Heather_Brennan
03-11-2006, 01:01 AM
I have fibromyalgia. A few months ago my doctor started me on Zoloft in hopes that it would help with my constant pain. I have not experienced any change yet, so my dr upped my dosage. I had to quit working because the pain is so intense in the mornings that I physically can not move to get out of bed.I contacted my local Social Security Administration office about applying for SSI. I am just looking for a little help because I don't know what to do right now. I cant work but I have a family who depends on me. This pain just kees getting worse and I want to ask my doctor for a presciption for vicodin or some type of pain killer but I dont want to come off sounding like some pill popper. Is there anything to do to help with the pain? Especially in the morning. Any information on either of my questions would be extremely helpful. Thanks
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Ani3242
03-11-2006, 07:45 AM
Hi Heather, welcome to the boards! With Fibro different people respond differently to therapies to deal with the pain. Do discuss with your doctor your pain levels & stiffness(?) in the mornings and an overall "plan" to help you to be able to function better. Doctors sometimes will do a combo of things like pool therapy, medications like muscle relaxations and or pain pills. Just depends - the exercise component is really important. For over the counter pain meds I found Aleve/Naproxen Sodium to work the best when I didn't have something else.
Has your doctor offically diagnosed you with having Fibro? That's the key part. Especially if you are planning to apply for disability. Also keeping a daily diary of your symptoms. (This is also great to take with you to the doctor's office).
There is also another board here listed as "disabilties" that deals more on that topic. (Also not sure if your referring to a state short term disability program or social security disability. Many states do have programs besides SSD. Applications for both are online & there's a wealth of info as to what they will require listed on their site).
Hope this helps to answer some of your questions - Fibro is a difficult thing to deal with & you have a lot on your plate with 2 wonderful girls. Hang in there! :angel:
Has your doctor offically diagnosed you with having Fibro? That's the key part. Especially if you are planning to apply for disability. Also keeping a daily diary of your symptoms. (This is also great to take with you to the doctor's office).
There is also another board here listed as "disabilties" that deals more on that topic. (Also not sure if your referring to a state short term disability program or social security disability. Many states do have programs besides SSD. Applications for both are online & there's a wealth of info as to what they will require listed on their site).
Hope this helps to answer some of your questions - Fibro is a difficult thing to deal with & you have a lot on your plate with 2 wonderful girls. Hang in there! :angel:
Heather_Brennan
03-11-2006, 01:12 PM
Thank you very much I will check that out. I have been officially diagnosed for about 3 months. I don't feel like I am getting better, I actually feel like I am getting worse.I end up at the dr's office about every two weeks. Every time I go,she ups the dosage of the zoloft she prescribed. I havent found anything about antidepressants actually working for fibromyalgia patients. Its very discouraging disease because it just seems like alot of people think you are lying. I never heard of fibromyalgia until my dr diagnosed me with it.Now I just feel like she thinks I am depressed and thats why she is giving me so much zoloft. But I am positive that I am not depressed. I want to be able to take my babies for walks in the park but I physically cant, and that is discouraging but I find lots of other things we can do together within my limits. And thats also where I hit another brick wall. I am a single mother and I am worried that because of my limitations someone may deem that as me not being able to take care of my children. I live in a small town and everyone is kinda in everyone else's business.
Glojer
03-11-2006, 08:02 PM
Welcome Heather and Ani,
Heather I know it sounds wrong, but taking those walks with your babies will help your fibro. Exercise and stretching is a great help. You have to just start at whatever level you can do and just do what you can. Also I have found muscle relaxers to be a big help. I don't take any anti D's although I know they are helpful to some they are not what I need and really can't take them. I did get started on amitriptyline when I was first diagnosed, but all that did was give me a groggy hangover and no one with fibro needs that, we are foggy enough. Getting a good nights sleep is very important so I do take ambien at night with the muscle relaxers and have been taking a muscle relaxer (baclofen) during the day when needed. Do the best you can with walking your babies, hold your head up and give everyone that 'stay out of my business' look. Let us know how you are doing.
Glojer
Heather I know it sounds wrong, but taking those walks with your babies will help your fibro. Exercise and stretching is a great help. You have to just start at whatever level you can do and just do what you can. Also I have found muscle relaxers to be a big help. I don't take any anti D's although I know they are helpful to some they are not what I need and really can't take them. I did get started on amitriptyline when I was first diagnosed, but all that did was give me a groggy hangover and no one with fibro needs that, we are foggy enough. Getting a good nights sleep is very important so I do take ambien at night with the muscle relaxers and have been taking a muscle relaxer (baclofen) during the day when needed. Do the best you can with walking your babies, hold your head up and give everyone that 'stay out of my business' look. Let us know how you are doing.
Glojer
jeafra7
03-16-2006, 08:38 PM
Just wanted to add a little something for you, first of all I hope you can get some help feeling better. My sister has had fibro for 15 years. She tried for a long time to get on SSI, no deal. Then about 2 years ago she hired an attorney and finally got SSI and of course her medical. Her medicine alone was a lot of money each month so this really helped. Get with your doctor and ask him about hiring a Social Security Attorney, don't wait and do it alone like my sister did for a lot of years. And of course the Social Security Administration now feels that Fibromyalgia is really a sickness now. There are a lot of boards that can help you coup. Good Luck. She is 53 now.
builder
03-17-2006, 09:31 AM
Get an attorney right away for SSI. They will give you the run around forever. My friend had Lupus. Tried for two years to get SSI. Her veins in her legs were closing from Lupus. She was in constant pain and had trouble walking, She was sent to the SSI doctors... yet the SSI office told her she can go back to her old job as a waitress despite what her personal doctors said. To show how ridiculous this was, she had to have both legs removed due to her condition. She finally got SSI when her legs were actually amputated. As far as pain medication...most doctors are reluctant to give out Vicodin. But Tramadol works almst just as well, better in my opinion and is a non narcotic regulated drug. I've been on it for 2 years with my Fibro and I don't know how I could get through the day without it. About Zoloft....I tried that also. It was waste of time and money.
Heather_Brennan
03-17-2006, 12:29 PM
I agree with you 100% about the zoloft. Its actually making my life more disruptive with all its side effects. It gives me super human hearing and when I want to go to sleep at night I have trouble because I can hear everything a mile away. Also I started biting my tounge alot in my sleep and I have absolutely no appetite. I made a drs. appt to see about getting off this medicine.But you are right about it being a waste of time and a waste of money. I do have ultram (tramadol) from the dr as well. As soon as I wake up in the morning I take one. I even have to set my pill out at night because when I wake in the morning I hurt so bad that I can even open the bottle. What really gets me is that I know quite a few people who collect SSI and are more able bodied than I am. I even know a girl who collects and is and exotic dancer. I just wish the system worked for those who need it.
builder
03-17-2006, 07:35 PM
Well I know what you mean. The person who has Lupus, her girlfriends daughter is a hooker and drug addict. Spent time in jail for stealing and drug possession. They her her SSI because she has a drug problem. The system is a joke.
girl75
03-23-2006, 03:42 PM
hey heather, i actually just posted to you on another post but i wanted to let you know that you are not alone. i am 30yrs old and i have been dealing with this whole ss thing for almost 3yrs now. i also have children and i am also pregnant. i have an atty that is willing to fight for me and believes in me and i think that if you are willing to go through with all this you should find a good atty too. it is also very important that your doc is with you on this decision because your medical records are what they look at.
you have to be willing to be in it for the long run let me tell you. i have lost and my family has had to sacrifice alot but i am in if for the fight.
let me know if i can offer any advice.
robin
you have to be willing to be in it for the long run let me tell you. i have lost and my family has had to sacrifice alot but i am in if for the fight.
let me know if i can offer any advice.
robin
Heather_Brennan
03-23-2006, 09:40 PM
Hey thanks for the advice. One thing I am worried about is my children. I dont want someone to think I cant care for my children because of this disability. I am scared if I pursue it too much they might try and take my children from me. I dont know if they can do that, but it is one thing I do worry about.
wishn
03-23-2006, 11:29 PM
I can't imagine being young with little children and coping with this. I am 49 and it's hard enough. My heart goes out to you. Don't fear losing your children, because the stress only worsens the pain for you. If the thoughts continue to worry you, writing things down always helps and takes the edge off. Keep it in a not***** or spiral tablet and you will always have that if someone questions your abilitity to love and care for your children. In the evening before going to bed write down what you did with the children, reading to them, getting fresh air and taking a short walk, sitting outside and watching them play, singing to them...there are many things that even the fibromyalgia cannot take away. It's a difficult battle, but throught experience...for me the first year was the hardest and most painful, I thought I would be disabled for the rest of my life. Once you learn all of the little tricks to aid in feeling somewhat better...the road doesn't seem so difficult to get down. Keep the faith and continue to stop in for your daily support.
Hugs,
Annie :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing:
Hugs,
Annie :bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing:
Heather_Brennan
03-24-2006, 12:15 AM
Thanks for the kind words. I have twins and they are going to be one on monday. I have been preparing for their birthday party this saturday and doing simple chores like making the birthday makes me so tired. Sometimes I get tired within matters of minutes to the point where I have to lie down. Ive also been recently getting headaches so bad that I cant move and the back of my neck gets sore and tingly. Ive been keeping a "sick" journal. I always like to have that to take to the doctor's office with me. I feel like there is no end to this. Everytime I go to the dr's, she prescribes a higher doasge of zoloft for me. It makes me feel like she thinks I am just mentally unstable. Mentally I am fine, I have beautiful children, a beautiful home and a great relationship with God.
Armymom
03-24-2006, 12:47 AM
Hi Heather,
I too have fibro & am on Zoloft. I was on Zoloft b/4 being diagnosed w/ fibro but have found that on the days I'm more down I have more pain. For pain I take Ultram & Flexiril when I need it. I also found decreased pain when I took Elavil. I'm only able to take low doses & did feel groggy in the mornings but only for the first week or so. It helps me sleep better which is when the body heals the best. My dr. explained that often those w/ Fibro don't reach REM sleep, the healing stafe. I truly believe the Elavil helps but remember that those of us w/ Fibro are not always able to tolerate doses of meds as others do so start low. Good luck w/ getting relief & w/ your babies. :wave:
I too have fibro & am on Zoloft. I was on Zoloft b/4 being diagnosed w/ fibro but have found that on the days I'm more down I have more pain. For pain I take Ultram & Flexiril when I need it. I also found decreased pain when I took Elavil. I'm only able to take low doses & did feel groggy in the mornings but only for the first week or so. It helps me sleep better which is when the body heals the best. My dr. explained that often those w/ Fibro don't reach REM sleep, the healing stafe. I truly believe the Elavil helps but remember that those of us w/ Fibro are not always able to tolerate doses of meds as others do so start low. Good luck w/ getting relief & w/ your babies. :wave:
girl75
03-24-2006, 02:43 PM
hey Heather, i was wondering if you had anyone that helps you with your children on a daily basis. i have my mother and 2 brothers that help me and that matters alot with the whole ss thing. my atty is going to have them write letters to say how they help me.
another postee said to keep a journal and i think that is very important to.
robin
another postee said to keep a journal and i think that is very important to.
robin
Director
03-24-2006, 08:22 PM
I have been on SSD for two years now and was able to get approved on my first attempt. I had lung surgery and they had to remove two ribs during surgery to remove an orange sized tumor which was benign, so now I have chest wall pain as a result. I also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so working was becoming pretty much impossible.
I made an appointment and applied for disability at my local Social Security office. After applying, I called a local attorney who specializes in SSD cases. He told me I could handle the initial application for disability myself and if I got turned down, to call him and he would take my case. He said there was nothing he could do on the first attempt, that I couldn't do for myself. Much to my surprise after reading a lot of posts on the Disabilities Board, I was approved in five months. I get my maximum Social Security each month and will be up for a hearing review in five to seven years.
If you're having trouble, there are attorneys that can help you. Their fees are set by the courts. They get 25% of the back pay you might receive when you finally win. Help is available and if you are truly in need and are disabled, you can get help with your case.
I made an appointment and applied for disability at my local Social Security office. After applying, I called a local attorney who specializes in SSD cases. He told me I could handle the initial application for disability myself and if I got turned down, to call him and he would take my case. He said there was nothing he could do on the first attempt, that I couldn't do for myself. Much to my surprise after reading a lot of posts on the Disabilities Board, I was approved in five months. I get my maximum Social Security each month and will be up for a hearing review in five to seven years.
If you're having trouble, there are attorneys that can help you. Their fees are set by the courts. They get 25% of the back pay you might receive when you finally win. Help is available and if you are truly in need and are disabled, you can get help with your case.
Heather_Brennan
03-25-2006, 09:38 PM
I do have family close by and I try to allow them to help out when possible. But I am very particular about the way I want my children to learn and be raised. Another problem is that I have OCD and I am obsessed with things being clean and having things in their place at all times. My mother is not the best of housekeepers so I feel uncomfortable taking my children there. I understand that is a choice I make so I suck it up and tkae the double stroller out usually if I need to go somewhere. It take me hours to go to the store to just get a few groceries. I have to load the double stroller into the trunk; get both kids loaded into the car in the parking lot for my apartment complex which is a pretty good walk; then when we get to the store i have to assemble the stroller; get both kids loaded into the stroller and go into the store. I can never get too many things because I cant push a cart and the stroller, so I get a few things then I have to load the kidsback into the carseats; try to remember how to fold up the stroller (I always forget!), load it into the car with the groceries, then go home,unload the kids, unload the groceries and bring the stroller back into the house. Like I said its a pretty good walk to my car from my apartment.We dont have assigned parking and all the college kids use the closest parking for themselves. They mostly walk to class so their cars sit for weeks at a time sometimes. When I asked one of them about possibly moving his car he told me it wasnt his fault I got knocked up and couldnt take care of my kids. The only way I can get myself a reserved spot is to be found disabled. There have been many times that I have had to call someone to come over and help take the kids in because I hurt too much or I am too dizzy or if my hands postulate. I am just scared that I am going to drop one of the babies. I figure better safe than sorry!
girl75
03-27-2006, 01:09 AM
if you plan on applying for disability there is no way that with what you are able to do that they will give it to you. they see if you can take care of your kids then you can work. i mean it seems they pretty much want to make sure you can't do anything, let me tell you.
i know thats not what you wanted to hear but i just wanted to give you a bit of advice because they'll want to know everything about you and i mean everything especially if you are young like we are.
take care and i hope you get to feeling better.
robin
i know thats not what you wanted to hear but i just wanted to give you a bit of advice because they'll want to know everything about you and i mean everything especially if you are young like we are.
take care and i hope you get to feeling better.
robin
MsMonkeyboots
03-27-2006, 11:10 PM
Hi All,
I wanted to ask you guys a question. I am 50 years old and have had fibromyalgia for about 19 years now...they didn't have a name for it then. That first year they didn't know what was wrong with me and it was horrible. Through the years I have learned to just "adjust" to the pain...pain here...pain there...sometimes mild...sometimes bad...but...now for the new thing...Last week I have started to have a hurting (throbbing) in my lower right side under my rib cage. I have had "tender points" in this area before and they would hurt and then it would ease up but for some reason this just won't go away. I don't have a gall bladder (it was removed) and I am on Nexium so my stomach is doing fine now...I don't know what is wrong. I was super stressed week before last and it was right after that when this started. Sometimes it hurts all the way through to my back and then moves over to the other side which makes me think it is muscular. You can feel little lumps (nodules) and ridges along my rib line. I went to the Dr. and he told me that he could feel the nodules and he thought it was in the connective tissues of my ribs although this is not an ordinary "tender point" according to fibromyalgia. I am beginning to wonder if I have myofascial pain syndrom to go along with this. This year so far has been really bad. Has anyone out there had similar pain?
Please write back :wave:
I wanted to ask you guys a question. I am 50 years old and have had fibromyalgia for about 19 years now...they didn't have a name for it then. That first year they didn't know what was wrong with me and it was horrible. Through the years I have learned to just "adjust" to the pain...pain here...pain there...sometimes mild...sometimes bad...but...now for the new thing...Last week I have started to have a hurting (throbbing) in my lower right side under my rib cage. I have had "tender points" in this area before and they would hurt and then it would ease up but for some reason this just won't go away. I don't have a gall bladder (it was removed) and I am on Nexium so my stomach is doing fine now...I don't know what is wrong. I was super stressed week before last and it was right after that when this started. Sometimes it hurts all the way through to my back and then moves over to the other side which makes me think it is muscular. You can feel little lumps (nodules) and ridges along my rib line. I went to the Dr. and he told me that he could feel the nodules and he thought it was in the connective tissues of my ribs although this is not an ordinary "tender point" according to fibromyalgia. I am beginning to wonder if I have myofascial pain syndrom to go along with this. This year so far has been really bad. Has anyone out there had similar pain?
Please write back :wave:
Heather_Brennan
03-27-2006, 11:29 PM
That is so odd you mention this. I have been having a pain on my right lower side since October. At first my doctor referred me to my gynocologist, because I just had twin babies earlier last year. Ive have a sonogram on my ovaries to look for cysts. Ive had numerous blood test and only showed up to be anemic. I notice I get the pains more in the evening and when I am getting ready to sleep. It hurts to even breath in when the pain starts. So if you fidn out any information let me know and vice versa. I have a dr appt on thursday so hopefully I turn something out.
MsMonkeyboots
03-28-2006, 02:45 AM
Hi There,
This pain that I am having is not down low in my side, it is mainly under my rib cage and at the tip of my rib cage on the right side. It is like something is sticking me sometimes and other times it is throbbing. I read constantly and I really believe I have this Myofascial Pain Syndrome on top of the Fibro. It is comman to have both at the same time. I know one thing...hurting can really get on your nerves. I just know this year has been a year for "aching" all over...it has to be the barometric pressure.
One thing that I believe that triggers all of this and makes it worse it stress. I have a business and I am a full time Psychology major and it has been a little too much at time....so that may be alot of my problem. Keep in touch and let me know about you...hope you get to feeling better.
Linda
This pain that I am having is not down low in my side, it is mainly under my rib cage and at the tip of my rib cage on the right side. It is like something is sticking me sometimes and other times it is throbbing. I read constantly and I really believe I have this Myofascial Pain Syndrome on top of the Fibro. It is comman to have both at the same time. I know one thing...hurting can really get on your nerves. I just know this year has been a year for "aching" all over...it has to be the barometric pressure.
One thing that I believe that triggers all of this and makes it worse it stress. I have a business and I am a full time Psychology major and it has been a little too much at time....so that may be alot of my problem. Keep in touch and let me know about you...hope you get to feeling better.
Linda
builder
03-30-2006, 01:17 AM
They are not going to take your children. I know plenty of women who have several kids on SSI and that was never an issue with them or the SSI office.