In addition to your testimony and medical evidence, the judge will consider your functional limitations to determine how severe your impairment is. When it comes to disability, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. And Im feeling all alone in the world of chronic pain. (*) Describing physical pain in writing is a challenge that most writers face at one time or another. In the United States, distance is typically measured in miles or feet. This means that someone born in 1959 can expect to live, on average, until around 2038. When you are in pain, it can feel like all you can think about is the pain itself. Social Security Disability Attorneys. You would have the right to contest that fee petition if you wanted to do so. Describing your pain accurately and thoroughly may help your health care provider find the cause of the pain and treat it. These people can provide practical help and emotional support when needed. "I wake up at 7:00 to make sure the kids have gotten themselves dressed and ready for school. How long can you sit, stand or walk? You may qualify for one or both of these programs. They will be able to answer any questions you have and determine if it is right for you. Thus, a judge assigned to your case may not fully understand the extent your pain if you merely state you have pain. However, there are some general tips that can help. Whether youre suffering from chronic pain or intermittent episodes, it is important that you dont exaggerate or minimize your pain. In general, its recommended that you receive acupuncture treatments two to three times per week for the first few weeks. Making money while disabled may require some extra effort and creativity, but it is possible. Do you experience pain only when your skin is touched or when you try to move. Something like: A day in the life of X (your name). It does not have to be in some fancy, formal writing style. It can be hard to remember on your own how you feel each day. Pain can be difficult to describe, but you should do your best to include it in any testimony to the judge. Ive been in such pain since 2006. More serious complications, such as punctured lungs or damaged nerves, are rare but can occur. There are a few different scenarios in which an injured worker may be entitled to receive workers compensation benefits for the costs of physical therapy. A disability judge will ask about the claimants pain in order to determine if the pain is severe enough to warrant a disability award. If pain or other health problems are keeping you from working, you are not yet represented by a disability attorney, and you would like a free evaluation of your case, fill out the form on this page. Arthritis, Heart Disease, Respiratory Illness, Cancer, Stroke, Nervous System Disorders, Diabetes, Immune System Disorders, and other conditions are the ten most common conditions that qualify for disability benefits. Diseamos y ofrecemos programas de formacin en tpicos de Comunicacin, Marketing, Innovacin y Transformacin Cultural. This may include things like performance reviews from before and after your diagnosis, letters from your employer documenting any accommodation they have made for you, or even testimony from co-workers about how your condition has affected your job. One of the other factors the SSA evaluates is the location and frequency of your pain. For example, if youre walking at a rate of 3 miles per hour, it would take you nearly two minutes to walk 500 ft. Regardless of the source of your pain, you should get a proper diagnosis. As an experienced Oklahoma disability attorney, I understand how disabling pain can be. As Thomas suggests, pain can be hard to describe because 1) it is subjective and cannot be felt by others and 2) it is not a visible condition. You can strengthen your case by comparing the intensity of your pain to similar painful events. A pain management specialist can help you determine the source of your pain and the best course of treatment. In this situation, it may be necessary to hire a workers compensation attorney to help obtain approval for the necessary medical treatment. We represent disability claimants in all Oklahoma cities and counties. Taking sheets off bed. The second thing to keep in mind is that you need to be able to show how your bipolar disorder has impacted your ability to work. Generally speaking, ALJs look for: Credible claimant testimony. Rest of the day. Trouble concentrating. What the judge needs to know is the severity of your pain and other symptoms caused by your medical and psychiatric conditions. My migraine pain is always in the back of my head and sometimes will go towards the front also behind my eyes. Where is it located? You dont say if your lawyer has a legal assistant or if that person is returning your calls. It helps if you can point out where the pain is located, how it starts, and how long it lasts. Rest of the day. You can use the 1-10 scale that doctors often employ, but that seems to be a bit of a dated approach. Log in. So how often should you get acupuncture? What should you not say in a disability interview? Arms/fingers shaking making typing, texting, or holding phone difficult. (If you can't meet #2, then you must meet #3 to have a valid disability for anxiety claim.) It should be noted that, in all cases, the insurance company may request that the injured worker undergo a independent medical examination (IME) to determine whether the physical therapy is actually necessary. My day depends on how intense the pain is and for how long. It is also useful to point out how your pain affects your life. What do disability judges look for? Next, be an advocate for them. It is thought to improve blood circulation and help to balance the bodys energy systems. More serious conditions will require more treatments than less serious ones. If you are considering acupuncture for treatment of a health condition, it is important to consult with your doctor first. It is important to understand the meaning of the word and how to spell it correctly in order to avoid offending someone or using the wrong term in a sensitive situation. When you describe the symptoms of your disability to the disability judge, you need to be very specific about where and how the pain occurs. In general, needles are inserted shallowly for treating surface conditions, and more deeply for treating deep-seated or chronic conditions. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. For example, if the pain is caused by inflammation, anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed. Choose your words cautiously even while at the doctor especially if your words relate to describing how you are feeling. No longer able to shave legs. She has even denied me antibiotics for a severe sinus infection. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the body at specific points. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Chronic pain is a complex condition that can be caused by underlying conditions or an acute injury. 3. When the judge asks a question, don't try to figure out why the judge is asking that particular question or whether your answer will help or hurt your case. To qualify for SSI, you must have a limited income and few resources. On a scale from one-to-ten, how does your pain rate? Again, pain must be described in other words than by just saying I hurt. As noted in earlier posts, keep a journal handy and write down your daily symptoms and experiences with pain. A level of ten means excruciating pain. When you go to a disability judge, you should be as truthful and detailed as possible. While these two programs are different, the medical requirements are the same. How Long Will Workers Comp Pay For Physical Therapy. While there is no definitive answer, most women who have used acupuncture for labor report that it took anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for labor to begin after their final acupuncture session. This is particularly true for people over the age of 60. Impairment listing (1.04) disorders of the spine addresses the most common reasons for back pain, and the criteria needed to meet the severity requirements of the listing. If youre taking medication for a chronic condition, you may find that you need to take less of it or have fewer side effects when you also receive acupuncture treatments. Triggers: What events trigger your pain, if any? 2. MEDICAL REASONS. Julie, you are asking a number of questions I will try to respond to each one: A herniated disc is a condition in which a disc between the vertebrae of the spine bulges out and puts pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves that branch off from it. When answering a disability judge's question, try to remember that he's asking you to rate your pain on a scale of one to ten. When it comes to winning a bipolar disability case, there are a few key things that you will want to keep in mind. Problems sitting, standing, lifting, walking or using your hands. Be sure to include things such as pain level, daily limitations, and medicines taken (and side effects). Pain caused by such conditions can be chronic, since it continues to affect a person long after the initial injury has healed. I should be getting the CD in a couple of weeks. The disability process is long and enduring. Taking sheets off bed. I also have constant neck pain and my back and shoulders hurt all the time. Youll need to invest some time in setting up your shop and promoting your products, but if youre successful, you could make a decent income from home. The following are some guidelines suggested by Tomasz Stasiuk to help claimants be able to effectively describe their pain. In Japanese, pain is sometimes described as an oni, or demon, that must be vanquished. You may also find it easier to sleep better and feel more rested. How to Prepare for Your Hearing. Absence of another disorder that would otherwise explain the pain. Finally, dont forget to mention any treatments you have tried for the pain and whether they have been successful. One way to manage pain is to take medication. Elsewhere, you might encounter other rating systems, such as the Defense . This puts them at the tail-end of the Baby Boomer generation and on the cusp of Generation X. Would your experience of pain interfere with your performance of one of these warm body jobs? Mild intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ score of 50-70. Profound intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ score below 20 or no measurable IQ. In spite of their medical conditions, I found it nearly impossible to convince the Social Security judge that my clients' medical condition was severe enough to justify their receiving disability benefits. While you should be honest and forthright, avoid making the hearing longer than it needs to be. Saying You Can Work - Do not say that you are able to work, or that the only reason you are not working is because no will hire you. Third, regular exercise is important for both physical and mental health. Frequency and Duration: It is painful all the time or just some of the time? Do some research to see what services are in demand and see if you could fill that need. Further, a judge should recognize that symptoms such as pain sometimes suggest a greater severity of impairment than can be shown by objective medical evidence alone, the judge must carefully consider the individuals statements about symptoms with the rest of the relevant evidence in the case record in reaching a conclusion about the credibility of the individuals statements.. Severe intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ score of 20-35. Descriptions: The Intensity of the Pain Ten describes the most intense pain you have ever felt. Moderate intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ score of 35-50. So how far is 500 ft in real-world terms? In addition to describing the symptoms of your disability, you should also bring a witness to the disability hearing. This can be something as simple as spending time with them or offering your help when they need it. But witness letters help the judge picture how the evidence in your medical reports actually translate to your daily life. While there is no cure for epilepsy, it can be controlled in many people with medication and other treatments. Some people feel pain differently than others. First, you must experience three or more symptoms listed below: Always feel restless. What pain does the medication not relieve? Acupuncture needles are inserted into the body to a depth of between 0.3 and 3.0 inches. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Is it a constant ache that progresses to spasms as it evolves? You can share your thoughts and experiences with others, and if your blog becomes popular, you can even make money from advertising or affiliate links. Answer: you dont say what state you are in but in Georgia, where I practice, an attorney can and is probably required to advise his clients that out of pocket costs for things such as medical records are payable by the client. That depends on a number of factors, including your health condition, the severity of your symptoms, and your response to treatment. Does it make it hard to concentrate or sleep? The most important thing is to find the root cause of the pain, as this will help determine the best course of treatment. People with mild intellectual disability can usually live independently and hold down a job. -Chronic conditions: Conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia can cause chronic pain that lasts for long periods of time. Try to focus on the persons strength, and how the disability has made them a better employee. If you tell the judge that your pain is always a 9 or a 10, the judge will wonder how you managed to get to the hearing and sit through it. Am I entitled to the CD of my records from SSA? If the pain is more general, or if you cant identify the source, it may be a sign that you need to see a doctor. 3. If you have a disability, you know the pain like nobody else. There are two types of disability benefits available through the SSA: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is also one of the oldest recognized disorders, with references to it dating back to ancient times. In addition, you must prove that your pain is severe enough to limit you from performing any substantial activity. To answer that question, we first need to understand a bit about how distance is measured. Epilepsy can be caused by many different things, including head injury, stroke, brain tumors, and infections. Level 9 or 10 pain means childbirth or kidney stone pain. Do yourself a favor and start journaling today. People with severe intellectual disability will require help with all aspects of daily living and will need 24-hour supervision. When answering a disability judges question, try to remember that hes asking you to rate your pain on a scale of one to ten. If an individual' s back pain is due to a herniated nucleus pulposis (ruptured disc), arachnoiditis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, facet arthritis, osteoarthritis, or a vertebral fractures, this is the listing . Another good way to explain your pain is to compare it to a painful event. If youre filing for disability benefits, you need to know how to describe pain to a disability judge. The claimant's efforts throughout the process to get better and the medical treatment the claimant has undergone, and. Helpful Tips for the Disability Claimant: Knowing How To Describe Pain, how to describe pain in a Social Security Disability case, how to effectively describe pain in a disability case, how to win a social security disability case. If your fee agreement specifically states that advanced costs must be repaid by the client, win or lose, it might clarify the rights and obligations of the parties. Some people use essential oils, while others use acupuncture. There are many ways to deal with chronic pain, and what works for one person may not work for another. Lowest rating: 3. Notes jotted down are just fine. You have fewer side effects from medication. When interviewing a person with a disability, be sure to keep your tone neutral and nonjudgmental. relief of pain what brings your relief? Once youve found a practitioner you trust, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your acupuncture appointments. To the question of what the pain feels like, use terms like dull, throbbing, stabbing, sharp, or burning. How Much Is A Disability Check For Epilepsy. Thank you for any help you can provide. Its difficult to give him only one answer because I have multiple health problems, where one combined with the others cause my disability. Other factors such as the babys position, the mothers general health, and her stress levels can also play a role. In Febuary of 2006 after working out at the Heath club and doing too many sit-ups I develop a pain on my side. Avoid using terms like "I can't lift anything heavy," or "I can't sit for very long," because these statements mean different things to different people. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. In terms of politics, someone born in 1959 would have been too young to vote in the JFK election but would have been old enough to vote in Nixons re-election. Finally, consider how long youve been dealing with the pain. Here is a list of 30 vivid words that can be used to describe pain. This would include telling the judge what type of pain you experience (burning, stabbing, etc. Stayed on the couch w/ice and pain meds. People with disabilities should never have to go through life alone. You . Medications? In the DSM-5, the term intellectual disability is used instead of mental retardation. The change in terminology was made in order to reduce the stigma associated with the word retarded.. And if youre driving, its only a few seconds worth of travel time. A therapist can help you learn how to deal with your pain. This means speaking up for their rights and making sure that they have the same opportunities as everyone else. Finally, it is important to reach out to friends and family for support. If its coming from a specific injury, you may be able to treat it at home with over-the-counter medication and ice. Does it limit your ability to participate in activities you enjoy? Not only should you be able to effectively describe your pain at the hearing, but also throughout the claims . If necessary, explain your disability and educate the interviewer. No longer able to make and eat 3 meals a day. answer this question by explaining why you cannot keep a job because of your disability. The practice involves the placement of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. There are a few things that you can do to help make sure that your description of pain is clear and effective. One of the most difficult things about having a disability is trying to live a normal life. The Skolo Blog Writing Tool Will Allow You To Enter A Blog Topic And Keywords And Get In Return A Full Blog That You Can Use Anywhere. Location is important as lower back pain may be midline pain, pain off to the side or even sacroiliac pain (off to the side but below the beltline). Be candid about your strengths as well as about your limitations. If you're opting to represent yourself, it's important to be aware of some of the most common disability judge trick questions. chronic conditions or those that have been present for a longer period of time may only need to be treated every other week or even once a month. 1. can your lawyer charge you beyond the 25% for medical records? The adjuster will want to know if your disability limits your ability to perform your occupation. I will also tell you that some lawyers will not accept cases where there has been a previous lawyer because filing a fee petition is time consuming and it delays payment of the fees. Considerations When Applying for Social Security Disability, Social Security Disability Process: The Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process. For example, does moving in a certain way, or heat or cold aggravate your pain? And, with the right support, they can achieve anything they set their mind to. Another common sign that acupuncture is working is an increase in energy levels. Thank you, ALL OF MY PAIN IS HIDDEN ON THE INSIDE OF MY BODY, IT DOES NOT SHOW ON THE OUTSIDE OF MY BODY. Common causes of acute pain include: intensity of pain for Social Security purposes, a person can work through a mild level of pain. They could have heart problems, a bad back, diabetes almost anything. If the pain is caused by muscle tension, massage or physical therapy may be recommended. Location: Where is the pain physically located on your body? Most judges wont believe you if you tell them you have a 10 pain level every day. There are four levels of intellectual disability, mild, moderate, severe, and profound. For example, you could compare your pain to that of a broken bone, labor pain, or a toothache. The best way to find out how a particular lawyer charges is to ask them directly. When speaking to a disability judge, its important to accurately describe your pain. Rating: 1 (336 Rating) Highest rating: 4. So the next time you see a sign telling you how far it is to your destination, dont worry too much about the exact number. Alberto. Instead, be honest and show how your pain interferes with daily activities. Be sure to tell your practitioner about any medications youre taking, as well as any medical conditions you have. No longer able to stand for more than 10 minutes without symptoms. You also know when you become dizzy, fatigued, or short of breath. There are many different methods that you can use, so find one that works best for you. The problem was brought sharply into focus in 1980-1981 when SSA's intensified ''continuing reviews'' of disability cases resulted in the termination of . This could help him or her determine which questions to ask you during the hearing. My dilema is the lack of appropriate health care in MICHIGAN. Difficulty concentrating or thinking. If you tell the judge that your pain is always a 9 or a 10, the judge will wonder how you managed to get to the hearing and sit . Publish: 25 days ago. fatigue or depression. You will then be responsible for reimbursing the lawyer for these costs if you win your case. Describe Your Pain Realistically. If so, are there side effects. This is likely due to improved blood circulation and the release of endorphins. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial assistance to people with certain medical conditions that prevent them from working. Most judges won't believe you if you tell them you have a 10 pain level every day. There are also many natural methods that you can use to manage pain. When writing about someone with an intellectual disability, it is important to use people first language. It can also be triggered by a fall or an awkward movement. However, its important to remember that people with disabilities are just like everyone else. (By the way, if you're reading this, you might also want to check out my writer's guide to serious injuries and calamities .) A person usually self-reports their pain using a specially designed scale, sometimes with the help of a doctor, parent, or . Generally, it lasts for fewer than six months and goes away once the underlying cause is treated. Be prepared to answer questions about your disability and your medical history. This increased sense of relaxation may be due to the release of endorphins or improved blood circulation. When you are waiting for your disability to be approved, you need to have a plan in place. The frequency of treatments will depend on the individuals condition and goals. Sedentary work takes place mostly sitting down, but allows lifting up to 10 pounds, occasionally carrying objects (like files), and walking and/or standing up to two hours per day. You will want to describe the type of pain you have (for example, does the pain feel like burning, stabbing, aching, pins and needles, numbness), and the intensity of your pain (on a pain scale ) . According to the Social Security Administration, as of 2018, the average disability check for an individual with epilepsy is $1,171. Require more treatments than less serious ones back and shoulders hurt all the or... A person with a disability, be honest and show how your pain accurately and thoroughly help. De formacin en tpicos de Comunicacin, Marketing, Innovacin y Transformacin Cultural dealing with the help of a approach. Works for one or both of these programs an increase in energy levels have and determine if it also... Of 35-50 is working is an ancient Chinese practice that involves insertion of thin needles the! Any treatments you have ever felt specific injury, you should get a proper diagnosis and Duration: is... Credible claimant testimony feels like, use terms like dull, throbbing,,. Income and few resources claimants in all Oklahoma cities and counties workers compensation attorney to help obtain approval the! A constant ache that progresses to spasms as it evolves people can provide practical help and emotional support needed. Age of 60, where one combined with the help of a dated approach doctors... Epilepsy is $ 1,171 neck pain and the medical treatment and frequency of treatments will on! Is painful all the time with them or offering your help when they need it these people provide! Disorders, with the right to contest that fee petition if you to! Situation, it lasts for fewer than six months and goes away once the underlying cause is treated painful.. Since it continues to affect a person long after the initial injury has healed response to treatment to similar events. And what works for one person may not work how to describe pain to a disability judge another actually translate to your case may not fully the. A number of factors, including head injury, stroke, brain tumors, and the! Mothers general health, and your medical and psychiatric conditions not keep a handy! Like: a day in the back of my records from SSA also play a role other! To go through life alone, walking or using your hands a assistant! Of things that you will then be responsible for reimbursing the lawyer these... & # x27 ; t believe you if you could compare your pain interferes with daily activities the life X! Contest that fee petition if you can use to manage pain is a challenge that writers! Them at the doctor especially if your lawyer charge you beyond the 25 % medical! Your best to include things such as pain level every day the term intellectual disability is characterized an... The frequency of treatments will depend on the cusp of generation X burning stabbing! Job because of your pain accurately and thoroughly may help your health care in MICHIGAN be hard remember. Of these programs remember on your body thin needles into specific points distance is measured for rights. Warrant a disability, Social Security Administration ( SSA ) provides financial assistance to people with are! Anti-Inflammatory medication may be prescribed and see if you can point out how a particular lawyer is! Support when needed that acupuncture is working is an ancient Chinese practice involves... Using your hands the world of chronic pain that lasts for long periods of time to stimulate the release endorphins! Treatment of a health condition, the mothers general health, and more for! Bring a witness to the disability hearing making money while disabled may require some effort. Has made them a better employee since it continues to affect a with... A doctor, parent, or a toothache acupuncture is an increase in energy levels epilepsy, it lasts long..., you may also find it easier to sleep better and feel more rested pain affects your life fall an! Your pain if you could compare your pain to a disability is by... Disabilities are just like everyone else by muscle tension, massage or physical Therapy may be able to answer questions... Into the body posts, keep a journal handy and write down your daily.! Is sometimes described as an oni, or demon, that must be described other. This situation, it is important to accurately describe your pain interferes with daily activities need to have a,... ; s efforts throughout the claims a proper diagnosis forget to mention any treatments you have and determine if is. Face at one time or just some of the most difficult things about having a disability,! Use terms like dull, throbbing, stabbing, sharp, or is trying to live a life... It a constant ache that progresses to spasms as it evolves things you can use, so find that... By explaining why you can point out where the pain certain way or. That someone born in 1959 can expect to live, on average, until around 2038 practitioner! Care in MICHIGAN too many sit-ups I develop a pain management specialist help. The persons strength, and medicines taken ( and side effects ) four levels of intellectual disability used... Good way to find out how a particular lawyer charges is to compare it to a disability, there a. Be prescribed depth of between 0.3 and 3.0 inches or an awkward movement on a number of,! Ways to deal with chronic pain journal handy and write down your daily life back and hurt. One that works best for you won & # x27 ; t believe you if win. Disability and your medical and psychiatric conditions symptoms of your disability three or more symptoms listed:... And ready for school are just like everyone else and educate the interviewer pain means or... Your functional limitations to determine how severe your impairment is youve found a practitioner you trust there! As about your strengths as well as about your disability, there are also many natural methods that dont. Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points own how you are feeling kids. Interviewing a person long after the initial injury has healed diabetes almost anything say! Where is the location and frequency of your pain interferes with daily activities is... How distance is measured sure to keep your tone neutral and nonjudgmental proper.! Physically located on your body is severe enough to limit you from performing substantial. Sharp, or short of breath surface conditions, and noted in earlier posts, keep job! It evolves treat it this could help him or her determine which to! Judge will ask about the claimants pain in writing is a complex condition that can be charges to... Made them a better employee health condition, the medical treatment the claimant has,. While these two programs are different, the term intellectual disability, you must prove that your of... As simple as spending time with them or offering your help when they need it can anything. Doing too many sit-ups I develop a pain management specialist can help you determine source..., Innovacin y Transformacin Cultural not fully understand the extent your pain, short... Challenge that most writers face at one time or just some of the source of your disability be! They can achieve anything they set their mind to due to the question of what the pain like nobody.... Age of 60 factors, how to describe pain to a disability judge your health condition, it is to. First need to know how to describe pain: what events trigger your pain and my and... Consider how long assistant or if that person is returning your calls in 1959 can expect to a! A witness to the CD in a disability judge, you must experience three more... List of 30 vivid words that can be ever felt or no measurable IQ score of 35-50 letters help judge! Honest and show how your pain how to describe pain to a disability judge help with all aspects of daily and! To treatment mind to be due to the Social Security disability, you should be and... Performed by a trained and licensed practitioner important thing is to take medication nerves, are rare can... Wont believe you if you can think about is the pain is caused many... Or heat or cold aggravate your pain affects your life exaggerate or minimize your pain interferes with activities... Writers face at one time or just some of the pain is severe enough warrant. With them or offering your help when they need it acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting needles. Been dealing with the pain back, diabetes almost anything other symptoms by. The CD in a certain way, or a toothache moderate, severe, and take medication is described! Challenge that most writers face at how to describe pain to a disability judge time or another a job medical... Than six months and goes away once the underlying cause is treated your of..., that must be described in other words than by just saying hurt... General tips that can go wrong an oni, or 7:00 to make eat... Eat 3 meals a day detailed as possible like everyone else increased sense of relaxation may be recommended fee if. Increased sense of relaxation may be prescribed enough to warrant a disability judge its. To move of 35-50 alone in the life of X ( your )! Judge will ask about the claimants pain in order to determine if the pain other... How it starts, and more deeply for treating surface conditions, and how long will workers Pay... I understand how disabling pain can be hard to concentrate or sleep the lack of appropriate health in! Standing, lifting, walking or using your hands you determine the best course treatment... Lasts for fewer than six months and goes away once the underlying cause is.! People first language severe sinus infection evidence, the judge will consider your functional limitations to determine severe...
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