crescent

Has anyone gotten SSDI for CMP?

Posted on 09/12/08, 09:07 pm

Five years ago it started for me, for the first couple of years I was able to work with modifications at my job. Three years ago I was unable to make it through the day, and often found myself closing the office door and lying down on the ground because the pain was so bad in my upper body. Now I'm only able to work about 10 hours a week, but it is extremely difficult to find anybody who will employ me given all of the many accommodations (special equipment, special ergonomic workstation, frequent breaks, not having to do many tasks) I require even to work that small amount.

At first I was really hoping that I would find some treatment that would help me do it better, and I still hope I do. But in the interim I really need some financial support as we have gone through our savings. I'm guessing that receiving SSI for CMP is extremely difficult as it is not a recognized condition according to the Social Security Administration. But I'm curious if anyone out there has had success in doing so? Since I worked for many years before I had to stop, I have enough credits. But I'm more worried about them not taking the diagnosis seriously, and about finding doctors able/willing to help me apply.

Anyone have experience?

• Reply #1 09/14/08  7:13pm
  
  blue22
  Wow, I can completely releate to you. I used to work and the pain would be so awful that I'd go to the bathroom (it was a single stalled room with a door that locked), bunch up my sweater, and lie down the on the floor. It was horrid and filthy- but I was so desperate to lie down and rest my neck. I was a physio in my former life, but after 5 years as a Physio, my body completely collapsed and I could barely make it out of bed- much less work full time at a physically demanding job. Now, I'll probably never be a physio again, however I've set up a home office, and am going to school by correspondance (that way I can study on my own time, and take breaks, rests, and walks as needed. Also, when I flare up, I'm not calling in sick 5 days in a row etc). Anyways, my goal is to be a writer from home, and to only work as much as I'm capable of- which is often not much. In terms of finances, I live in Canada so don't know about SSDI. However, I have been able to qualify for medical Employment Insurance (from the Canadian government) for 15 weeks, which isn't much, but is something.
  JC
• Reply #2 09/19/08  9:35am
  
  nemcgrath
  It is now considered a disease.
  
  It was part of my diagnosis and i got SSDI...dont give up...it can happen...i did not even have a lawyer
• Reply #3 09/19/08  2:09pm
  
  crescent
  Did you also have fibromyalgia? I know that fibromyalgia is better known and considered a debilitating condition, and the people who have a dual diagnosis have a better chance. I've written much about your process of getting SSDI? I'm trying to get as much information as possible to increase my chances of a successful application -- we really can't keep affording to pay for so many medical expenses out of pocket (which more often than not means not getting the treatment I need) and living off of one income.
• Reply #4 09/19/08  2:10pm
  
  crescent
  Oops, there were some typos in my previous entry. I use speech recognition software and I don't always catch the errors. I meant to ask "have you written much about your process of getting SSDI?"
• Reply #5 01/09/09  9:34am
  
  jodsterrocks
  I got SSDI I have fibro,CMP was diagnosed a year and half ago with Bipolar I had a nervous breakdown and ended up in mental Health for a week, with all the pain we deal with it causes great depression anxiety sleepless nights and side effects from all the meds I think they took all that into consideration so dont give up keep trying.. good luck.. Jody
• Reply #6 01/09/09  6:09pm
  
  blue22
  After a huge battle (involving getting my specialist on board), I have now been able to temporarily qualify for extended disabilty benefits from my former work place.

This group is for people who have Myofascial Pain Syndrome- anyone with a diagnosis of MPS is welcome to join. Our mandate is to provide support, information, and friendship to people with MPS.