Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences navigating the SSDI application process with fibromyalgia and multiple diagnoses, with the overwhelming... Read more

Members shared their experiences navigating the SSDI application process with fibromyalgia and multiple diagnoses, with the overwhelming consensus being that approval often takes multiple attempts (typically two to three denials) and can stretch over years, making persistence essential. Several members offered practical advice, including working with a disability lawyer who knows the system, documenting every single symptom and limitation no matter how small (like difficulty mixing brownies or lifting trash bags), and being thorough when explaining what you cannot do during hearings. A recurring theme was the frustrating but common experience of initial denial followed by eventual approval, often after appearing before a judge, with members encouraging each other to stay hopeful and not give up despite the exhausting process.