Interstitial Cystitis

Living with a disability can be overwhelming. People who suffer from disabilities may be unable to enjoy past hobbies, and severe disabilities can make it impossible for these individuals to work or care for themselves. When a disability makes it impossible for a person to earn an income, social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits help those who worked in the past pay for basic necessities like housing and food.

What Is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is a condition that causes inflammation, pressure and pain in the bladder and pelvis. The pain associated with this disease can range from mild to severe, and the condition is also called painful bladder due to this symptom.

People who have interstitial cystitis feel the urge to urinate more frequently than others. Other common symptoms include frequent urination, pain when the bladder is full, pelvic pain, pain between the scrotum or vagina and anus and pain during intercourse. The severity of these symptoms can vary, and symptoms may disappear and reappear.

While it cannot be cured, medical professionals can prescribe treatments that may provide some relief for the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Strengthening the pelvic floor by using exercises prescribed during physical therapy may alleviate pressure and pain. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to relieve the inflammation and pressure associated with interstitial cystitis, and the urge to urinate frequently may be relieved through the use of anti-depressants or antihistamines.

Techniques to stimulate the nerves to block signals that cause a sufferer to feel the urge to urinate may also be used. In rare cases, surgery may be used to prevent ulcers that can result from the complications of interstitial cystitis.

Getting SSDI For Interstitial Cystitis

While interstitial cystitis is not listed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a disability, people who have complications from the condition may be eligible for SSDI benefits. The first step when trying to prove that the condition is severe enough to make it impossible for the sufferer to work is to establish that symptoms are caused by interstitial cystitis. Symptoms including a frequent urge to urinate, pain and tenderness in the pelvis, bleeding on the bladder wall and ulcers in the bladder will have to be observed by a medical professional, and a formal diagnosis must be made.

People with interstitial cystitis may also have qualifying conditions like lupus or depression. Sufferers may find themselves unable to work because of the impairments suffered due to the combination of conditions.

Another way to qualify for SSDI benefits with interstitial cystitis is to take a residual functional capacity test to determine the limitations caused by the condition. This test will evaluate the abilities of the applicant to determine whether the individual is able to perform job tasks. The results of the test will be used in conjunction with the applicant’s job and academic history to see if there any jobs for which that applicant is qualified that would be possible for the individual to complete with the limitations of the disability.

Getting Help From an Attorney

Applying for SSDI benefits is a long, complicated process that can be frustrating for people who need these benefits to pay for necessities. Many people feel alone as they go through the application process, but there is help available. An experienced SSDI lawyer is able to guide clients through the application process to alleviate some of the stress. These legal professionals are familiar with the requirements set forth by the SSA and can help clients gather medical records to provide evidence of the disability. The first step to getting the SSDI benefits that are needed when a person is unable to work is to consult with an attorney.