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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kshort49 02/01/2009

Hi everyone-Well, as some of you might remember, I was fired from my job of 10 years in May, 2008, and haven't been able to find any work yet. I also have lupus and breast cancer (in remission). Anyway, I was fired because of memory and concentration problems, which I attributed to the "brain fog" that is a part of fibro. as well as lupus. I went to a psychologist to have neuro-cognative testing, so that I would have on paper that I had these problems because I was seeing a lawyer about my firing. Well, listen to this! When I got the report back, he stated that I had only minimal problems, due to meds, and nothing that should bother me. AND, that fibro is something that docs. use as a diagnosis when they don't know what is wrong (How long ago was that the way of thinking-I thought we were past that). And that the idea of fibro and lupus brain fog was just made up-there was no such thing. So I spent 3 days, thinking that I would be able to give this report to the lawyer. Now it is useless, because what it says basically is that I have no problems, let alone something that should affect my work. Now what should I do? I really don't want my former job to be able to get away with firing me because of my memory and concentration problems, but now I don't have anything from a doctor, backing me up. Any other ideas? I guess I am just going to have to give up. I only have a few more weeks of unemployment left, and I don't know how I will survive. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. God bless, and have a pain free day.
Kathy

debbied1009 02/01/2009

Obviously this was not the right psycologist to see. His opinion is worthless.......Is it possible to see another, very soon, and get his opinion? Not all drs are dumb asses. OK, in my opinion, most are, but, possibly you could find another that will back you up, before your unemployment runs out.

Also, give your lawyer a call and see what he suggests.

Sending good thoughts your way, Debbie

CarrieinSK 02/01/2009

Get a new opinion/letter...fast. Send some Fibro brochures and lab info to that ass who calls himself a Psychologist!

kshort49 02/01/2009

I don't think my insurance will cover a new test-I had a very hard time getting their approval for the original test-believe it or not it cost $3000 for this test. What a rip off. Thanks for your post.

deleted_user 02/01/2009

Oh boy, Im sorry this happened to you :(

Did you mention to the psy for testing about the work thing? Maybe he/she got afraid after that; possibly being called to witness list if this went to trial.

Sigh.

I do believe Docs tend to stick together :(

If you can get a new opinion, I would do that.

I am so sorry this is happening to you!

Hugs

deleted_user 02/01/2009

$3,000??? Holy crap! That is a rip off! Sheesh! Again Im sorry this is happening to you.

deleted_user 02/01/2009

Good ideas from everyone.

Best I can do is keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Gentle hugs...

CarrieinSK 02/01/2009

I would put a call into him and say that the letter was unacceptable. Drop off FMS brochures. Ask why there are drugs directly for Fibro now if it doesn't really exist.

Print out this study and bring him the results and educate him:

http://www.thyroidscience.com/studies/lowe.2006/lowe.2nd.rmr.fm.study.pdf

A good video:

http://www.mdialog.com/video/show/16389-apf---fibromyalgia-is-real

imKarenM 02/01/2009

I think the problem was in choosing a psychologist for the neuro-cognitive testing, one who was probably just an insurance doctor anyway. Is it possible to see a Neurologist or Rheumatologist? One who is a professor at a medical university?

deleted_user 02/01/2009

I don't have anything to add

Will keep you in my thoughts and Prayers.

Hugs

deleted_user 02/01/2009

Ask Lawyer's Opinion about this maybe he can provide u a doctor to see and take cost of doctor out of any fees he wins or at least split cost with u or something worth a try anyways

PeaceN2You 02/01/2009

What is it that you're trying to claim in terms of your firing? Was there discrimination involved, or some issue with failing to accomodate your disability?

I don't know the law in New York, but where I am you can be fired for any reason or no reason, as long as it's not discriminatory.

I don't know what advice to give you, because I don't know what your attorney was planning to claim on your behalf. If you can give me a bit more info I might have a suggestion.

deleted_user 02/01/2009

I made my own appt with a neurologist who did alot of testing and with my blood. He referred me to a rheumy who also did alot of blood test and dxed fibro. I think specialist carry more weight then a regular MD.

Good luck, Its a shame they do people that way

deleted_user 02/01/2009

You mean that dumb ass for a dr charged you 3000 for his uneducated, useless opinion? You should be suing his ass for being so stupid. But I wish you the best. I wouldnt let it go either. Get a 2nd opinion by a real dr who has education. Some docs can be total assholes and much more I care not to post. It angers me so, how u were treated on your job and by that so called doc. I have been trough the same ordeal, somewhat.

Blessings too you.

deleted_user 02/01/2009

kshort, peace knows all about the laws and circumstances such as this. I would suggest you give her more info so that she can help you with more ideas ok?
I am SICK AND DAMN TIRED of people who are so called professionals acting like this is all in our damn heads.
They are the ones who need to GET this illness so they know first fricking hand what it feels like to go through this.
Apparently when you go to medical school, they randomly select which doctors to be will get a labotomy...obviously these idiots were the chosen ones. DAMN I cant stand stupidity!

Also I do know that depending on the state you are in, and depending on how many employees they have, they may or may not be required to accommodate you for your disability.
Here in wonderful Missouri, you can be fired and hired on a whim. If the Employer has less than 10 employees they dont have to accommodate you for squat. And they can fire or hire you at will. They can fire you just bec they dont like your shoes....and there is nothing you can do about it...thats missouri for ya.
I would definately check into the law where you are to see if you have good grounds for a lawsuit..most lawyers will consult with you for free.
but I would dump those Brainless Wonders that you have been talking to..they are a total waste of your time.

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