Define Disability

Let me begin by stating this is my opinion.  I am still entitled to that. 

As I've stated previously, I had cancer.  I was diagnosed in May 2012.  I had 20 weeks of chemo therapy and so far 4 surgeries.  Some of the lasting affects I have from treatment are, neuropathy (pain and/or numbness in hands and/or feet).  Pain in general.  Fatigue.  I could go on, but my point is, this is not a temporary thing.  While I was going through treatment I didn't just lose my hair, I lost my fingernails, which was very painful.  I fell and had 14 staples in my head.  Painful.  Even just having a cold was painful.  Although I feel better today than I did a year ago, I'm still not close to where I need to be.

The day before my last surgery in March, I lost my job.  I wasn't able to put the hours in that were needed.  I applied for disability first in July of last year when I felt chemotherapy was "killing" me, then again in March.  I've been denied by disability because my ailments are "uncomfortable", but according to disability, not disabling.  I'm unable to sit or stand for long periods of time (more than an hour).  I have pain just typing.  I have been trying to find a job, even if I have to work part time jobs I will, but who is going to hire me?  My treatment and testing etc. is not over yet.  I have to have more surgery in a few months. 

I'm aware there is a lot of abuse in the system, but not everyone that collects disability is abusing the system, so I don't mean this for them.  But I think drug addiction, Depression, ADHD, and various other "illnesses" are not disabling.  I believe depression should not keep you from working.  Working may help you.  I think if you have a drug or alcohol problem, that's your problem.  Why should that be considered disabling?  You did it to yourself. 

I've worked and paid taxes for more years than I care to remember.  I supported my family.  I've paid into this system.  Why can I not collect, until I am "better" and able to return to work?

I also have a friend who had open heart surgery.  Can you imagine just the fear of heart problems?  She too was denied by disability.  Does that make sense? 

I'm told you can visit the food stamp office and drug clinics in RI on any given day to see who is collecting disability.  I think perhaps I may start doing that. I want to ask these people why they aren't able to work and why they are able to collect.  I wonder if they can explain what "disability" means.  Perhaps I'm just not as "educated" as they are.

I've sought the advice of an attorney and he basically told me to lie.  Why would I lie?  I have nothing to hide.  Sometimes I can do light housework, sometimes I can't.  Does that mean I should say I lay in bed all day and do nothing?  Of course I don't. I won't get better if I don't try to do something every day.  I'm not out partying and dancing, but I do try to get out daily.  That's not a bad thing.  I don't take any pain medication because I can't afford it.  I have to cancel half my doctor appointments because I have a high copayment and can't always afford to go.  My medical debt to date is over $20k.  How am I supposed to pay that and my daily living expenses if I can't work and I can't collect?  It makes no sense to me.

Someone, please define disabled to me.  Thank you.