Restless legs and arms.

Hi Patrick!

I am very glad you have decided to join our Fibro Family! This is a great bunch of folks who deeply care about each other and sharing ideas on getting good medical help and making life easier when we have fibro to contend with. I sure can see why you would be depressed and at "your wits end" but you CAN make it through these obstacles...many of us have and will be happy to help you. Here, take my hand and we'll begin. (extending hand)

Most people with fibromyalgia have multiple other disorders as you do. You will see that soon as others stop by to welcome you. We just have to take it on day at a time and one disorder at a time. Most days that's the only way I can make it through. Otherwise I feel overwhelmed and get down easily, even with antidepressants.

First off, you need to find alternate health insurance. I'm sure you know about COBRA if that's an option for you. Also, your state will have insurance for people who can't afford or obtain it any other way. Look then up online. I don't know where you live or I'd look it up for you. Another way to go is to call your local Red Cross. Yep, they help with this kind of disaster too. I've seen it work well for many folks. If you need more help on these please ask and someone will be by to help you.

Then, you need to work with your doc on getting the depression under control. It took me several medications before I found one I could tolerate and then after a year I had to switch because of side effects. That's not abnormal tho. Report back to your doc how the Cymbalta is, or is not working. Likely something else will work better.

On the disability denial...sounds like it's time to get an attorney involved. I'm just beginning to apply so we'll see how long it takes to get MY denial!...lol An attorney doesn't' take money up front and only collects if he wins for you.

OK, I've babbled enough....and it's past bed time for me. Please let us know how you are doing, even if you feel the need every hour or so. Hang on...remember I have your hand on this end and won't let go...OK???

Chutzie

SOOO nice to get to talk with someone on my ailments and finally some people who care. I live in Michigan. The weather plays a big part on how I feel. I was receiving disability through my work and had to see one of their doctors who said I was able to work full time and lift 25 lbs. I wish he would walk in my shoes for a week and I bet he would reconsider. This disability really makes me mad, I have paid in for 32 years and when it is time to use it, U have to fight for it which is not right. Stress really drives up my pain. I have cobra insurance through work and it runs out in 10 days. I have money in 2 IRAs and wonder do I have to use that first?? Can I get goverment assistance?? Midland hospital told me I had to take money out of there to pay them...not sure if they can tell me that but I am not a lawyer or financial guru.Again, thanks for your posts and concern......and accepting me....

PT

Hi, Pete, and welcome!  I receive social security disability.  My husband died suddenly and  I had to go on COBRA, too, and, when it was close to running out, I started looking for health insurance.  No one would insure me because I had several chronic illnesses.  My doctor said that I was the type of patient that social security disability was written for. 

I called my social security office and started the procedure.  They interviewed me and then sent me forms to fill out describing what I could and could not do.  I was totally honest on those.  I had all my doctors send my medical information to them also at their request.  Then they sent me to their doctors to be examined. 

I did receive disability so I'm drawing on social security early.  Because of that, I only get 71% of what I would have gotten if I waited until I was 65 but the Medicare is so beneficial for me.  So, see if you can do that.  I was 50 years old when I started getting social security disability.

Sherrine