disability

I cannot get it because of my fibro. I did get temporay disability for mental health reasons - the judge ruled I would be cured in 2 yrs. So I think it is this December or next I lose my disability and insurance - I will be quitting all medical treatment cold turkey - that should be fun!
What I can say from my hearing is I was terrified. My lawyer did her best to make me feel better. Bring pen and paper. I do not remember I thing anyone said in there. I was shaken to the point I wanted to throw up - not trying to scare you - I have GAD. Also bring water - you mouth might feel like you are eating cotton. You may also want to ask your lawyer about notes you should have of things you are going to need to know. I have trouble recalling my birthday, phone number etc - So it may sound silly, but you may want to write it down.

Hi. Myjoy

Regarding disability ,Did you get approved the first time? Because I'm finding a lot of people getting denied the first time ,and getting approved the second.I can't imagine waiting more then six months to have a decision, but that's what I hear is the average time it takes.

I'm sure you were very happy to get approved.I just got a lawyer to represent me,thats doing all paper work and foot work . Without help it is too much and I'm too weak.I also heard that it does help ,If there is more than one diagnosis, besides fibromyalgia.Can you give any advice that will help us understand this difficult process ,and how long your decision took.

Thank-you,

Sage

Hi Myjoy,

Thanks for replying so quickly.That definitely helped me and gave me some hope to hang in there.

It's a lot of stress,just what we need,but its good to know you got approved.I'm glad my children are a little older ,and they do not have to rely on me so much. I will be patient and hope for the best.It's scary but I have to take care of myself.I kept avoiding this as long as I could.

Thank-you for your advice,
Sage

I have been awarded disability this year. It took 2 tries. The first time I didn't know what I was doing. The second time I worked hard at it. You really have to make sure your dr's are on the same page you are on with this disability. I think I got mine through mostly by my psy. dr. I had suffered depression for many years due to having FM. I would of problaby not had as good of chance if if was FM only diagnosis. If you are trying for a second time on your own, I would have a lawyer. I did't need one, but there seems to have some perks with a lawyer. I have seen people get awarded their medicare early. I am having to wait 2 years from the time I filed on the second one. I know some got their medicare early because they considerd all those years you have been applying and got denied. I had to do a lot of up keep calling social security to make sure they were working on it. It took 9 months for me to receive it. I was very lucky that I had long term insurance effective and they were paying me while I was waiting. I had to pay them back, but I didn't lose my house or car.

Thanks for all the support and replies. I feels so good to be able to talk with people who are going through the same situation as me. I was just wondering for some people that say that it took 2 tries. Does your first application count as your first try and then you got yourself a lawyer then finally won? I was turned down my first try during my application then I went on to get a lawyer and now am waiting for my hearing. I have degenerative disc and ulcerative colitis and other problems also so maybe that will help me also. I just can't wait until this is all over with. Thanks again for all your support.

Hi, Anxious612. I am a new member, suffer from fibromyalgia, and incidentally, am a Social Security disability attorney. It is understandable that you would be anxious, but as I tell all my clients, leave the worrying to your attorney and try to focus on your health, going to your doctor's appointments, being compliant with your prescribed treatment, etc.While you are waiting for your hearing date, you may want to take some notes on what it's like to live with fibromyalgia (and your other impairments) every day, what activities it prevents you from engaging in, what your average pain levels are, etc. Then when your lawyer is ready to prepare you for the hearing, you can easily (and efficiently) "paint the picture" for them of what it is like to live with this disability. You mentioned that you would like to work again one day - let your attorney know that.They may want to suggest a continuing evaluation (BTW, woodanemone, this sounds like what your judge issued but I think you may want to contact your attorney to confirm exactly what the decision stated as it sounds like you may have misinterpreted it a little bit) to the judge. Also, there is a Social Security Ruling that specifically addresses Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia that your attorney should be familiar with.

Good luck - I wish you the best at your hearing, and with the management of your fibro. None of you should feel any "shame" in accepting disability.I am sure many of you tried your best to continue to work and be productive, but it is a daily struggle with this illness for many of us.The only blessing I find in it at all is that I am now in a better position to understand my clients and what they are coping with if they are suffering from chronic pain/fatigue.

Hi Andria11,

It'd great to hear from someone who has it and works with it on a daily basis.I hope you don't mind if we have some questions in the future,that you might be able to help us with.I think its great that you really can understand your clients point of view,because you've been there.

I'm just in the beginning phase of disability ,so hopefully all will go well.Just stopped working. Isn't hard to be an attorney , and have fibromyalgia?

Welcome to the website any knowledge you can provide would be appreciated


Thank-you, Sage

Hi,
I was on Long term disability first thru my employer- after a year I think thats when they hired Allsup to represent me in a ssi disability case. I was denied the first time. Was scheduled a hearing. And got it when I had the hearing. Unfortunetly, they dont seem to understand what it means to have all these issues! Its horrible! I myself have been dealing with this stuff since I was 18yrs old. I am now 39 but at 37 I actually had a heart attack due to the stress and pain I am in 24/7!!! I use to work 40-70 hr work weeks. I loved it! I was a work a-holic!! And Havent been able to since 2006! its a bummer when you think your at the mercy of someone who has never gone thru this before. Because my guess if they have or are- most aren't working! So ya its tough! But just be honest! And make sure you let them know what life is for you! I have alot of depression/anxiety with my stuff. So if thats you- be sure to add that! Because its all part of it!

I hope things go well for you!

I think fighting for SSA disability is different everywhere and for everyone. It depends in the state you live in. Although, it is a Federal law, it doesn't matter, some states give you a harder time than others. I strongly believe that your doctors have a great incluence on whether you get disability or not. You have to be on the same page. Let your docs know that you are applying for disability and need his understanding and support. If they refuse to support you on this decision, then it is time to look for another doctor. Most of the time you are denied 1 time and approved on the 2nd time. By what I have read, I noticed that a lot of you had to go in front of a judge. Was this on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd try? It is different everywhere, but from I hear in FL fibromyalgia is good enough to get Social Security income. It also depends on your employment history. This has a lot to do w/ whether they make it easier for you or more difficult. If you have worked most of your life and this is the 1st time you are applying, there should be no reason for denial as long as your docs agree w/ your circumstances and support you. Good luck to all.

Hi
Just wanted to say thanks to Andrea for her help and for this thread, I live in Wisconsin, I'm sure it's one of the harder states for disability. Thanks also for posting this thread, can't have to much knowledge, right?

Hugs
Michele

Andrea11, thank you very much for your input. Have a blessed day.