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Turtle

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2015
Messages
16
Reason
DX FIBRO
Diagnosis
05/2012
Country
US
State
GA
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 3 years ago. I am a CMA, not CNA, and had plans to go back and get my RN, but now it seems impossible. When first being diagnosed, the pain would wax and wane, as it does now, but the pain was not as persistent and was more tolerable. I, now, have more reoccurring flares, which are exacerbated by sickness, stress, and over excertion. The limitations association with this dz are overwhelming, which little comprehend, except for those who endure them, and I've come to the realization that I may no longer be able to fulfill the aspirations and goals I had set for myself. Very disheartening to say the least, as I've always been an overachiever. But as my fiancé put it, "Is it worth being in constant pain over?" "Your health is more important." So, to sum things up, can anyone else empathize with my situation and do you receive disability? I've heard it's an arduous process and that legal counsel is crucial. Any thoughts or suggestions on this matter? TIA
 
Hello! The disability process is arduous, at best, and can take years. For some, they get approved in just a few months. But know that this is usually based on level of disability, age, and medical history.

I remember sitting at my desk at work when it hit me. I had been fighting the fatigue, migraines, pain, but it was the forgetting and brain fog that I could no longer fight. It hit me like a load of steel. I can no longer do my job. Any job. I had just left one of 15 years and took another that was far less stressful and easier (more or less). It was like the world was collapsing in on me. I couldn't control it. I couldn't work with it. I couldn't do anything any more. I had no other choice but to file for disability. I started in June of 2011 and received my first payment in July of 2013. It was a terrible waiting period and would not wish it on anyone.

Having an attorney that is experienced in SSD cases is, in my opinion, vital to the whole process. After your first denial, please seek out counsel and keep a journal of your process. Don't give up! Keep your medical records up to date and stay on top of your doctors! hehe :)

Hope this helps, even just a little! :)
 
Yes, very helpful, and thank you. I have done a lot of research on this condition, and at times, have known more than the physician who was tx me. I have also researched the disability process, and from what I've read, it coincides with your own personal experience. I, too, suffer from fibro fog. Forgetfulness and not being able to easily express my thoughts with words. Although this is a hindrance, the pain associated with this dz is what is most unbearable. It's a constant struggle, and stress seems to highly exacerbate my sx...I am relatively young, 36, and hope this doesn't affect my efforts in pursuing the disability process. I was diagnosed with the condition 3 years ago and see a Rheumatologist for further tx options in Nov. I plan to have her give me a second opinion and further document my condition. I also plan for her to do blood work to exclude other conditions and a tender point exam to validate her expert opinion. I figure the more documentation I have, the better off I will be...This has all been done in the past, but I think it would only support my diagnosed by having a specialist document the findings...Thanks for answering back. Any and all information is helpful, esp insight into legal counsel. Btw, did your atty work on a contingency basis?
 
Hi Turtle,

I was in the medical field for 30 years, either as an office manager, and at the end of my career was a Senior Systems Analsyt/trainer. I was diagnosed 3 years ago with RA and then developed Fibo on top of that - I was out on short term disability from 11/14 - 2/15. Tried to go back to work half-time and couldn't make it through the week. My long term disability kicked in on 6/15 and my Social Security kicked in 7/15.

With my long term disability, my doctors sent in records in a timely manner so they felt I did not have to be evaluated, for my SS I did have to go to one of their dictors and psychiatrist for an evaluation - but they ruled in my favor.

The best piece of advice I could give you is to document, document, and document, I really feel because my RA and PCP doctors kept their records up to date helped. Every sick day related to the R A or Fibo I always saw my doctor. Mainly because I was off so much because of the exact thing your talking about fatigue and brain fog - I would be in meetings not understanding what had taken place or have projects falling behind - I was afraid of being let go so I would always document it with my director as well - I know everyone's situation is not the but good luck I hope this helped!
 
Hi Turtle,
When I started exhibiting swelling in diff parts of my body, I thought no one would really understand just how bad the swelling was unless I took pictures of them. So, in addition to writing in my journal, I have these pictures that will help me if I end up in disability court and they'll be useful to my doctors who review my file.

I can't agree more with Capecod. Document, document, document and definitely get a lawyer to help you with the process.
Best of luck!
 
I filed Aug 7 have a CE eval on wed 21st I have so much more going on though. I really hope that everything works in your favor ss should by now know a lot about fibro to even question it. We know what we can do and we know when were crossing the line. I hope it don't take too long for you my sister in law went in and was approved within a month for ADHD but we have to fight so hard for fibro CFS PTSD anxiety depression RA and other more serious stuff
 
Well God bless your sister! I hope we're next!
 
Yes, documentation is crucial. It is also pretty much a given to be turned down the first time, or first two or three times. An experienced attorney can help you navigate through the mess.
 
Hi Turtle,
I am a CMA as well. I loved taking care of people. I started forgetting things that are done several times a day. Making mistakes and barely getting through the day. I cried on the way home from pain. I finally had to leave employment in September. I cannot so what I was trained to do and now have student loans I cannot pay. I hired an attorney and filed for disability. I know I have a long wait for a decision and I hope and pray that it is in my favor. I too have a journal of sorts. I have a planner that I write everything in, how I am feeling that day, what I do, appointments that I have to go to. I have to because i cannot remember anything anymore. I have been to rheumatologist, neurologist, and a pain management doctor. The only doctor I have not been to is a psychologist which wouldn't hurt. I am making huge mistakes in my checking account too. I always handled the bills. My husband is clueless. He is great though because he does the house work, cooks, and goes to the store. He takes me to my doctor appointments. I really do not know what I would do without him.
 
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