Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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tessmcnealhobbs 03/29/2016

99 days ago I was freezing cold and could not get warm. My legs were heavy and my arms were really sore. I for sure knew this was the flu because I have a dozen years or so of ER trauma experience as a charge and triage nurse.

A few weeks later I still had the flu and made an appointment to see my PCP. I quit my job rather stressfully after giving 2 weeks notice and having my boss start screaming at me in front of patients. I just walked out. While I would never dream of doing this, I have never felt so over stimulated and embarrassed. It turned into the flight option.

Then I got really sick.

I have a couple different cranial nerve issues and non diabetic peripheral neuropathy which flared after 5 quiet years. My new neurologist put me on gralise 1800 mg and I am on Effexor 75 mg. I am super tired still.

I believe that I will apply for disability on June 1st. I still feel so terrible.

canadianqueen 03/29/2016

So sorry for all the stress you've been through. I do hope you get disability if you're applying. Sometimes you just can't work anymore and it is no ones fault.

beclinkay 03/29/2016

Sorry your boss was screaming at you and treating you so badly. I wish you felt better. Trying for disability sounds like a good option. It worked for me. Take care.

LeoX3 03/29/2016

Ditto above.... It's not always "mind over matter" , no matter what the "experts" love to think. Sometimes, the body just goes *no" and that's it.

ItsJustMe2012 03/29/2016

Have you told your drs the details of how your impairments affect your ability to do activities if daily living ? Did he write that in your medical records ? You need to get a coy of your medical records and read them. Drs don't always write what we tell them or what they tell us in our medical records. The forms that SSA sends you to fill out, what you say on your application and what your medical records say need to be consistent and need to back each other up. I have a link below that explains some of what SSA needs for fibro. With your education, it will more than likely be difficult for you to be approved. You msut prove that you have no transferable skills. And with your education, that may be hard to do. We are seeing that often SSA/ALJ's look at jobs like working for insurance companies or other jobs that nurses can do. It is highly doubtful that you will be approved at the initial stage, you will more than likely have to go before an ALJ before being approved, if then. It usually takes 12-24 months to have a hearing scheduled. But, don't give up. Your age is in your favor. You can apply for SSDI online at

Evaluation of Fibromyalgia-
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di/01/SSR2012-02-di-01.html

WORK SKILLS AND THEIR TRANSFERABILITY -
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di/02/SSR82-41-di-02.html

Skill requirements.-
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-1568.htm

SSDI Apply OnLine-
https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/

tessmcnealhobbs 03/30/2016

I agree with the transferable skills. I guess for me, the Fibromyalgia is the straw that broke the camel's back. I have tried to hold down several different types of nursing jobs In the past 5 years. I am limited. I cannot understand people with a mask on because I lost my right hearing and I have to see lips move. I don't hear well on the phone. My anxiety is a huge problem as well.

Thank goodness I can use my Neuro diagnosis to qualify. I hope. If not, well, I don't know. It is just time to try.

ItsJustMe2012 03/30/2016

Are you seeing a psychistrist or psychologist regularly for your mental health issues ?

tessmcnealhobbs 03/31/2016

No and I don't plan on doing that. I prefer massage therapists, meditation, and yoga when I can do that again. Right now I can't even stretch every day. ThAt you for the great information. I appreciate it.

ItsJustMe2012 03/31/2016

The reason I asked if you were seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist is because if you aren't, the chances are very good that your mental haelth issues won't be severe enough to qualify for SSDI. Since you have physical impairments, they may qualify, but not guarantees.

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