Can I get disability for sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis?

• I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, I am taking 40mg. of Prednisone, and 800mg. of Bactrim. I am 32 yrs. old, and a smoker trying to quit. I still have more tests to take to see if it is in my eyes and heart. I haven't worked in a year, but I guess wondering if it is possible to get a job, and what kind of job could I do. I applied for SSI and Disability for Depression a year ago, and they denied me, then I added my Sarcoidosis before they make a decision in November. So, is it possible to get a job, and still have this disease? Or is anyone that has this disease still working or not. My brother seems to think this disease is nothing and I can still work, just wanting to see if it is possible or not.

• Answer:

  Sarcoidosis is a disorder shrouded in mystery. Although it is a disease that results from an immune dysfunction, scientists are unclear as to the cause of this potentially devastating illness. People with sarcoidosis can develop small nodules (granulomas) of inflamed tissue in any part of the body. Although it usually affects the lungs, it can also involve the skin, eyes, muscles, heart, kidney, nerves and brain. It can cause death. Furthermore, currently there is no cure for sarcoidosis Victims of this complex disease suffer tremendously. Sarcoidosis can attack anywhere within the body and causes permanent damage to the affected organs. Many people with this disease are plagued with chronic pain and fatigue symptoms that may be invisible to others, but devastating to those who are afflicted. The most common presentation is lung problems, which can range from mild symptoms, such as chronic cough, to life-threatening irreversible fibrosis (or stiffening of the lungs). When sarcoidosis affects the eyes, some persons experience excruciating pain. Others can lose their sight. Sarcoidosis can affect the vital organs such as the heart, liver, spleen and kidney; and even the brain. These can be life threatening. People affected by sarcoidosis have their lifestyles severely altered as a result of trying to cope with and manage the disease. Family members, friends and many physicians often misunderstand sarcoidosis patients because most patients look perfectly healthy when in fact they are quite ill. The programs and services of the Sarcoidosis Research Institute focus on patient education and research initiatives Informative literature and videos are available to educate patients and their families of this often self limited acute disease to a chronic debilitating disease which may lead to death. There are a variety of granulomatous disorders that closely resemble sarcoidosis, including tuberculosis. The close resemblence to tuberuculosis has led to speculation that sarcoidosis is due to an infectious organism. It is the formation of these granulomas and the resulting tissue damage caused by the cells within these granulomas that cause the symptoms of sarcoidosis Depression doesn't qualify you for disability as it's very subjective. However, sarcoidosis beause of its severity should qualifies you.