Fibro and Chronic Fatigue Support Group

Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer & I have Fibro along with other problems.I also have two teenage boys. Can't leave those two out. I've really been having it rough lately. This past week I was given an unfavorable ruling on may disability hearing. I now have to wait for my lawyer to decide what to do next. I cried & cried when I got the letter in the mail. I'm so discouraged about the whole thing & just feel like giving up.

Hi Jennifer,

First off welcome to the group. Sorry you have been having it so rough lately. Don't give up hope on your disability, I am not sure how long you have been fighting it, but it took me a little over 2 years to get mine favored but I did only have one hearing. But don't give up on it.

Gentle Hugs,

Tawnya

Hi Jennifer,

If your lawyer is handling disability cases shouldn't he know what the next step is? Have you been seeing a rheumatologist or neurologist for treatment? Bc they are specialists in the field their opinion carries more weight. Have you submitted complete medical records? Some docs charge for this but you need all your records for your case. Also some docs will prepare a report for Social Security (for a fee) but it does help your case.

Don't think bc you got turned down once, that you're not going to get disability. I have heard the average is three times before approval. It doesn't mean you are less sick than others, most of it is bc of documentation.

The process does take time and it is hard to wait, especially financially, but if you really can't work, you don't have any other options.

Please believe me when I say, I am so sorry you are going through this. Bc there's no definitive test for fibro, it's easier to be dismissed. There are still many in the medical community who are ignorant about fibro and there's no justification for it. Even though there's no tests, there has been lots of research on fibro in the last few years and it definitely exists.

I hope I haven't gone on too long. Take it easy and try to destress with an epson salts bath. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you around.

hugs, heather

PS If you have any specific questions, just ask. There's lots of people here with tons of experience and expertise.

Sorry if I upset anyone. Didn't mean to sound whiney. I was assigned a lawyer as soon as I got a hearing date, which was 30 days before the hearing. I didn't met my lawyer until the week before my hearing, up until that point I'd been dealing with their case manager/social worker.They were able to get all my medical records. My doctor has ever mentioned going to a rheumatologis. I was sent to a pain management clinic. She did the trigger point exam herself & had a check list of other symptoms. Evidentally, I need to take more control of my health care,etc and stop being scared I'm going to make someone mad. I second guess my self a lot.

JS

You don't sound whiney. We all need to vent and we support that here. I highly recommend that you get treatment from a rheumatologist or neurologist. Just my opinion. Bc it's their specialty they are more aware of recent research and also appropriate meds. Also for disability cases, a specialist such as a neurologist or rheumatologist well their opinion carries more weight than the word of a gp.

I'm going to request a referral to a rheumatologist or a neurologist. Received a letter today from my lawyers office saying I needed to seek another attorney and it also stated that even if we appealed 90-95% of the time they side with the judge. I'm starting to think that maybe this law office wasn't as good as they claimed, because they supposedly have handled cases like mine before so why didn't they suggest a rheumatologist or a neurologist.They had my case for over a year. Any tips on what to look for in a lawyer?

Altho' I haven't been thru the SS process myself, I've heard a lot from friends. They do want a diagnosis, but they also want proof of what you CAN'T DO. Like -- can't stand at a cash register for 8 hours. Can't walk 100 yards w/out stopping. Can't go 4 hours w/out nap.

As far as choosing another lawyer, do you know anyone else locally who has been thru this & can recommend? Not sure if there are any websites with ratings [1-5 stars], but maybe BBB can help.

Keep on keepin' on!

Hi Jennifer, I'm sorry you are having troubles, but it sounds like you've got some good insights and thoughts. Don't give up; it's pretty unusual for anyone to get accepted the first time. Like someone said, it's all about documentation and I've got all my medical records from 1995. I haven't had to use them, but I'm sure when I'm not able to work, I will have everything to help in the process.

Don't ever feel like you are whining here; we are here for each other and have lots of support and advice! Welcome to the boards and this place; there's lots of amazing people here.

JS

Just a thought, I would have done the same thing you did. Look for a firm that's experienced with disability. Maybe call and ask if they'll see you through each appeal if you got turned down another time. BTW the best thing to do at this point is to get a copy of all your medical records. Look for key things like patient unable to..... Patient states unable to demonstrate..... that type of thing. Like Janelle says its really common to be refused at the first hearing. Don't get discouraged, I know it's just plain miserable when you're broke and sick and somebody's in front of you deciding your future. Get a specialist and when they ask what you can and can't do, be thoughtful and truthful. Don't say you're ok if you're not.