As health demands evolve over the years, the definition of a long-term disability has changed. Some of the shifting comes from a growing understanding of how diseases actually affect many aspects of living. A growing consciousness of the actual rights of the medically compromised has also spurred this change.
Today, a long-term disability refers to any condition that affects a patient for at least one year to the rest of their life. This includes those with effects that come and go, also called ‘recurring conditions.’
Long-term disabilities cover disorders such as mental health issues, cardiovascular issues, autoimmune disorders, cancers, amputation, digestive diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders, to name a few.
Most long-term disabilities are also progressive. That means they’re expected to worsen in the future. Some have no cure, but these usually have some form of treatment to make the overall outlook more manageable and improve quality of life. This was made possible by the expertise of specialist doctors and other health service providers.
Despite knowledge of these things, getting support for long-term disability remains tricky for many people. This is unfortunate as many of these patients end up getting in risky situations due to employers who refuse to understand their cases.
For starters, you must confirm that you have one to qualify for benefits. This is best achieved with an official diagnosis from a doctor.
You may be entitled to benefits if you have the following long-term disabilities.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and their surrounding connective tissues. The main symptoms include swelling, tenderness, pain, and stiffness. These start as mild and then later on progress as the patient ages.
There are different types of arthritis, the two most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they differ in the following ways:
- Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative disorder that causes the breaking down of cartilage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This occurs when the immune system attacks the joints, causing the tissues to deteriorate.
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms, a visit to an orthopedic specialist can help you get to the root of your condition. The sooner you start treatment, the better your outcomes for living well despite arthritis.
2. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression. This mental health condition manifests in episodes of high and low energy, which often disrupt a person’s way of life and even put themselves and others in danger.
Most bipolar disorder diagnoses fall under the following:
- Bipolar I: The classic type of bipolar disorder. It causes both manic and depressive tendencies. A single episode can last for a week, sometimes necessitating medical care when the episode results in total neglect of one’s health.
- Bipolar II: This is similar to bipolar I, except that the ‘ups’ never reach a full manic state. The periods between episodes are also shorter.
- Cyclothymic disorder: This is a type of bipolar disorder where the patient moves from mania to depression very quickly, causing drastic shifts in perceptions and behavior that can be dangerous.
3. Cancer
Cancer is one of the world’s most life-threatening diseases. It occurs when the body’s cells start to grow uncontrollably and then spread to other its other parts, disrupting their functions in a process known as metastasis.
At present, there’s still no cure for cancer. However, most prognoses seem to be getting better as more treatment options are explored. Their success depends on factors like the patient’s health condition, what stage the cancer is, and what type.
The most common life-threatening cancers include:
- Breast cancer: Most breast cancers start in the ducts or lobules before spreading rapidly through the tissues of the body. Early detection increases the success of treatments. Breast tumor removals have also become more sophisticated these days, further lengthening the life expectancies of patients.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. It first manifests through unexplained fever, itchy skin, painless swelling of lymph nodes in the groin, armpit, or neck, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue.
- Lung cancer: As the name suggests, it’s a cancer that starts in the lungs, usually in the cells that line the air passages.
- Melanoma: This is a lethal type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, the cells that give the skin its color. This can also develop in your eyes and, very rarely, in the nose and throat.
A patient who has cancer should have an oncologist as their head physician. More specialists may be added, depending on what the oncologist deems best.
Know What You Have
Knowing which qualification your problem belongs to is part of understanding your outlook for treatment and management. This goes a long way in securing the benefits you need to continue maintaining a high quality of life.
Secure a clear diagnosis from your doctor and have them draw up a healthcare plan. This should help clarify your case to your insurance provider, allowing you to access the aid you deserve.
Feel free to consult experts for more help with getting support for long-term disabilities.
