Frustrated with Doctor's Opinion on Fibromyalgia Disability Qualification

I got disability for fibromyalgia. They sent me a different form for just the fibromyalgia. I was approved in 9 months where they said that is really fast. You don’t get Medicare until 2 years. I started the process on June me 15th and got back pay of 9 months. The reason it is so long is that the paperwork has to be seen and then the medical needs looked at also paperwork will need to be filled out again about what you can and cannot do. When all of the information is gathered a person will look at it and make a decision

Dear fibromyalgia victim- I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist when I was about 55. I have other health issues as well. What I want you to know is I applied for Disability in Illinois (where I live), and I was approved for it. I also had quadruple heart bypass when I was 61, And bypass to my right leg at 63 AND I Was told that ❤️ surgery was not a reason to get disability. I am 81 now, so This happened when most doctors were Convinced it was a mind thing, which of course it is NOT! It’s a long post, but I hope it helps!

❤️I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, SI joint problems, facet joint problems, ankylosis, spondylitis, tendinitis, bursa in hips, shoulder. Tennis elbow and golfers elbow . If I have something on one side, I always have it on the other side in the exact same Location. I never know what is exactly flared in a day as all of these issues present themselves about the same.

I'm from Michigan but as far as I knew you can get disability for fibromyalgia. I had kind of the same issue though, I asked my doctor about it and he said I wouldn't get approved because I'm "too young."

My doctor said it does qualify as one. My rheumatologist

Keep looking for a good doctor. There are good doctors out there. Never stop advocating for yourself. That is one of the biggest lessons this disease has taught me. You know your situation. Fight to find someone who will help you. Don’t settle. For some people fibro is disabling. It was for me. But my cousin can work a full-time job and manage five kids. I can’t imagine that. We all have different cases. Looks for physical therapists, chiropractors, internists, etc. If you’re on Facebook, look for a local support group page. People might be able to recommend doctors. I found a pain management clinic very helpful. Also, I don’t know what universities you live near, but the local medical school had some really helpful programs. Don’t ever stop fighting for yourself!

UGH, I’m so sorry U had to deal with this! We all have horror stories like this, I’m sure…!! :-/ Unfortunately, chronic illnesses are not well understood by most doctors, but that’s why it’s so important to learn all we can & be our own patient advocate. Here is some info that I just found: https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/fibromyalgia-and-social-security-disability https://www.disabilitysecrets.com/resources/social-security-disability-ssdi-ssi-fibromyalgia.htm Sounds like, at best, this doc just didn’t know what she was talking about, or, at worst, was being intentionally deceptive & manipulative, but, regardless, it seems that the guidance for how you qualify is what changed, & you must have evidence(labs/tests, ruling out of other diagnoses, etc.) & proof that symptoms impair your ability to actually work/function, so reported pains/symptoms & lists of meds are not enough alone to prove your disability claim. Good to know, as I’ve been needing to reapply for SSDI for like a decade & a half!! I have several other compounding illnesses & conditions now, though, as well, so maybe that will help…? Anyhoo :) ~ Hope this info helps you & anyone else who reads this, & I wish U (All) :) success (& less of the nonsense doctors not knowing anything & being rude, etc.!!!) with your health&wellness journeys! :)

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Fibro is def a disability but trying for disability may be hard. It’s be better to put all health issues related to fibro and that includes depression as well