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codacola

Updated 1y ago

Struggling with Fibromyalgia and Employment

Hi guys! I wanted to ask the community another question about jobs and employment. For context, I'm a decently young person in the US with fibromyalgia, and I've only ever held one job in my life, which was before I started experiencing the kind of pain I've been dealing with. Even then, due to my autism and severe MDD and GAD, I struggled to keep that job. Now, I'm not sure what to do, as the physical pain is making even my daily life without employment a struggle. I want to move out on my own, but I don't know if I can handle a job rn, and I've heard people diagnosed with FM can apply for disability. Is that a valid option, and has anyone else on here done that? If so, I'd really appreciate hearing y'all's stories.

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RubyCoronam

2y

I believe you can, but have heard there are many hoops to jump through with doctor appointments and such. I can't keep a job, and haven't driven in over a year.
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ReikimasterWV

2y

I worked during and after my diagnosis of fibromyalgia. For me some days are worse than others. I tried to get disability but was turned down. It's really hard to get with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia because it's not something people can see. It's one of those you look fine to me illnesses. And doctors sometimes see you that way too. For me they key was to he able to switch up what I was doing. Like sitting a while then standing or moving around. Doctors are reluctant to prescribe pain meds but that is what helped me to be able to work for as long as I did. I'm now retired but had to just live without income and depend totally on my husband for about 5 years before I was eligible for my social security. I hope this helps.
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Witchywoman123

2y

I did. I was 36 when I applied and back then it was hard and I had to get an attorney and it took 2 years to get. But the laws have changed and FM is considered a disabling disease.
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Chesbro99

2y

You don't get much on disability though, is it really enough to live off of?
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Witchywoman123

2y

no it isn't.
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dream6284

2y

I've been fighting for disability for 4 years. I keep getting denied because of my age. I'm 38. It's debilitating but the government just see a 38 year old making excuses not to work it seems
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RubyCoronam

2y

😥 💕 I really hope that this kind of thing stops happening. This is one reason I probably will be homeless before I am 40.
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Nucka

2y

I have been seeing FM on a disability list when applying for jobs. They never had that when I was younger. I'd look into applying for disability or even partially disability. I haven't done so yet. But I've been contemplating it. Many days (especially late fall, winter & early spring) I need to call into work because of Flare ups. I got one this weekend to. They are no fun & makes it hard to get up & go to work. Whether it's an active job or a desk job.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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