was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis 11 years ago of which 8 years he was on medication that we thought could cause a lot of damage to his organs, etc......3 1/2 years ago we were introduced to this wellness company and he has been medicine free for all 3 1/2 years........We both do this full time together and it has been the most amazing blessing for us.....I will be doing an overview of our business opportunity tonight (Tues) and Wed. and Thurs at 6:30 p.m. CST...you can choose the day you like and dial into the overview with your mom and see if this is the right opportunity for you...I will be able to answer all of her questions...It will be my pleasure to help you. I believe you will love what you hear.....the symposium is about 45 minutes......If you have access to a computer....when you dial in.......I will show you how to follow along with me while I am talking...

I hope you will dial in and please feel free to call me on my cell if you have need to ask any questions..
Sylvia C..
214/693-0303

Hello S.,
I am sorry to hear what your mom is going through, and it is wonderful that you are committed to supporting her. I firmly believe there are always options in every situation as long as we are open to them.
You asked for a home-based business, so I'd like to share what I just recently got into, and your mom can see if she likes it. There is a presentation online at www.mjjs.energy526.com to learn about the opportunity with Ambit Energy. In a nutshell, as a representative you get to save other people money on their electricity bill get them free travel vouchers just for signing up and more free travel by just paying for their monthly electricity bill (which everyone does anyway), and as a consultant, you get to make money while helping others. I like that concept. I specifically like it because everyone is using electricity, so it is not that you have to sell anyone on buying something that they may not want. I don't know where your mom lives, so just to mention, most of Keller is in a coop, so you can't switch to Ambit Energy in Keller, but I live in Keller, too, and I am still doing it because I see such a great potential (and I am not a sales-person-type at all).

So have her check it out if she likes it. If you or your mom have any questions, you can email me at ____@____.com or call me at ###-###-####.

Good luck to your mom and to you!

M.

Hi S.,
I can only imagine what you're going through with your mom. In reponse to the request for legit home based business opportunities, my mom currently operates a home based business as an online travel agent with the YTB Travel Network. Of course there are some start-up fees involved but it might be something worth looking into. You can visit my mom's website at www.andthensometravel.com. You'll find her contact information as well as you can learn more about the business opportunity. Hope this helps.
J.

Hi. I feel sorry for your mom. I am about her age and I too had a lot of back pain and leg pain. I had two rupture disks and had back surgery one year ago and I am still suffering with my back pain. I couldn't stand on my feet very long. Then I found a legitimate business selling dental and medical plans, that is a discount company and not insurance. If she is interesting have her email me at ____@____.com, or check my site out on www.freedomathometeam.com/V.

Oh my goodness S.! My heart goes out to you! I love my mother so much and if I could I would support her as well. Moms are pretty special and I can hear your concern here. My name is A. Case and I do have something to share that might help your mom health wise as well help others. i work outside the home during the day but I am home in the evenings. Send me an email today along with your home number and this way you and I can chat about you mom working from home and earning an income from home. I am real easy going and definitely Not high pressure. I am excited to share with you. I think you will like what you are going to learn. My email is: ____@____.com

Love,
A.

What about a Wal-Mart Greet! She could probably sit in a chair at the front entrance and greet customers. Also the local Parks and Recs department might have a counter job... Get your mom a stationary bike and have her ride it for x-amount of time. Also get your teenagers to alternate massaging grandma's legs. Apply heat compressents..... elevate her legs when sitting down ... I prop my feet on my office trash can or computer harddrive under my desk. Hang in there! Oh and have her drink green tea... seems to be good for what ails some.

Take care.

Juice Plus is an awesome home based business. My website is www.gotjuiceplus.com and I can be reached at ###-###-#### or ###-###-####. I will be return into town on the 6th of August. My email is ____@____.com.

Sally

Hi S.,

Check out this website.. I've been working on it since April and I'm just now getting it started good because I was working a full time job as well. It is a mlm but, you get full training, paid daily, 401K and a residual income once you get past the first level. There are also benefits for dental, health discounts and there is help with hospital bills if you take the higher level of the program.

Let me know what you think!

www.mybenefitsplus.com/40594863 or www.myhomebusinesspays.com/40594863

Laura

My heart goes out to you and your Mama.

A.

My name is J. and I am a Health Consultant in Hurst. I would love to talk to her about Stem Tech Health Sciences. They have a product called Stem Enhance that supports the natural release of adult stem cells. When you take two capsules it helps to support the release of 25 to 30% more adult stem cells (3 to 4 million additional stem cells) from the bone marrow into the bloodstream where they can aid in regenerating. For more information have your Mother go to www.stemcellhotline.com and take the tour. She can email me or call me at ###-###-#### if she has any questions or would like a packet with further information.
Blessings,
J.

Yes, an attorney will have to charge for services...after your mom starts receiving benefits. Warren Gould has been a Social Security lawyer for 30 years in Fort Worth. He is actually running for Judge, but he has taken on a partner. They work on a contingency basis so your mom will not have any out of pocket expenses. If she is denied benefits, then she should definetly contact them.

They are located just west of down town Fort Worth in the Malick Tower on Summit Ave. The number is ###-###-####.

Best of Luck

I'm afraid I don't have good news for you but I believe it is the only way. I had some health issues including a brain tumor and was unable to return to work, at all, ever, doing anything. It was not until my doctors finally made that determination, in writing, complete with many test reports and considering all my other health issues (there are many)that the SSA would even consider my case - you get turned down flat. It is an appalling system to say the least. I was fortunate to have another retirement system so am finally ok but it was so hard.......At the time it all happened I was married and he made good money but we lost ALOT due to lack of my income.....I think you pretty much have to be totally unable AND not working in order for SSA to take you seriously and then you can still get refused. As long as she has an income at all it will be tough - and they will ask her to report any and all income and you're pretty much signing an oath to God that you didn't earn ANYTHING when you sign those documents. I have seen and heard ads about many attorneys that will help but there again, it costs you.
ANYWAY, unfortunately she will have to completely deplete any sources of income she might have before they will approve her I guess.....if she was fired/laid off because of her health from her previous position that should be in her favor. It would be to her benefit if you could help her out so she does not earn income so she can be approved. The other ugly part of the system is that the amount of money one can receive is also based on what she put into it so it will most likely be nothing she can actually live well on. I totally agree with you that the system is very lacking. Best of Luck to you and your Mom - God bless you both!~

Hi, S.,

I hope and pray some of the great advice others have offered as far as medical help will be a great assistance to your Mom. As far as a legitimate work at home business opportunity, I have been working from home for 4 1/2 years and love what I do and it's a very legitimate opportunity where nobody can get hurt, yet where everybody can make some income. If you and/or your Mom would like to speak with me about it, please give me a call. My number is: ###-###-####. My website you can check out is: www.BrightWomen.org.

Best of luck with finding help for your Mom in all areas.

Sincerely,
L.