Question
I've been waiting for ssi since 2004, been denied twice, this is my third try.  I have a atty.but I can't get the medical help I need because soon as the ER's find out I have no insurance or money, they turn me around or hurry me out the door. I sat in a ER room for 4 1/2 hrs. trying to get medical help, when a doc. did see me she looked at me, took my vituals, said my blood pressure was down, did not treat me, then sent me back outside, then charged me 65.00 which I did not have.  I have no family, only one niece that can try to take care of me.  I have fibromayalgia, asthma, highblood pressure, arthrius, servere migraines, digenrate disk in back, obese and everyday God sends, I'm in pain.  I can't sleep at night, headaches all the time, nerves are bad from all the pain, can't get medication for  anything right now, I'm in pain almost 24/7.  My niece got hurt on her job, she can't work any overtine to help anymore like she use to, can you please help anyway you can, SSI has not sent a appointment for my second hearing.  They did say that the 1st hearing I will not get any back pay for because it was denied.  I tired to get a lawyer to take the case,but no one wanted to touch a district court ruling for some reason.  I don't understand these laws, but in the meantime I still suffer, I use a cane cause my legs give out on me without warning, both knees are bad now because I've been waiting so long, free clinics are here, but the lines are so long, I can't stand that long or set that long due to the pain, they won't favor anybody due to confusion in lines at these clinics.  My joints stay stuff, my shoulders, arms, neck and legs, my hands hurt like some one is jabbing a sharp knife between the joints, sometimes I cry when no one is around because of the pain. I have a 6 year grandson I have custody of, I love him with all my heart, I'm all he has to love and care for him, I can't do what I use to do to care for him, but my niece comes in daily and helps me.  He is the reason I still live, when I'm in that kind of pain, all kinds of thoughts run through my head.  I have to survive so he can have a chance in life, a chance to live.  The pain is enough to want to sleep away, but I can't, cause he will have no one to love and watch him grow up.  Is there any help for me in ALAbama?  Because I can't get medical help, I was told that SSI might denie me again,  I can't keep surviving without income, medical help or transportation.  These last four, almost five years have been a living hell for me, I don't wish this on anybody.  Please give me some advice ASAP, so I can seek help.  2 months ago I spotted blood drops in my stools, I'm afraid to tell my niece, I saw it again, now I'm more afraid, went to ER. they said I strained, but stomach hurts a lot, don't think it was that.  I don't want to die, waiting to live.  Thank you for your time, God Bless All that listens to people that genuinally need help.  Thank you. Belinda

Answer
Dear Belinda,

I can only imagine what you are going through! I too lived for several years with chronic pain that effected my work, sleep and everyday life, but it sounds like you are facing much greater challenges than that.

I would suggest contacting the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program:

PADD/PAIMI/PAIR/PAAT/PABSS/TBI/PAVA
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
The University of Alabama
Box 870395
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0395
Executive Director, Ellen Gillespie
Phone: 205-348-4928
Toll Free/TDD 1-800-826-1675
Fax: 205-348-3909
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:www.ADAP.net

They may be able to assign someone to help you navigate the system.

I hope this helps, and keep the faith!

Jon Eriquezzo