Yes. I got the "letter" in the mail today, in fact. I am to report to work on January 13th or my position will be filled by someone else.

**gulp**

I am in the process of applying for long term disability and social security. I don't plan on getting either, however.

Sarah33 -

Welcome to the community! Yes, I remember when I first stumbled on here. It is most reassuring to find others who are struggling with the same bizzzzzzare...symptoms. You are not alone.

Sadly, I have no specific advice or experience in regards to a 14 year old daughter but generally I would say....join the CFIDS Assocication and secure helpful educational literature from them. I found the information most helpful in explaining this condition. Also, try to keep in mind it is the very very rare person who can understand this syndrome....try to have patience with them. I have to remind myself I wouldn't understand if I didn't have it. With most people who do not understand, I don't waste time trying to explain...but with a daughter that approach is less helpful.

Yes. I had to stop working.

RE: Social Security. I applied twice and was denied twice.

Advice: 1)make sure your dr is behind you 100%. If he or she is not, find another dr. 2) Maintain detailed medical records. Detailed.
3) Secure the advice and help of a trained lawyer. The process is an impersonal game. It is designed that way. You, with the mental and physical symptoms of CFS, are participating in the game with a powerful disadvantage. Sadly, I think they know that and use it to their advantage. A good Social Security lawyer will help even the playing field. 4) Believe you have the right to these benefits. You are sick. You have the right to apply for benefits. You paid into this insurance policy and now you need to make a claim. If you crashed your car, wouldn't you file a claim? Similarly, you paid the SS insurance premiums every week in your paycheck (and in my case they were hefty premiums)and now you have the right to secure benefits. The Social Security System, and her minions, do not see it that way....5) Join the CFIDS Association of America...google them they have a website....They have some great documents about filing for Social Security Benefits. 6) Seek advice from someone who did in fact recieve the benefits...a'hem...that would not be me :)

Sorry to wrote so long...I couldn't read two sentences when I was diagnosed three years ago...

Welcome Again --

Andrew

P.S. Life is not over...it has only begun again in a new way.....

Welcome to the group!

I am new too, although I have had CFS for about 14 years now.

Is your daughter a reader? If so, you might want to let her read things like the CDC info, or I would be happy to see if there are any books out there that might help. I read one myself that was autobiographical when I was first dx'd and it was wonderful.

Andrew gave you great advice on the disablility issue. I had a job as a Research Scientist at a large corporation. I did short term, then long term disability. I also went through the SSD process. I was very, very lucky and got through the first time. I attribute that to great docs that believed!!

Welcome again, it has been a long time since I have reached out, and in just a few days I have remembered why it is so important.

Welcome to DS. So happy to have you here. You will find many friends who will support you. Andrew has given you excellent advice on the SSD thing. I am going through that process right now. They have assured me, (Binder and Binder, my SSD advocates) that I have a diagnosis that the courts now recognize. CFIDS is not he "yuppie flu" in court anymore. They are very reassuring and say I will win the case, maybe not the first time, but they will appeal till I win. (otherwise they don't get paid, good incentive, heh?)
As far as your daughter, I have one too. She is older than yours but has had a hard time watching me fall down with this illness. I have found that by letting her help me and delegating things to her that make her feel usefull in my recovery and in day to day life, has helped her. Try not to withdraw yourself from your daughter no matter how badly you feel. This is an isolating disease and a lot of us pull in and cover up. Let her feel how much you need her. She wants to believe she's not losing you to this illness, that's all. Let her help.
I hope I have been of some help to you. Again, welcome to Daily Strength, you will find that here.
Sincerely, Darla

Welcom to your group! I have a 14 year old, as well. He had a hard time with my illness at first, but then as time went on, he has become so much help. It seems that he feels better knowing that he can help me, rather than me taking care of everything. He helps with the laundry, cleaning, ect... he also makes better grades now. Your daughter will adjust, our children are wonders. I have had to quit working, and am now on SS. It helps with some of the bills, but I still hate the fact I can't work.

I am on SSDI have been for going on 6 years, got it on first try, but it is better if you are over 50, a little better anyway when applying. I filed under a depression and anxiety disorder. I do have CFS/Fibro. No kids of my own. I guess is normal for people to not except this disease at any age. I have been told you don't look sick. I am not sure what a sick person looks like.