I am on disability and I am lucky because of how things happened. Not all doctors understand fibromyalgia or think it is a real thing. In my area we have a lot of drug seekers so now it is really hard to get pain meds. They took all of mine away and I've never abused them. When I first started having pain it started in my lower back and pelvic area and I was thinking it could be kidney pain or maybe my ovaries so I went to my gyn. She examined me and gave me some pain meds but the tests didn't find anything wrong. Next I went to my primary physician and she was not so understanding and obviously thought I was over-reacting or faking pain. She didn't even try to help me and wouldn't approve for me to go on medical leave. That is the lucky part because for medical leave they wanted to talk to the first doctor I saw so that was my GYN and she filled out the paperwork for me and helped direct me to other doctors for tests. I changed primaries and was eventually referred to a Rheumatologist that diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. So that one doctor was wrong and she could have made things so much harder for me. I was hoping to find a treatment that would allow me to return to work, and I did for a few years actually. I had an medtronic interstim implant that works like a tens unit put into my pelvic area and it uses electrical impulses to block the nerve signals from the pelvic area from getting to the brain. This was done by my urologist. I still have that and it helps a lot but my pain spread and the fatigue got too bad for me to keep up. I eventually applied for SSI disability and did not get a lawyer. My husband helped me understand the paperwork and helped me file. I was approved the first time but it took a while. I also was told that it is easier if you have more than one condition so Fibro and ? I had to talk to someone who did a "mental evaluation" but really they are screening for people who are faking. She added that I had depression and that is what helped me get approved. I actually wish I could work because it gives you a reason to get up in the morning and there are people to see and socialize with. I just can't be reliable because some days I am so tired I can't get out of bed. I would get fired for not showing up to work. Still, I am always trying to come up with something I can do and I would recommend anyone to try to keep working as long as possible if you can find an employer who is understanding because once you get home you tend to stay there and life gets more depressing.

Hi! After a three year fight, along with a disability attorney, I was finally officially approved for ssi in MA this past November. Fibro was listed as one of my conditions in the judgment, which made me happy as I hope it will make the way easier for others. Make sure, if they make appointments for you with their doctors, that you attend all of them. This is important, even if their experts find you NOT disabled, it gives the judge something to compare your own doctors opinions against. The judge I had was wonderful, and made it clear in her judgment letter that their experts opinions mattered little in the big picture of my overall health, whereas my doctors that had been caring for me for years, had a clear idea what the big picture of my health looked like. And because of this, she was much more inclined to listen to their diagnoses. Best of luck to you, it can be a long tiring journey, but worth it. I would definitely obtain an attorney. Usually, they don't receive any payment unless you're approved, and there's a limit to how much they can charge you.

I am not working I have filed for disability I have been denied twice and I went before the judge on the Nov. 8 haven't heard yet on that answer I do have an attorney. I have fibromyalgia, Epstein Barre virus, Gout, neuropathy, high blood pressure, PCOS, low B12, vit D, potassium. Brain fog so bad simple words can't spell I get lost. I hurt so much I can't stand my self. Depression is bad I see a therapist once a week. I worked as long as I could I work up to June 2015 haven't since. I was a truck driver and came home and was working as a veterinarian tech and started having trouble with numbers and remembering things and had to quit.

After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia I tried and lost 6 different jobs. I had an advocate from a support group that helped with forms. I also needed a doctors confirmation and another llness, high bp and depression. I got it on at first meeting. Now I do childcare for my daughters to supplement my disability. I know I wasn't capable of applying on my own and don't understand the expectations that you should be able to when your ability to focus and remember is compromised. Fatigue and pain have a huge impact on my abilities. I'm thankful with my grandkids I can lay down and work around my limitations, they understand. I could not do that at an actual job.

I was diagnosed in 1994 and have struggled with these and the depression it causes ever since. I work when my days are good and bad. When it is unbearable I stay in bed. I work for a very good company that will allow me to be on intermittent medical leave during the winter months. Fibromyalgia has been accepted as an eligible disability. I have a disability parking placard and if I need to I will get on disability and SSID and retire.