Fibromyalgia Support Group

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 3 years ago, but had symptoms coming on for a few years before. My biggest clue something was wrong when i would come home from my usual excercising and it wasn't normal muscle pain you get from exercise, and i would be in bed for 2 days. Ruined my business as a landscape designer. Almost lost my home, but sold it and moved home to live with my mother at 46! I am on Lyrica and Tramadol and for severe flareups I take percoset, but very rarely, I try to get by with a few extra tramadol. But even with all that medication I still feel bad every day; I have many more bad days than I have good days. I am not working, I have some money left from my house sale to live on, but will run out in several months. I have applied for social security disability and should hear any day now, but expect to be turned down (almost everyone is the first time) although I hope not. I never thought I would be at this place at 46 and looking at disability. I had a good day yesterday and did so much (although really paced myself) but the bad days far outweigh the good, and I have pain when I wake up until I go to bed; the more I try to do during the day the worse it is at night. Does anyone have experience with disability and fibromyalgia? I also have depression and sleep apnea so if all that doesn't get me on disability I don't know what will. Thanks.

Hi and welcome to the group,I just joined recently also. I have had FM for almost 5 years,and just recently was awarded Social Security. It took me a year and a half of waiting,and I was denied on the inital aplication,and also denied on my appeal. I ended up getting approved after my hearing with the ALJ. The most important thing to have to receiving SSD,is a doctor who is willing to go on the record,and say that you are disabled. Mine did,and without him,I would never have been approved. Have you discussed with your Dr. that you are filing for SSD,and have you asked him if he is willing to fill out the forms agreeing that you are disabled? If he/she is willing to do it,that is a great benefit. Good luck and have patience,it generally takes a very long time to get approved,and also do you have an attorney? I think you will definately need one.

Awww Sweetie,

Welcome, and am sorry for all your pain...

Your doctor might want to try adding gaba to your Lyrica regimen, also an anti depressant like Cymbalta that is Serotonin sparing, (helps your body hang on to) might also help.

I am so glad that your doctor helps you out with pain meds, many doctors, too many, refuse to and their patients suffer more than they should.

Your doctor is trying and the more you know the more you can help yourself and work with your doctor.

Welcome.

Our goal here will be to help you and learn from you as well.....

hugs

Natty

Hi. I also joined this group a couple of days ago, & it's great!! I have had FM for 2 years, & have finally got the pain to subside with high doses of fish oil & cayenne pepper. I have pretty much pain free days now unless I over do it. I also as most FM sufferers never slept well. I tried many different anti depressents, but they would make me too drowsey the next day. I have since found Rescue Sleep Spray put out by Bach. Its sprayed on the tongue & is a herbal remedy you can pick up from a health food shop. Well you can here in Australia anyway. It has worked better than any of the prescription meds & is completely natural. Hope this bit of info helps.

Keep positive & cheerfull!!

Lisa