Your employer does not have to "beleive" you. But you do have to provide them with medical proof that you require accomodations. Don't worry so much about what they think, just focus on protecting your rights. Alot of people will think you are complaining or exaggerating, looking for attention or whatever. To them I say "you are not a medical practicioner so your opinion is moot"
I recommend you go and get a doctors certificate stating your limitations etc..and produce that to your employer.
Under law they have to offer accomodation if they are able to do so. However, if they do not have a suitable position to do so, they are not required to create one.
There are several laws in both Canada and the US that protect persons with disabilities seen or unseen. However, the onis is on us to provide the medical documentation required. Including providing medical notes for each sick day. I always do so. Under the law where I live and our collective agreement I can not be penalized for having a disability. However, if I just take sick days and do not have a doctors note verification that it was in fact a legitimate sick day associated with my disability, I put myself in jeaporady.
I am currently off due to my disability again, I provided a note from the walk in clinic until I can see my family doc, the clinic determined that due to the multitude of disabilities and complications. My family doc will no doubt will keep me off longer. The first thing I did (once I was able to get up out of bed, was go to the clinic and see a doctor) Yes, we are stuck with the cost and the cost of the medical note but in the end it is important that we have proper documentation by a licensed medical physician. Chiropractors etc., letters can be declined they have to be medical physicians.
At my work many people with disabilities come to me asking advice on how to deal with our unfair employer rather than going to our union. I tell them their rights and obligations under the law and encourage them to research it themselves so they are familiar with it.
I did not sleep at all last night, due to overdoing it yesterday. I Finally, had one tolerable day of pain with out severe dizziness so I got as much housework as I was able completed. I am paying the price now, but I knew I would. Hopefully, exhaustion will override my pain and i will finally get some sleep.
I completely understand your frustration and sleep deprivation, I strongly suggest you familiarize yourself with legislation, labour laws, human rights laws etc...that are applicable in your area.
I hope that helps.

im so sorry i know exactly how you feel. ive been having fibro since 15 im now 39, ive been married 16 years and my husband still looks at me like im crazy or lazy. He ignores me and doesnt like to talk about anything except tv or he tells me hes going to work. Fibromyalgia is a pain in the butt and thats putting it nicely. i have two boys and i have to beg them to help out. my mom has fibro too and she says she does not see how i do what i have to do. i also do not take any meds except certain vitamins. I try to get some exercise in that seems to help sometimes. I think you are amazing for working smiles and hugs to you . Please take care you are not alone

MsCricket

I agree with the posters below. It does not matter whether or not your employer believes you. Fibro typically is covered under FMLA. It is a serious health condition that limits you and requires 2 or more visits to the doctor annually. As long as yuor employer meets the minimum # of employees.

If you have a doctor, you can go to the Department of Labor website and print out the forms yourself and have the doctor fill them out.

I would recommend putting the limitations you have on your worst day in the AS Tolerated category.

Employers are REQUIRED by law to offer this to eligible employees. You can also use it intermittently. It allows you to be able to continue to be employed despite the limitations. Although time off under FMLA is not paid, it will protect you from being fired because you are ill.

I hope this helps.

T

Hey, MissCricket...I'm so sorry you're going through this! I don't see how you're able to work, either. I know lots of people here do, and I'm amazed at all of you.

I'm concerned about your depression and suicidal thoughts. You didn't mention your meds. Some meds that are prescribed for fibro can cause those feelings. Are you taking an antidepressant?

Depression does usually tag along with fibro. I actually was diagnosed with depression before the pain of fibro showed itself, so I've been on antidepressants a long time. But I've been in the dark pit before, when I was inbetween meds.

I hope you'll contact your doctor and discuss your feelings with him. He should be able to change up your meds or give you something new. I'm living proof of how much better you can feel if on the right antidepressant. It's like night and day!

I hope you'll make that call. Keep us posted, ok?

Take care....ELizabeth

What I would do is turn this around, to help make what you are able to do be where the topic is arranged at the workplace.
In other words, since you are already aware that no one in the workplace, home, or elsewhere in general wants to see the fibromyalgia, instead show them from what you are able to do, and what works. Keep it positive, simple, short, and sweet.
I have a life-long hearing loss, speech impediment, and have been through a lot of employers who are so "unfair", and once I worked through their methods, I was able to make it better for me. When someone tells me I can just get over the pain, I smile and tell them thank you and walk away, even if it is someone I work with. I may stand in place, however, inside I take a step back, and this helps me to keep focused on the workplace, rather than personal.
Hope this helps.

Hi MissCricket, I'm sorry you're having such a rough time of it, and that your employers are giving you such a hard time.

As others have said, FMLA is your legal protection. If you ask for FMLA protection, they have to honor that. You'll have to get a doctor to complete a form, but it's worth it to.

Remember that it doesn't matter what anyone believes, only YOU [and everyone here] can understand how you feel. It's had to stick up for yourself when it takes all of your energy to work, but if you can get that medical recommendation for lighter work or shortenend work hours, they are required by law to honor that.

Let us know what happens and hang in there!

you are not alone alot ppl tell me i look so good ya right i've been a gr8 actress for yrs. i have kidney diease and i started tellin' ppl i was goin' to get my x-rays and put it on a teeshirt lol then when i finally accepted that i also have fibro it got harder to tell ppl what the problems are but one thing that helped was tellin' ppl to look up the kidney diease i have and fibro then we will talk needless to say i get more ppl sayin' wow i'm like sorry i said it was in ur head..... sandy

Thank you all for your support. Right now, I'm having a little bit of burning in my right leg and shoulder but I'll be able to make it. I've been having trouble standing at work but I don't complain because it makes no difference. I had given a note requesting for me to do light duty and my work lied and said there is no such thing as light duty, yet when my friend injured herself at work, they HAD to give her light duty because she hurt herself on the job! I believe my fibromyalgia had been brought on by anxiety from working/living with a very difficult person at the time. I'm hoping I can find a better job that respects me a lot better.

In addition to all of this, I was only scheduled 2 days of work next week, 16 hours altogether. I'm barely making ends meet. I have tons of medical bills and other bills, along with rent. I'm trying to get backpay from November, but no luck.