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.
At my wits end and not sure whom to ask for advice, so I thought I would turn it over to the board to see what suggestions you all have. I have been on a "staycation" for the last 6 days at it seems obvious that many of my symptoms flare up even worse when I am working. I don't know if it is the stress, the swing shift, a combination or what and part of me says it does not matter. I used my time off to apply for other jobs as well as to look into filing for disability. I do not believe, according to the info that I read, that I will qualify for disability.
My question is that part where they ask about being "disabled" or needed "reasonable accommodation" on a job application. Does anyone know at what point you can check that box "yes"??
As a brief over view: My GP acts like she has no idea about my health problems. I saw a Rheumy for the last 2.5 years, last time her suggestion was that I lose some weight. My back is so twisted that it is visable. I have lost 2 inches in height, am having trouble walking and in the last two weeks even raising my arms. The Rheumy sent me the lanacane shots in my back and the Neurologist says they won't help, I have too many knots. He also says no one with Fibro is as sick as I am (No offense!) and that I clearly have a neurological disorder and not just chronic pain. So basically one doc, sends me to another doc who completely throws out the previous docs diagnosis. In the last 6 years I have been through 5 neurologists, not counting the two who declined to take my case but including two major neurological hospitals, and got an "inconclusive" diagnosis of MS from 1 doc. Meaning they cannot say it is, but cannot prove it is not. Insurance declined to pay for more testing. I have been through 4 GP's. They all become frustrated and eventually say, "I don't know" or tell me, "You need to file for disability." My response is always, "OK, so what is my diagnosis so I can file?" They do not have an answer. I have also seen 2 Rhemy's. One said I absolutely do not have Fibro, the other says I do but really does nothing other than prescribe drugs, which I have already been on 4-5 times and had a reaction to them.
I am a big proponent of helping oneself, but I am to the point that I cannot do any exercise other than walking on a soft surface. My spine feels like someone has poured gasoline on it and lit it on fire. Standing longer than 3 minutes is agony. And yes, I still work FT and yes my husband seems rather clueless except to ask me not to "use my hypochondria to run up more medical bills." He's not being a jerk, he will likely be laid off by the end of the month, he is just trying to be practical. So I NEED to work but I am approaching levels of not being able to function.
Any input would be appreciated
My question is that part where they ask about being "disabled" or needed "reasonable accommodation" on a job application. Does anyone know at what point you can check that box "yes"??
As a brief over view: My GP acts like she has no idea about my health problems. I saw a Rheumy for the last 2.5 years, last time her suggestion was that I lose some weight. My back is so twisted that it is visable. I have lost 2 inches in height, am having trouble walking and in the last two weeks even raising my arms. The Rheumy sent me the lanacane shots in my back and the Neurologist says they won't help, I have too many knots. He also says no one with Fibro is as sick as I am (No offense!) and that I clearly have a neurological disorder and not just chronic pain. So basically one doc, sends me to another doc who completely throws out the previous docs diagnosis. In the last 6 years I have been through 5 neurologists, not counting the two who declined to take my case but including two major neurological hospitals, and got an "inconclusive" diagnosis of MS from 1 doc. Meaning they cannot say it is, but cannot prove it is not. Insurance declined to pay for more testing. I have been through 4 GP's. They all become frustrated and eventually say, "I don't know" or tell me, "You need to file for disability." My response is always, "OK, so what is my diagnosis so I can file?" They do not have an answer. I have also seen 2 Rhemy's. One said I absolutely do not have Fibro, the other says I do but really does nothing other than prescribe drugs, which I have already been on 4-5 times and had a reaction to them.
I am a big proponent of helping oneself, but I am to the point that I cannot do any exercise other than walking on a soft surface. My spine feels like someone has poured gasoline on it and lit it on fire. Standing longer than 3 minutes is agony. And yes, I still work FT and yes my husband seems rather clueless except to ask me not to "use my hypochondria to run up more medical bills." He's not being a jerk, he will likely be laid off by the end of the month, he is just trying to be practical. So I NEED to work but I am approaching levels of not being able to function.
Any input would be appreciated
Hugs to you.
I take meds, I have TOTALLY changed my diet, I have made a zillion lifestyle changes, from sitting on a giant exercise ball at work to not wearing necklaces or collars to get where I am. You too can do it.
My suggestions are to treat each and every one of your symptoms because remember, our bodies "freak out" at any and all discomforts, whether it is food that is difficult to digest, or shoes that stress your back. Have faith and persistence. Read up and leave no stone unturned. Find out all the strategies that have been successful for people and figure out which ones are right for you. I have shared all of mine multiple times. Search my name for my posts, or message me. Believe.
I would check with your GP who said to apply for disability. They are ultimately the ones who should help you get the ball rolling. They may also be able to refer you to a pain clinic to help you deal with daily living. I would also contact an attorney for help.
Take care of yourself and good luck.
If you're working more than 40 hours a week, perhaps it would be best to cut down your work hours to just that. There are government websites out there ie Job Accommodation network that will have info and perhaps, still phone consultation about how to ask for accommodation. It's best not to wait too long to apply for social security disability because it's based on the the last 10 years of work (I think). The first step is going on state disability when you apply for federal (at least in California). Good luck!
My doctor told me to apply with just stating the main symptoms that cause me not to be able to work. Then provide them the doctors and testing that have been done.
Age plays a large part in their decision. If you are young and they feel you can learn a new job they may decline your application. If you are over 50 you have a better chance. They told me to apply first on my own then if I need to appeal, hire an attorney. I applied directly and was approved in 6 weeks. I think you have to have been unable to work for 6 months first. I am not 100% sure about that.
I wish you well. -RJ