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.
Good morning and almost Happy New Year. Hope 2022 brings more pain free days, joy and abundant blessings.
I need to vent regarding trying to get disability benefits. I had to retire at age 60 due to too much stress and pressure from Covid 18 months ago. I worked as a dental hygienist for 40 years and loved my job but my body couldn't love it anymore.
I am trying to get disability benefits through Allsup Disability advocate. My frustration is building. I have Kaiser insurance and since I started this process - my doctor told me that he did not have time to complete the paper work. Allsup tried to get my medical records but they are so unorganized that I don't think Allsup will ever receive them.
I've had many phone calls with Allsup to fill out my forms with them. They are kind and I appreciate them. I also had medical appointments - orthopaedic, psychiatry ( almost forgot how to spell that ;) and I have another psychic appt coming up.
I think my biggest frustration is that all of these doctors I see tell me that fibromyalgia isn't really a medical condition. Well, maybe they want to live with it. Oh, probably not.
I thought that fibromyalgia probably made it into the DSM MANUAL so why don't doctors recognize it.
I am now 61 1/2 yrs old - worked since I was 15 yrs old - never unemployed. It wasn't my plan to stop working until at least 65 yrs old. Due to my fibromyalgia - I truly would not be able to work . I know DSS 's job is to deny people - seems so unfair.
Ok - that's all I got !! Thank you so much for listening ! I know you believe me and understand and that makes me smile.
I love you all in this daily battle ! :) Penni
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Another day, another ouchie?My bruised achilles tendon (don't ask) makes my foot numb. Wonky on meds, whacked it.Now, as to fibro:A lot of reports are going around some parts of social media that fibro (and dang near anything else) are caused by post-Covid, post-flu, post-vaccinations, post-pick-something.1. Your risk of death or serious complications beyond "ow, that shot hurt!" are typically...
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Years ago, I won a mirrored armoire from my job. It's in my bedroom but I rarely stand in front of it. Yesterday, I had to have a dexascan done so I had to change into a gown. There was a full length mirror in the changing room. I'm aware that I gained 5 to 7 pounds over the last year from cheating on Keto but I didn't know what it looked like. It was a reality check.
Your primary issue is your doctor's who apparently don't support your application for disability. If they don't support your decision/aren't willing to deal with the paperwork, you are done. Hiring an attorney won't change that. I am sorry. And, it is generally a rule of thumb that Social Security will deny your application at least once. Largely because they can and the system is.broken. It was a dumpster fire when I applied in 2009.
Fibromyalgia has its own diagnostic code and has had for a few years. You are going to have to either make an appointment with your doctors and flat put confront them or start over with new people who *will* acknowledge that you are no longer able to work.
I know that you don't want to hear any of this. It's unfair and ridiculous that chronically ill people are subjected to this bullspit.
Allsup can on!y do so much if your doctors refuse to cooperate.
Unfortunately, if your doctor's do not believe in your diagnosis. Their notes are not going to be helpful. You need to find doctors that believe in fibro. You will have to see a new doctor regularly for at least 3-6 months before their opinions will carry weight.
When you turn 62, you have the option of taking Early Retirement. But, your monthly benefits will be reduced for the rest of your life. You will not be eligible for Medicare until you turn 65. You can apply for Medicaid if your state expanded Medicaid. If you do not qualify for Medicaid you can go to
www.healthcare.gov and buy insurance.
SSA does view fibromyalgia as a Medically Determined Impairment.
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di/01/SSR2012-02-di-01.html
Early or Late Retirement-
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/quickcalc/early_late.html
Medical Records-
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/medical-records/index.html
Tell your doctor's the Details of how your impairments affect your ability to do Activities Of Daily Living. Details Matter. Be sure you update your Adult Function Report if there are changes. Your medical records need to support your non medical evidence. If someone helps you with your Activities Of Daily Living. Ask DDS to send you a Third Party Form. Ask the person that helps you with your Activities to fill it out.