Posts by steelcobra15

You can actually qualify for disability even if you’ve dealt with certain conditions since birth. But I'm guessing what you really care about is the car stuff—like getting those handicap parking permits. You can get one once the Social Security Administration determines your disability percentage, but it usually requires at least an 80% rating specifically regarding lower extremity issues. If the percentage is lower or if it's a different type of disability, it might not work out. Since my mom is already retired, there isn't much else she can really apply for besides that.

For vividwalker10! I did a little brainstorming on some advice for brightwolf16, so here’s a second post. To apply for a determination of physical impairment (basically, your disability rating), you submit everything to Medicare at their corporate office. That covers everyone from Chicago and the surrounding County. You just fill out the form—you can grab one at a local bookstore or just download it from their website—attach all your medical records, and hand it all in at the service window on the ground floor. Then, I guess you just wait until they call you in for the commission. Please let me know what percentage they assign once it's done.

For brightwolf16!
If you read through some of the posts above, I think I already mentioned that I had surgery in San Francisco back in 2004. I heard they did some renovations in the last couple of years, but I assume they just modernized the operating rooms, which is what actually matters, right? As far as the wards go—at least when I was there—the bathrooms were pretty mediocre. I doubt they’ve fixed that, so expect the same situation. I don't know which ward you'll end up on, but I suspect it's all the same unless you pay for a private suite. Basically, you have two wards on a floor connected by a hallway; one faces the street and the other faces the ocean. Each has ONE unisex restroom with two or three stalls, plus another unisex one in the middle for both wards. There’s a shower room with about three showers, but only one actually works. Then again, you can't really shower right after surgery anyway. I managed my hygiene post-op like this: I’d walk myself to the showers, lock the door, and then do a quick wash at the sink using a washcloth. I'm not recommending this because it isn't exactly smart. You have to balance on one leg since you aren't supposed to put weight on the operated side. If something happens while you're locked in, nobody can get to you, and people might get annoyed. But I couldn't just stand there without washing up, at least a little bit, and I felt awkward in those communal areas; I mean, you can't exactly strip down... I brought a small backpack, which I'd suggest—stuff it with soap, a washcloth, and everything else you need to clean up. A backpack is handy because you can wear it on your back so it doesn't get in the way of your crutches. Otherwise, there is NOTHING. No soap, no toilet paper... nothing. You have to bring everything yourself. They sell stuff in the lobby downstairs, but the prices are highway robbery, so I recommend bringing your own supplies from home. There are no closets in the room, just a nightstand. I organized mine by putting my suitcase next to the bed, then placing a smaller bag on top of it (so everything is high enough to reach), and keeping clean underwear and laundry bags inside. You can't bend over to the nightstand, so this way you can grab what you need without having to ask anyone. For the first two or three days, you won't be able to get to the bathroom alone, and until you find your footing, you won't even be able to pull on your underwear. After that, we managed to dress ourselves using our crutches. Maybe you could come up with some kind of hack for that. It might be a good idea to bring thongs or something with a high cut so they don't rub against the incision. And if you can't manage to wash, maybe bring some pantyliners. You just toss the liner and the underwear is fine. As for water, I used one of those bottles with a straw—like cyclists use—so I could drink without struggling or waiting for someone. Again, a backpack is great for carrying that. On the balcony, since I was on the ocean side, we rigged up a clothesline; someone brought one and we hung our towels on it. Bring some clothespins, and maybe a clothesline just in case. We asked the staff if they could make us some coffee. You know how it goes—give them a little something extra and they're happy to help. The women are usually willing to make it. So, that's the gist of what's missing. Otherwise, the nurses, doctors, and everything regarding the medical and human side is suuuuuuuuper. Everyone is incredibly kind and helpful. Sure, the nurses are a bit overwhelmed and can't always get to you instantly, but you won't have any real trouble. So, while the other conditions are a bit pathetic, it's worth putting up with a crappy bathroom for everything else. You're usually there for about two weeks post-op. Hip replacements are usually done one at a time, spaced out by a few months or even up to a year. Sorry for being so long-winded, but I wanted to include as many details as possible so you know what to expect. For me, San Francisco is the gold standard. Maybe we'll run into each other at a follow-up appointment sometime. Good luck, hang in there. If you have more questions, I'm here.😛

Sorry, I just saw this question. If I recall correctly, they did some blood work, but maybe only once or twice. I was taking Andole 100 for a few months after surgery, then slowly tapered off. You probably shouldn't quit cold turkey. Personally, my iron levels were tanked right after the operation, but I managed to fix that with some blackberry wine. Anyway, the therapy phase is pretty short after the procedure. I had my surgery back in 2004, so that’s all ancient history to me now. Regarding the food at the Spa, I know the portions aren't exactly huge, but I think you can sneak a little extra if you try. I know some of the guys figured out how to do that—you just have to be a bit charming with the ladies working the buffet. They didn't keep me for more than three weeks, though I didn't ask for longer because you honestly just wither away from boredom by then. After I left, I did some dry physical therapy exercises at the local clinic; basically, you're left to your own devices. To start, once you've regained some strength, I'd recommend getting those Velcro ankle weights for exercising, or maybe an exercise ball. Later on, hitting the gym would be great, just take it easy. Or, if you have the space, I love having a weight bench at home. Cheers 😍

Awesome. They shaved 4 cm off mine and I’m honestly thrilled. I know he’s getting up there in age, but hey, it’s all part of the service, right? I guess those Spas can be deathly boring, but he'll manage. Grab a drink afterward and you're basically brand new. Personally, I felt great after my check-up, and I always tell people who are on the fence about surgery to just go for it—life is much smoother afterward. Though, staying on top of physical therapy is pretty crucial. I'll admit, I slacked a bit; I lost that initial burst of motivation, and sometimes I just don't have the time with work, which isn't ideal. Anyway, I think I was entitled to two or three weeks at the Spa every year for maintenance. Of course, hardly anyone can afford that nowadays, at least not those of us working for private companies. Cheers to my fellow patient, cheers to Termi, and have fun at Minerva. Are those musicians still playing there?🙂 And is that doctor still showing up to dance with his wife? 🙂

My absolute recommendation is Lovran🙏🙏🙏 The hospital interior is pretty much in shambles, I guess, but the medical side of things is perfect. My doctor is probably the best in the world. The nurses on the ward are great too—everything was just super, super, super. So yeah, Lovran again🙏🙏🙏

Hey there!
I just finished posting in the artificial hip thread, but I couldn't resist dropping in here too. I'm guessing your husband has already headed off to the Varaždin Spa. I actually did the same thing a few years back, though I didn't go to the Salad facility right away. I waited about a month before hitting the Spa, which I think was a much better call. I had more mobility by then, so I could actually get in the pool. My doctor even cleared me to go for a quick 15-minute swim solo before the group sessions started—that’s how far along I was. I stayed at the Varaždin location in the social wing (since they didn't have a spot for Minerva, and three weeks is a long time anyway), but not in the strictly clinical section—I think they call that Terma. It worked fine for me.
Give your husband my best, and wishing your partner a smooth recovery. Honestly, the pain wasn't a massive deal for me. Just a little bit the first day, and then it was mostly SUPAČ. I actually nagged my doctor to make sure I was knocked out during the surgery so I wouldn't have to listen to the bone sawing. It wasn't full general anesthesia—it was an epidural—but they definitely gave me something to ensure I was sleeping through it. 👋

Hey there. I was born with a hip deformity, so I eventually had to get a total hip replacement. Here’s the deal: before this last surgery, I went through the disability assessment process. Back then, my mobility was pretty much shot and one leg was shorter than the other, so it felt like a major issue. I tried to follow up when things got worse, but right before the prosthesis was implanted, a woman on the commission told me I wouldn't get more than 50% for one leg. That’s just how it goes according to the current disability guidelines. You can look it up online—just search for the federal disability schedules or check the Social Security Administration website. It might be worth trying to push for a higher percentage, though. As Hannah Williams5 suggested, you should fill out the necessary forms (you can download them from the SSA site) and attach your medical records. Maybe you'll get lucky and land a higher rating. Good luck!
Regarding those car benefits, I think you need at least an 80% rating now to qualify. The only thing you definitely get with a disability rating is an increased standard deduction on your income tax... If you're working, you'll need to update your W-4 with the IRS (just attach a copy of your disability determination). If you aren't working, you'll handle it when you file your taxes. By the way, did you get a total hip replacement? Where did you have the surgery, if you don't mind me asking?🎉?