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Joined
Jun 1, 2015
Messages
27
Reason
DX FIBRO
Diagnosis
05/2015
Country
US
State
WA
I got diagnosed in the past week, but I've had severe symptoms since October. I'm considering going on disability. I used to work ~38 hours a week but I had to quit because of the pain and fatigue. I'm only 19 and I'm stuck at my parents house. I can't work but would like some semblance of independence. If I do much of anything demanding for even 20 minutes I become racked with aching, nausea and foggy-headedness for a few hours. Less than a year ago I was climbing mountains and running half marathons. I feel like if I go on disability then I'm weak and admitting defeat. I was saving money but had to spend it all on health care for other reasons. Now I'm entirely dependent on my parents. I have no autonomy and it puts a strain on them too. I'd love to begin meds to try to manage my pain but my doctor doesn't want to prescribe anything. I'm dependent on her expertise for another health issue, as she is the best in my area, and I'm worried she'll stop seeing me for that if I try to get treatment from another doctor. What should I do? Should I find another doc? Am I weak if I go on disability? Sorry for the rant.
 
Welcome to the site, first off Id ask another Dr for pain meds and say u really need to work and pain meds just might help u do that. Explain that at your age u really wanna life as best u can.
If they still refuse ask them how they would feel not being able to work and in pain 24 hours of every day.
If u still get no help then disability is a must ,you then have nothing to feel bad about. Xxx
 
It's taken me a year to finally accept I have a disease, and am just now seriously looking into ssd. Be careful about when you call, go to ssd.wa.gov hope I can share that, they will set you up with a interview, be sure it's Social Security Disability. I'm right there too, good luck, sometimes it can take a while. (FROM WHAT I HAVE HEARD).
 
I was given the Fibro diagnosed in 1999, so lots of years. I use ALL supps for Fibro support and ibuprofen for pain...I deal with OA too. You are very young and it's not an easy road to get disability. The disability system is so clogged.

Grape Seed Extract is a great antioxidant and I'm on it 20 yrs soon. I've never had brain fog. Magnesium is critical too.

My 18 yr old grandgirl takes grape seed ex for her overall general health.
 
Thyroid is a major issue with FM. You are so young but thyroid could be an issue.
 
Welcome to the Forum Catherinethegreat! I'm so sorry you are going through this at your young age....I would suggest continuing to pursue additional medical information, likely through a second opinion (different physician). I have dealt with this illness for a long time and tried a myriad of different medications. I finally got to the point where I couldn't work last year and explored SSD as an option. I will say it is a difficult process and they will want a lot of documentation to prove you are truly disabled. I was blessed and had been diligent for a long time so had that back-up information and did get approved the first time, but my understanding is that it is rare. I also had the support of my primary care physician, neurologist, gastro specialist and counselor. That's not to say if you truly are to that point you shouldn't try, but I would certainly want to know how you went from being able to climb mountains and run marathons to where you are today a year later. For all the years I have had fibro, medication was able to help me keep living my life. It was a slow decline for me. Please keep looking into your health issues and explore all avenues. This can be done at the same time as you are exploring Social Security Disability and Social Security Disability Insurance. Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing....Hugs
 
my comments NOT showing up, thought things would be fixed, but guess not

they show up once I post again.
 
Thyroid is a major issue with FM. You are so young but thyroid could be an issue.

I've had my blood work and thyroid stuff checked probably a half dozen times before I finally got diagnosed. There does not appear to be any issue with that.

I'm working with another healthcare provider to see if I can get help from a pain clinic here in Seattle. Hopefully they can get me able to work...

Thanks for all of the welcomes, everybody.
 
I understand I'm 29 and have the children. I have applied and I'm still going through the process.
I have it hard right now because my children are young three under the. I am trying to be a good mother but when you can't get our of bed it's become to hard. I tried to work but the pain that I felt impossible alone with the fatigue. I hope you get yours because I understand what you are going through. I also feel that when you are young they tend to believe that we are all a lie.
 
Hi Catherine the Great! No you are not weak! if even going on disability is an option. I have had chronic pain issues for over ten years and was on slow release morphine twice a day. It blotted things out while I was running my own business and being a really functional, hard working and passionate landscaper. I had an event (herniation) in 2004 that resulted in an osteoarthritic site between my shoulders that affects my hands, my grip, the extension of my upper spine and limbs. So goodbye using shovels and spades and hand tools and climbing ladders with a chainsaw...

Sorry if I'm going off track but i'm reading other's replies to you as well...

Medication is good but realise all and any side effects. Opiates will destroy your bone density so get lots of dairy and sunlight. I relied on opiates for years to make a living and actually function and work.

Fibro on the other hand is a cruel neurological disorder where the way you perceive pain can be amplified. I feel stress and negativity play a great role in amplification. A clean diet and good clean water (not tap) can really help. Keep a food diary and track any reactions as I went through multiple chemical sensitivities for no reason also. I have talked about mindfulness meditation with Btoppe. Be kind to yourself.

Always get a second opionion. Even the Pain Fraternity where I am can't agree within themselves in regards to my case. Engage with people who understand, not just people that prescribe. Put yourself down on an 18 month wait for a pain clinic cos it's worth it.

I am single and on a disability pension at age 40. It was VERY hard to get onto and it took two years to come to fruition. I can appreciate that things are different between Australia and the US but i diarised my symptoms, reactions, foods, what I could and couldn't do, etc etc to the point of desperation. No one including my family can understand why this is happening and I feel like I'm no use to anyone and might as well be retired. The only good thing about fibro is that you are able to share information and stories with people with similar conditions across the globe.

Certainly try an holistic approach to your health. There is a place for medication also.

Cheers from Australia

Drew
 
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