I don't think the sitting in the chair is the issue at least not for me.
I have back problems and long periods of sitting are problematic, but really it's more about the fatigue, pain and fibro fog. I mean what are they expecting to happen? Will you keel over, fall off, scream in pain.
I would just be honest. Such a hard and ineffective system to work with.
Sorry that you have to go through this. I will be soon

Keep after it, I gave up too soon and live to regret it. Get a lawyer if need be, but be persistent. That's the only way to win the game. After I was turned down I was so ill and so alone, no lawyer and no help, I just gave up and still feel very cheated, so fight on!

I`m so sorry you have to go through this on top of dealing with pain.
I had mine turned down (after several yrs of being on DLA) ,because of a stupid clerk at the offices ,writing to a specialist I`d seen before I was even diagnosed!!!
I stressed and got much worse afterwards ,but just by chance I was in my drs surgery ,getting an injection for bursitis? he said I was very quiet and was everything else ok? I briefly told him what had occoured and he offered right away to write to them in my behalf.
I had my dla reinstated within the week.My advice is ,if you have a good dr ,who relates to everything you`re going thru ,and understands what having fms means ,then ask if he`d do you a letter backing you up.
wishing you good luck ,and sending u gentle hugs and much love.xoxoxo (please let us know how u get on)x

Good luck. I would definitely recommend getting a lawyer. I have one. I was still denied. But can appeal their decision. When you do your phone interview, just answer to the best of your ability.

They want to know how long you can sit, stand, walk, etc. - So they can decide if you are able to do any job. Really think about how you are going to answer these questions - they are very important regarding your disability claim. If they think you can stand , they will say you can be a cashier. If they think you can sit - then a job that has mostly sitting involved - I think you get the idea. I am not saying to lie to them , but make it very clear how fibro has effected your life - don't down play anything. Maybe write down how it impacts your life physically,emotionally, and cognitive issues before the phone interview. I didn't do anything by phone . When I was denied the first time my lawyer took over the appeal .

It took me 2 years and 10 months to be approved . It is stressful to go through the disability process. I believe SS makes it more difficult than it needs to be so people will just give up.

It is also.important to have your Dr back you up and that your medical records support your claim.

They want to know the worst not the best times it gives you. Only tell them about how the worst times feel if you tell them you can go for long walks they will nix you, be careful what you say! Keep a diary & list how your worst days feel like. And all the bad things you have from fm. Document it! Good luck & be prepared! Good Doc notes help too, & any Specialists, tests, all the bad news. Think bad fm & do not give them any reasons to refuse you.

Your medical records must back up what you say. If you haven't discused the details of how your disabilities limit your ability to function on a daily basis with your dr, you need to. And be sure he writes it all down in your medical records. Most drs don't write down all the things their patients tell their or the things they tell their patients. It is always best to get copies of your medical records so you can see what was missing that you discussed with the dr. It is also a good idea to get copies of your medical records from the last date SSA got them to right before your hearing. If you or your attorney sends medical records to the ALJ it is always best for the claimant to call and verify that the ALJ's office has received all of the medical records right before the hearing. Your attorney can request at the hearing for your file to be kept open for a a short while so additional medical records can be submitted, but it may delay the ALJ's decision.

Thanks. Today I'm too exhausted to be terrified or to prepare. I hope if I mess it up the lawyer can undo it. I don't remember what I wrote down in the first place as my diseases and can't seem to find a copy.

i truely believe that the system is so unfair its terrible its took these people 3 years to diagnose me with FM......and yep im struggling to get benefeits ...totally agree with milily i was told to take work sitting down for gods sake they totally ignore the brain fog the overwhelming fatigue the waves of pain ubelievable dont give up annny i am in awe for anyone who can work with FM i miss work so much these people think i want to be stuck at home clock watching for my next painkiller .
hope everything worx out for u

Ann, don't be terrified. It's just a routine that you have to go through. 80% of claims are denied right off, and then 80% of appeals are denied. your lawyer can definitely help.

The questions about sitting etc. are to see if you can do a minimum wage job. you might not be able to work in a highly skilled position, but if you can do data entry for example, or phone operator, then that's good enough for them.

it's harder for highly skilled or educated folks to get disability because they can step down to more menial tasks and still earn a paycheck. or so the theory goes at SSDI.

Good luck to you. Hang in there!

Sometimes SSA/ALJ finds that based on the medical records documenting that the ability to function isn't impacted to a severe enough level, the claimants age, education and previous work, that the claimant has transferrable skills.

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

Dont give up and you will get it. Keep telling your primary doctor what you are going through, and go to as many specialists as you can. Make sure you have a lawyer. I know it is part of the system, but the lawyer just needs to be there even if you do all the work, as they know the judges and the lawyer has a form that the more doctors you have sign it about how you are able/not able to work, the better. It is all honest, but you have to do it. I know it is so hard to do when you are sick, but no matter how slowly, keep on hon.

I'm of advanced age (61) and I believe I'd be of high skills (editing, writing and management), however, I was just trying to read what ItsJustMe posted and my highly educated head is way too brain fogged to make heads or tails of it.

Oh, and I just found out not only do I have a compression fracture at T11 making it hard for me to do anything repetetive with my arms, now I have a compression fracture at L2. The T11 fracture I got while picking up a lap top. If there are jobs I can do, I sure haven't been able to figure out what they are.

So sorry that this happened but agree with others....keep trying. Many people get denied that are later approved. Sometimes I feel that they test people to see if they will get a job after being denied or really can't work..could be wrong, probably am, but it does seem that way at times. I know it can be devastating, but don't give up. Sending much positive energy and soft, gentle hugs