Fibromyalgia Patients Only?

Question

If your doctor finally asked you after four years
"What do you think about going ahead and filing for disability?"

What would you do? I've been off since Oct 17 th with a broken wrist. I worked the week of Oct 10th, but had missed the two prior weeks due to severe bronchitis.

I've had trips to the doc almost every month ths year. And I'm on my fourth year of constant tracking back and forth to the doctors.


Would you go ahead and retire now...while you have already missed so much time? I hear you have to be out like two months before you can start paperwork.

This is my family doc who made the suggestion. I didn't ask or hint at this. HE came up with it ALL BY HIMSELF!!!
My rhumetologist told me this spring that since I was only 42, I'd probably too young to get disability on the basis of FM. He did say he'd help me on the basis of bulging disks in my back.

Would you take the family doctor's suggestion as a turning point? And will this help me get a check?

My doctor said he hates to think I'll be stuck only making $800 a month when I'm used to $1600. But if I wait until I retire at 70 years old...I'll only make $600 a month. And he hasn't even considered that!

Answer 1

I also have FMS, as well as chronic back and neck pain. I'm surprised that your doctor told you to apply for disability, this is rare. When you do need to file, you know you will have support.

Is your job in jeopardy due to your absences? Do you have good benefits? Is your job exacerbating your disability?

Consider that some people with FMS are more functional than others. So when someone tells you that they are able to work many hours, don't feel pressured to do the same.

Wait as long as you can, so that you can save in the meantime, and see if you can realistically live on $800 per month.

Personally, if I was able to work full time, I would be because ends are not meeting. I keep trying to push myself anyway, causing plenty of flare-ups.

For disability they want to see that you are permanently and totally disabled, six months or more.

Do what's right for you, if that time has come, or when it comes, that you absolutely can no longer work, apply for SSD.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I have Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibro, Raynard's, a immune problem and prolapsed disc. Psoriasis at 16, at 21 the first sign of Arthritis a red hot swollen finger. I was diagnosed with RA at 29 and had worked, had a nice career. At 34 while in a Hospital bed unable to walk, it suddenly hit me that this Arthritis was serious! I had a second opinion in 1998, age 40, where the Fibro and Raynard's were added. It was only then that I applied for Disability. It was thrown at me, expected a uphill battle but none. Since then I have applied for jobs and been on training courses. With the big 50 coming soon, I guess I am retired! However I am still mobile, just back from a three mile walk in the wood. The major problem as I see it, MY HEALTH does not fit in with the 9-5 five day week, the norm. I am so removed from the norm that sometimes I think night watch person job would suit me fine, for two night a week, as long as I could sleep during the day and rest up five days of the week. Money? I had it, I had a luxurious lifestyle, so one would think I would miss it? In fact the opposite is true. Spending 200 on a TV was easy, now saving 200 for a TV and then spending weeks looking at which TV, is far more exciting. Good Luck

Answer 3

I have the same thing, and I still work many hours. I may be sore but it never stops me, and the doctor said since I am moving just as well as anyone else I can still work.

Your doctors must be really nice to offer it so early. Mine won't, but then again I would still work.

Answer 4

You are not to young, i think my sister was 32 at the time she got it...I have it to, but its secondary to RSDS...I know a 16 year old that gets it to. If you do still stay busy with something, you know how we get if we sit around the pain is worse...