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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Garland, TX

I've been reading a lot of profiles on here and the majority say that the person went on disability due to their fibromyalgia. My question is, for those that did go on disability due to fibromyalgia, how long did it take you to decide to go that route? And how did you come to that decision, like what was your final straw that made you decide to go to disability?

January 2, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply personal stories about the difficult decision to apply for disability due to fibromyalgia, with timelines ranging from... Read more

Members shared deeply personal stories about the difficult decision to apply for disability due to fibromyalgia, with timelines ranging from immediate applications to years of trying to push through pain before finally filing. Several members described the tipping point as being unable to perform basic work functions like sitting, standing, or focusing for extended periods, while others mentioned additional diagnoses like degenerative disc disease, blood clots, or mental health struggles that compounded their limitations. A recurring theme was the lengthy and often frustrating approval process, with wait times ranging from six months to four years, though some were fortunate enough to be approved on their first attempt with strong medical documentation and support from their doctors.

A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member I'm in the process of trying to get on SSI now. The pain in my neck and back especially is really bad, I can't sit, stand or walk for too long. The Fibro fog makes it difficult to focus, be alert etc. I also have anxiety and depression that I deal with as well. My doctor knew I could not be productive at work and took me off. Fibro affects everyone differently, some can manage to work and some can't. Only you will know how Fibro is affecting your body and how you should go forward. I hope this helps :)

January 2, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Ive been on disability for 20 yrs. and my reason was my dr had me about 18 different meds. Fibromyalgia isnt my only illness but I couldnt handle the side effects to the meds also my job was very demanding and I physically couldnt do the work anymore.

January 2, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

It took me about 8 mos to file after my last day at work n exhausted all my savings. My xhusband n I seperated shortly after I found out I couldnt go back to work. I was the bread winner in the family, so it hit us hard financially.
It was me n OUR youngest daughter on r own, he told me he wasnt gonna give me shit, n he didnt. I had no income or no way of earning money. I had no choice but to file. Its a long process, but I was one of the lucky ones that was approved on the 1st try.

January 2, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

i wasn't able to work no more then 2 hours be cause of the pain and weakness, i also had blood clots in my leg witch i needed to lay down with my leg up, the job i worked for got me an attorney and we went from there. all you can do is start working with SSD and see.Good luck. I hope you get your question answered, if i see any answers you need i will let you no.

January 2, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I tried to work through the pain and exhaustion for years but eventually my employers of 20 years recommended I take medical retirement as I was obviously no longer fit to work. They did try hard to accommodate my needs with changes to my workstation and a bespoke chair. I became so depressed and anxious that I finally had a complete nervous breakdown. I had almost a year off work with a structured return to work programme to ease me back slowly but it didn't work out. With the support of my company, my GP, my rheumatology and psych consultants I was finally approved for PIP and ESA. Scared to death that financial support may end due to Government cut-backs though. I don't know how anyone manages financially without it. Hope you get things sorted.

January 4, 2017

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