I was diagnosed with Fibro this past October. It all started in January of '07 with sleeplessness. Then I started with the pain. Now I get heartburn really bad, I get dizzy, and my stomach is so messed up now. I went to my family doctor and told him that I think I have Fibromyalgia. He sent me to a rhuematologist. She treated me like I was crazy. I haven't been working because of the pain and being so tired. I asked her to fill out my disability papers and she said, "Fibromyalgia isn't a disability!" Well, that just floored me. I left there crying. So, I went back to my family doctor and he said that he will do everything he can to help me get disability. He needed me to have a rhuematologist so I went to a new one today. She was very nice, but I really don't agree with a few of the things she said. She said that Fibromyalgia isn't a disease, it is a description. She thinks that all my problems come from not sleeping. So, she put me on Trazadone. I also asked her about disability. She said that she won't fill out disability paperwork for Fibro, that it wouldn't hold up in a court of law because there is no test showing that is what I have.

I know I am rambling here, I tend to do that when I am feeling so awful. My question is, should I persue getting disability? Is it worth it?

I just thought about giving up. I have good days and bad days but more bad days than anything. I can't do near the things I used to. I can't even clean my house the way I used to. I can't exercise anymore. I could go on here all night but I will let you all rest your eyes! LOL!! I am just so happy to have found a group of people that know what I am going through, and a place to go and talk.

Thank you very much for reading this and any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.

I must go now, my wrists are killing me from all this typing!

HUGS!

Wendy

All I can say is dont give up!Sometimes the lowest points today are the most inspiring tomorrow! Lou

You've found a good site. Lots of people with similar stories regarding fibro. We are all here to support eachother and provide information whenever we can.

Second of all- so far you are doing the ol' doctor hop- may I say NOT UNCOMMON!! At this point based on what you have written about your first to experiences with "Rhemys" as we refer to them- neither did a good job with your fibro. It really ticks me off when THEY are the specialists we are referred to and some of them DON'T EVEN BELIEVE IN THE CONDITION!!!! Does that make sense?????

Ok fibro is considered more of a syndrome than a disease but the more it is studied the more it will be validated as a real condition and not just a problem that crazy people have. LOL

Anyway 3rd- Did you say the only med you are on is Trazadone? For some this antidepressant does help with sleep- it didn't help me. -yet the doctor was partial right in saying that lack of good sleep and fibro symptoms often go hand in hand. BUT- you have pain too- are you on anything for pain?? Were you perscribed a muscle relaxer or anything???

I doubt trazadone will be the only thing you need. Actually you MIGHT not be feeling too bad if you had the right meds.

And LAST- in regards to disability- both doctors were wrong in saying you would never be approved. It is DIFFICULT WITH FIBRO but not impossible. The problem right now is you haven't been diagnosed as being totally disabled at least right now. Most people who will get disability EVENTUALLY- have a strong history of seeing doctors, trying a number of meds and when all is said and done they are not much better and can't work- after trying a number of treatments.

Right now I think the best thing you can do is get to a doctor that will address the various problems with fibro i.e. sleep, pain, fatigue, sometimes anxiety/depression. None of us like being on drugs but if a few of them help relieve your pain and help you sleep better- you might be able to work again.

I filed once for disability after a major flareup of symptoms 4 years ago. I saw many doctors and tried a number of drugs but was still doing poorly. I was denyed and from what I hear most people are denyed and least 2 times then they go to a court hearing which more than likely at that point they may get it.

It is a long road filing for disability. I have read posts here and it seems to take at least a year or somewhere around there.

In my case after I filed and was rejected I also was trying new meds. I did get back on my feet and was able to work but it took about 10 months. At that point I was happy to be able to work again and focus on taking care of myself to manage the symptoms.

Well I hope this is helpful. You need a better doctor. There are others on the site from PA- perhaps they have a referral so look around and ask around.

One good doctor can me ALOT in how you have to live with fibro. I don't even see a Rheumy right now. I see a rehab specialist who actually has fibro so he is great!!!!!

I hope my babbling was helpful. Look in the forums and see all the good advice there!!!! meleggs

Denette

Sending love and compassion and most important of all understanding of the frustrations you face.

When they denyed me all they said was that I had alot of emotional problems etc. I felt pretty degraded. They didn't even mention I had fibro on the refusal form. I developed those emotional symptoms once the fibro was worse and all I wanted to do was get back to work which increased my anxiety. I was single at the time and had no one to depend on to support me financially. Thank God I had savings otherwise I probably would have lost my house.

Anyway- for those of you who were able to get on disability fairly easy- please post that. Most of what I read as well as my own experience seemed to show otherwise- Thanks Guys!!!!!!

this forum is excellant in providing info and support, enjoy!

devon

I filed for disability this past October and was denied tne beginning of this month and I even had a lawyer. They applied it right away. My doctors were so surprised because I have other medical problems as well. I don't know where Thomasville is, but I have a wonderful Reumatologist, who BELIEVES that fibro is real and a wonderful Pain doctor. I also had a very hard time sleeping at night, due to hand and foot cramps and charlie horses. My pain doctor put me on Neurontin and valium at bedtime and most of the time I can now sleep thru the night. Hope to get to know you better!

Nicole