Hi everyone (again)! It seems as though all my troubles are blasting me at once. Anyhoo. I have a serious question and I need advice. I know many of you have been to the SS docs in order to be examined before they determine your case. Well, I just got the letter today, August 21st, to tell me that I have one of "those" appointments at 7:15 a.m. on Sept. 7th. My God could they pick an earlier time?! One good thing, I'm in the most pain in the early morning. But I would like all the advice I can get as to what I should or shouldn't do for this so called examination. I have heard horror stories from some of you all, and I don't want to mess this up. I am just re-filing now, as they lost my whole stinkin' file that I submitted in January! So, I'm counting on you, my friends, to give me your advice. My SS claim is based on: Fibromyalgia, Depression, Chronic Back Pain (herniated lumbar disc at L3-4 and L4-5, and an annular tear at the L4-5 level as welll as Foraminal stenosis in the lumbar spine.) Radicular pain. Cervical spine spondylosis, cervical disc bulging at C6-7 and bilateral Foraminal stenosis at C6-7 resulting in cervical Radiculopthy. (all that was from my doc's diagnosis and I have no idea what some of that even means, but it sounds good!) Also, on my application is the condition of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Should I take my MRI from my lower back with me, the results from the Cervical MRI and carpal tunnel test? Should I take my pain doc's diagnosis with me? Should I take my meds? HELP!
My God, I'm 45 screaming for help like a baby. Oh well, if my mother were alive I'd be calling for my mommy! LOL
Okay guys, go to work, I'm counting on you. I have to cancel a mammogram that I have put off for 5 years to go to this stinkin' appointment.

Love ya bunches,
tk

When our daughters went through this, we went into it as though we were going to a new doctor of our choice that didn't have any previous information about the patient. We took the long list of symptoms with detailed explanations of what each symptom was and how long it lasted and at what frequency it occurred. (Some of them were continuous with a few hours of worse.) Just as with any new doctor you choose, you should be on the looked out for any sign of disbelief (disbelief in you and the symptoms you say you are experiencing). If you see these, try to change the oppinion without upsetting the doctor. The doctor does not have to believe in FMS or anything else other doctors say you have. The doctor just has to believe your are severally disabled by the symptoms you say you have and exhibit. This doctor can choose to call it whatever he wishes so long as the doctor agrees with you that you are disabled.

We have gone through five such visits (one at the two year re-evaluation). Most were successful. When you see two young women who look normal and have no outward disfunctions, it is hard to believe there is something wrong. Neither of them have X-rays or any other hard science to show to prove how they feel.

There are doctors that Social Security send people to that are open to being convinced. If you have other medical problems that they can see and believe, the symptoms you associate with FMS will be easier for them to believe you suffer also.

Try to relax.
Good luck with the exam. Whatever happens will happen.

Hi There,

I really stressed myself out about my SS DR visit at the time but it was all for naught. Basically they will poke you and prod you all over, ask lots of questions and put you through various physical paces like bend to your toes, etc. Don't try hard! As a fibro person you will want to try to do your best to pass the test but this is one test you need to fail. Meaning that the second anything hurts even a little that's your limit of movement or strength. And if she squeezes your hands or pokes you and it hurts, be vocal about it. Don't wince and hold it in like we all do in our daily lives for the most part.

Taking a list of symptoms and such is a good idea. Even if the doc's not interested it will help keep you focused to answer all the questions. Finally, at my hearing, the "medical expert" didn't even agree with their own doc or mine. If you have good documentation in your file from your own doctor, that's your best defense. So don't make yourself crazy over this.

Good luck - Andy

I went to an SS doctor once when I applied for disability because of my arthritis and it was the worse experience I ever had. I was sent to a doctor in a small town and I mean small he was not friendly did not want to hear anything I had to say and had we walk back and forth in my underwear!!! I bet I spent all of 10 mins in there. I left his office humilated and discusted. Of course I was denied SS but I wrote SS a nasty letter and asked them what kind of work did they feel I could do be a mattress tester at the local mattress factory? then they set up an appointment for me to go before a judge or hearing or what ever it is you go to and by then I was so discusted with the entire process I did not waste my time going.
Around 6 months later I got a letter in the mail saying I was approved for SS. They determined this because I was no longer able to work and was off of work a year. I did have a part time job working an hour a day but they do not consider that gainful employment. I was up for review after I was on SS for 5 years but now that I have so many other health problems they sent me a letter letting me know I would continue to receive my SS payments. I ended up with my credit reuined because I had to wait so long my husbands income just did not cover all of our bills so my couple credit cards I had ended up in collection and I was sued several times it is really awful when a person is truly not able to work they must wait until they are all but bankrupt before they can get any kind of SS payments. I wish you the best of luck at the doctor and will be praying for you. I hope your appointment is a positive experience
Pamm