Fibromyalgia Support Group

I've discussed the topic with my family and with my doctor...we've all agreed that its time I face the fact that I can't make it through a normal day at home any more and I can't commit myself to an employer when my body and brain are calling the shots. So any advise on how to get started would be very much appreciated. It is hard enough to come to this acceptance, let alone have to act upon it. Any info at all would be a big help. I don't have a clue. Thanks so much everyone.

peace....TrishM

I haven't gone through the process, or tried, but I have heard that using Allsup is the way to go when fighting to get disability for FMS. Here is a link to their site and what the criteria are. I believe I have also heard that you should be prepared for it to take up to a couple of years, but that it is doable. I just posted an article that says that the social security admin did finally add fibromyalgia to their list of disabling conditions in 1999 though and so that helps a great deal. I know a lot more people were getting denied prior to that than now. Anyway, here is the link, and good luck!! (((soft hugs)))

http://www.allsup.com/About-SSDI/SSDI-Guidelines-by- Disability/Fibromyalgia.aspx

Hi Trish,

When My ex-boss was giving me a hard time about working, I went to see my pain doc. I was devastated because I loved my job as a nurses aide.I had done it for 10 years. So my doc sat me down and said "Jenn why do you want to work?" I replied" because I am to damn young not too". He said" I have people that can work but come in and ask for my support with going on ssdi. Then once in a blue moon I have someone rare like you who should not be working and has fought to keep working." So needless to say I applied for ssdi. I downloaded the application and any info on what I needed to put together. I filled out the app. gave them whatever paperwork they requested and answered all additional questions. I also had the support of my primary doc, pain doc., therapist and med nurse at the therapy place. I was approved 4 months later.

I hope this helps, Jenn

I took a different approach. My fibro fog makes me panice at the sight of governmental type forms anymore, so I made an appointment at SSA to go in and have someone else do the form for me. I just answered questions.

My application got denied (which nearly all do, first time around), and then I hired an SSD attorney, who filed my appeal.

My appeal also got denied, so I am now waiting on a hearing to be held in front of a judge.

I have just applied for SSI or and am waiting for my phone interveiw, since my records date back 13 years it is very hard to complete the paper work of all doctors seen, all blood tests done and the first and last date I saw them especially since my parents had switched me from docter to doctor searching for some releif. Does all of that need to be completely accurate??

I tried to go through Allsup and they would not even consider me beacause I work a few hours on the weekends.

I had difficulty in that area too, Katie and I was told to just do the best I could and give my very best estimate, so that's what I did.

I'd like to welcome you both to our group, Trish and Katie. We're a FMily full of caring and support.

You might type in disability in the search box, upper right corner. It will lead you to previous discussions on the matter which may help you even further.

I filed myself at the SSDI office about 2 1/2 years ago. Of course my claim was denied almost immediately. So I had to hire an attorney to do the work for me. That's been about 2 years now waiting for a hearing.

My problem though is that my benefits had run out about a year before my claim was filed. So the attorney has to prove my symptoms were prior to the benefits running out.

Good luck. It takes a while, but will be worth it in the end.

Just be ready for a 2-3 year wait. If it happens before that, then good for you

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your feedback and advice. I'm going to start this roller coaster ride tommorow. Beauty4ashes I will be checking that web site first thing. My doctor suggested an attorney also but since I'm collecting unemployment and my husband is also on temporary unemployment there just isn't any money. I'll let you know how I make out. I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks again, and hugs to everyone. Peace, TrishM

Trish...I guess we forgot to mention...most SSD attorneys will only charge you if they win your case. If they do win it, they take a percentage of your back pay, but there is a cap on that, which I think is $5300. If they don't win your case, you owe them nothing.