I have a heart congition, does that make me disabled?

Question

My heart condition is one that can cause sudden death....which I came close to when I went into cardiac arrest about 7 years ago. I do have an AICD implanted wich keeps me from fatal arrythmias. The fact is I am still limited as to what I can do. so my question is, am I disabled or not?

Answer 1

You dont specify your limitations, however it is my experience with a number of friends, that people who have heart attacks or "cardiac episodes" tend to let their fear control their lives.

I had one friend who was afraid to laugh ! He was terrified it would bring on another heart attack - that was fifteen years ago and he's still with us and has learned not to let the fear control and restrict him.

If your doctor has not specifically told you that you are unfit for any employment, and if it is fear of a repeat that is keeping you from pursuing viable employment then no, you are probably not disabled.

I assume that other then your cardiac arrest 7 years ago you do not have any physical limitations that prevent you from working and living a "normal" life.

Clearly you probably dont want to take up weight lifting - or ditch digging, or running marathons, but 7 years is a long time to be "on hold".

In view of the AICD would you say you STILL are at risk for "sudden death"? The AICD monitors your heart beat and removes or minimizes this risk.

I have a feeling its fear that is holding you back. I understand what you went through was really really scary and who wouldnt have residual fear however a counselor can help you come to terms with it and move on.

Dont let the emotional trauma and fear prevent you from living your life to the fullest.

Be thankful you Do have the opportunity to move on from here and make the most of your life. Dont count yourself down and out and disabled if there is no need to be.

Make hay while the sun is still shining because too soon we will all be old and unemployable - carpe diem !

The following information is from a very good site, Mt. Sinai.

What feelings should I expect to have?

You have had a strong physical and emotional experience. Your feelings may go through similar stages to that of the grieving process: denial, sadness, anger, and finally acceptance. This is common. You may go through these feelings more than once and in a different order. That is normal, too. It is important to work through these feelings. Some hospitals have support groups. You can also talk with your clergy, nurse, doctor or a therapist.

Will my lifestyle be affected by this implant?

There will be a few changes in your life, some of them will be temporary. For example, your doctor will ask you not to drive your car for awhile.

Expect a slow recovery. You may be aware of the AICD in the beginning, but you will adjust to it.

You will gradually resume your normal lifestyle. This will include returning to your job, traveling, exercise, sexual activity, pursuing hobbies and recreational activities.

Answer 2

A disability is defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as “any mental or physical condition that substantially limits an individual’s ability to perform one or more major life activities.” Major life activities include, but are not limited to, walking, seeing, breathing, learning, working, or performing manual tasks. Disabilities include physical, mental, or learning disabilities that can be chronic or temporary in nature

Answer 3

That depends on a number of factors. Principally it depends on how limited your activities are--and which activities.

Mosdet impairment (e.g. limited participation in sports, dietary restrictions) do not constitute a disability. If, on the other hand, you cannotwork,or can only work a minimal amount, it woudld almost certainly be considered a disability. You need to ceck with your doctor--and then contact the Social Security Administration.

Answer 4

I conflict with this daily...I artwork with babies and youthful adults who've developmental disabilities. I artwork with them on community events (procuring, rec, etc. ) so i'm getting to work out a great form of distinctive attitudes from people. in my opinion it is all a count of equality. each disability is distinctive yet base line we are all human. fairly of watching a man or woman with Angelman's or Autism or Down Syndrome and making assumptions, we must be coaching ourselves on the basics and allowing them to be an element of society. in my opinion i do no longer see my pupil's disabilities anymore! as quickly as you quite get to know somebody who has a disability, you have permit your self see who they are previous the incapacity. If we are able to artwork in direction of that, hearts and minds might truthfully start to shift!

Answer 5

Yes you are. In England a Disability is defined as any condition which has affected you for over a year.

Answer 6

You have a medical condition that you are not allowing to make you a disabled person.

Answer 7

Get all your paper work lined up and go to SS and find out. The VP still works in a stressful job. Pops

Answer 8

This is a question that you need to ask your Dr. Different states have different laws regulating what is and what isn't disabled.

Answer 9

I have a friend that has a heart transplant and they are still not giving him disablility because he is 22 years old... they say that he is not eligable... but i am guessing that it all has to do with your state. check with your local SS office

Answer 10

I doubt if you could get social security disability.