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I need a rheumatologist to help me file for disability. Saw one ONCE and told don't bother coming back, there's no treatment for Fibro

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Arcadia, FL

I live in Florida. Diagnosed with Fibro 20 years ago. Didn't have the foresight to keep my medical records. Never saw a doctor for fibro.

September 29
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Reactions
A MyFibroTeam Member

If they say there is no treatment for fibro. This may be helpful when it comes to receiving disability. Do you specifically need a Rheumatologist to fill the papers in or can you have your family Dr fill them in. You could go to a family Dr or find a Dr if you don’t have one and tell them you were diagnosed 20 years ago. Then see what they can do to help you. They may know too if they would be the Dr to fill in disability papers or if you would need to see a Rhematologist.
If so You could ask your Dr for a referral if you do need to see a Rheumatologist.
You could google a local resource Center (so exactly the state you live and location you are in) who can help you ask if they know what you need to do and what the protocol is that you need to follow to put your claim in. And if they could help you to do that. It may be free. Just trying to help and this is just my opinion. Hope you find some help.

September 29 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

I hsd no problem filling I. My forms fir fibromyalgia, I got put on top rate dla. I put down all the illness I suffer all the pain & confusion. Iv got loads off stuff wrong with me. Good luck

October 3 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

Susan he's right their is no treatment 4 fibromyalgia

October 3
A MyFibroTeam Member

I am currently advocating for a friend with fibromyalgia with her disability case. What I have learned is that in Illinois disability for fibromyalgia will not be approved under a general practitioner, it must be diagnosed and followed by an expert. The expert they accept is a rheumatologist. It may not be the same for every state. But my friend has already been turned down twice when I discovered this info.Hoping this helps anyone in the same situation.

October 1
MyFibroTeam

That sounds incredibly frustrating — being dismissed by a doctor who should have been in your corner is disheartening, and you absolutely deserve better support. Here's some guidance on moving forward.

Finding a New Rheumatologist in Florida

Not all rheumatologists share that dismissive attitude. To find one who takes Show Full Answer

That sounds incredibly frustrating — being dismissed by a doctor who should have been in your corner is disheartening, and you absolutely deserve better support. Here's some guidance on moving forward.

Finding a New Rheumatologist in Florida

Not all rheumatologists share that dismissive attitude. To find one who takes fibromyalgia seriously:

- Search the American College of Rheumatology provider directory at rheumatology.org
- Ask your primary care doctor for a referral specifically to someone experienced with fibromyalgia
- Look for fibromyalgia support groups in Florida — members often share recommendations for compassionate doctors Rebuilding Your Medical History

Missing records isn't a dead end. Here are some steps that can help:

- Contact any hospitals or clinics you've ever visited — they are legally required to retain records for a number of years
- Request records from any pharmacy you've used, as prescription history can support your case
- A new doctor can document your current symptoms and history, which still holds weight for disability claims For Your Disability Claim

Consider consulting a disability attorney — many work on contingency (no upfront cost). They can guide you on building a strong case even with limited prior records. Consistent documentation of your symptoms going forward will be really important, so starting that paper trail now matters.

You've lived with this for 20 years — that history is real, even if the paperwork is scattered. Don't give up.

September 29

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