Lupus And SSDI: What Do I Need To Know?

Recently, musician and actress Selena Gomez opened up about her battle with lupus.

In an interview with Billboard Magazine, Gomez confirmed what was speculated about her in gossip columns for years, saying she had to undergo chemotherapy to fight the autoimmune disease.

Gomez said that the disease caused her to take a hiatus from work. “I was diagnosed with lupus, and I’ve been through chemotherapy. That’s what my break was really about. I could’ve had a stroke,” Gomez told Billboard.

In 2013, rumors swirled about the signer suffering an illness after she canceled a world tour. “I locked myself away until I was confident and comfortable again,” Gomez said.

Lupus is a Chronic Disease that Affects Millions of Americans

Gomez’s openness about struggling with lupus is a reminder of how the disease can affect victims. The disease can affect any part of a person’s body, but typically attacks the skin, joints, blood and kidneys, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.

For some victims, the disease leaves them unable to work as they suffer from fatigue, fever, weight loss, painful joints, rashes, hearing loss, anemia, abnormal bloating and ulcers. Additionally, those with more advanced conditions can suffer strokes.

“There can be an increased risk of … strokes, blood clotting in the legs or even heart attacks,” said Dr. Joan Merrill, when interviewed by CNN about Gomez’s condition. Treatment for the disease depends on its severity and can range from immunosuppressants or anti-inflammatories, to aggressive treatments like chemotherapy, the news outlet reported.

If Lupus Leaves You Unable to Work, Speak to Our Tulsa SSDI Attorneys

People who are unable to work due to lupus may want to look into applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

For more information about SSDI, including eligibility requirements, you can visit our FAQ page. For lupus victims, in many cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may require that the disease must affect at least two parts of your body, such as your skin, brain, heart, kidneys and/or lungs. If your condition reaches a point where you are receiving aggressive treatment, this can be used as evidence of your disability.

If you have questions about SSDI eligibility and lupus, speak to our Tulsa Social Security lawyers by calling (918) 265-1404.

Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/08/health/selena-gomez-reveals-she-has-lupus/

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