Finally got the nerve to post

I was dig.with fiber a few years ago after years of about every test and dr. you can imagine.  It's kinda funny thinking about it now and how I would go to my family dr. and only tell her about one thing at a time that was hurting on me or unexplainable symtoms I was having (tierd, always feeling like I just got run over by a  truck, light and sound sensitivity,etc....) I'm not explaining anything new to any of you because you all truly know all the darn crap that goes along with having fiber.  I know now that if I would have been up front with my family Dr. it wouldn't have taken so long to digno. me. but, I have a parent that is such a hyper.condreact (sorry for the spelling) I'm very reluctant to voice my complaints.   After  years of testing my family Dr. told me I had fiber. and she sent me to a Rheumat., (which was kinda funny cause he was the first person she had sent me to 5 years prior).  When the Rheumat.,  confirmed I had Fiber., I had to look it up on the computer cause I had never heard of it before.  As I was reading the description of fiber. I sat and cried for an hour.  There they were describing everything about me that I had not ever told my dr. about yet.  It was so wonderful to know that I wasn't totally out of my mind.  I some how came upon this site and for years I've been reading everyones post.  I think it helps the most when your dealing with folks that don't get what your going thru and you see the looks on their faces or the eye rolls. it really is nice to know there is somewhere you can go the other know exactly how your feel.

I didn't mean for this to go on so long (boy you stay quite for so long, once you start there's no stopping me) (sorry).  I live in Michigan and for years have worked at one of the "big three" (well, what was once the "big three") untill a couple of months ago when I lost my job.  My husband keeps bugging me to try and file for SSD.  Besides the Fiber., I also need to have have both my knee's replaced and I also have lower disc disinagration.  Does anyone know about what the chances are for me to get approved for SSD?  I know that if you first get denied you obtain a lawyer and do it again, but I'm wondering if it's ever worth persuing.  I would still love to be able to work, but I can't seem to stand to work, sitting is even worst for any length of time and I don't seem to be able to comprehend new info. anymore.  Any comments would be greatly appreciated.  Wow I really feels good to come out from the shadow's.  Thanks for listening......

 

Some people get SSD with a diagnosis of just fibro but it's easier if you have other problems. This sounds terrible but it's easier to get SSD if you have depression along with your fibro.

Thank you all so much for your input. I'll keep praying that it works for me. If it's meant to be......

If you get a lawyer, get one that works on a commission of what you get as a lump sum. They work harder and don't take all of your money. There is a word for that, but with fibro fog, I can't think of it. It might be contingency. (sp).

I am so happy that you have joined us. You will find this forum to be so compassionate and caring.

Here's wishing you a good day today.

Hugs, Karen

Hi Patsy,
I was like you, I have read the posts may times, but never really respond to them. I guess I felt I didnt know enough, but they have really helped me get through the days. Now I am on the computer all day and was starting to get to feel useless, then it dawned on me that maybe now I could help others by sharing some of my experiences . So I hope to be more involved in this wonderful group.

I wanted to let you know about my experence with disibility. I was dx I guess it's almost four years ago. I was working part time as an RN/Hospice volunteer coordinator. I had a really bad stressful year with alot of personal things happening. I think that was what really make my fibro come out like a lion! So I had taken a short term disabilty at work, then tried to go back but couldnt. I applied for LTD with my private insurance through work. I go t it without to many problems. The one most important thing is having a doctor that will stand behind you. I have a wonderful GP and a good rhematologist. The private LTD made me apply for
SSD. The paper work is very detailed and you have to answear the best you can. Just tell it how it is. It's also true that if you have other things wrong, list them, it helps to have more than one disease, but fibro is a reason to file also. I had fibro, depression,diabetes,neropathy. I was turned down the first time and the private LTD hired a lawyer for me. I got approved the second time, and I'm sure it was because of the lawyer. They know exactly how to word things. NOW the ironic thing
Once I was approved for SSD the private LTD stated that I was no longer disabled after I was on the SSD and LTD for about six months. You see I got a check from SSD and whatever the difference was in my original amout from LTD the LTD paid me. Somehow it was based on my salary from my employer. That happend right before Christmas last year. I could appeal it and everyone advised me to get a lawyer. Fortunatly I found a lawyer that agreed to work on commision, so if I get the appeal overturned she'll get a percentage of the back payment. She also said that private companys do this all the time! So I just found out that a final decison should be coming by Oct 18th, so I'm praying it gets turned around.

But sorry for being so long....I just wanted to say....GO for it! DON"T get discouraged because you've worked all those years an the problem with fibro is one day it can be OK but then you have two days of being terrible. It's so unpredictable! I wish you luck!
Deb