Now, what are the FIRST TWO things a Fibro sufferer should do?

Hello again! Now we're going to get down to brass tacks.

IF you sufferer from FIBROMYALGIA/CFS (as your primary diagnosis, read the prior post if this doesn't make sense) the following two steps should be your FIRST consideration:

1 - Find two doctors; a rheumatologist and a pain specialist. Both of these doctors MUST treat Fibro patients. When you call to make an appointment, ask that very question, "Does Dr. Smith treat Fibromyalgia patients?" If the person doesn't know, then make them find out. Most often they will know. IF they do not treat Fibro patients, move along and call another rheumatologist. Do the same for the Pain MD.
Maybe you can get referrals from others who have Fibromyalgia. Click  the following link to get a listing of doctors who treat Fibromyalgia:  Doctors who treat Fibromyalgia, CFS

Now, why do I say to find a Rheumatologist AND a Pain Specialist? Two reasons. First of all, many rheumatologists are "reluctant" to dispense some of the medications a Fibro sufferer might need. A Pain physician is trained in the "judicious" use of medications that doctors "shy" away from. Of course, you know I'm talking about narcotic meds or opiates, such as morphine, Percocet, etc.
Secondly, if you are considering going on disability (PLEASE read the second point before you do that!) you will need as MANY specialists on "your side", who will adequately and thoroughly document your case, as possible. Filing for any type of disability can be a huge hassle (we will cover this in a future post) and you need to have sufficient documentation to get approved for disability payments, whether Social Security Disability or a Long Term Disability policy through your employer. Again, I will discuss the types of disability in the NEXT post, but for now, remember that you need as many doctors and as many pages of documentation as possible to establish that you can NO longer work.

2 - This may surprise you based on my first point but track with me. PLEASE, do whatever you can to keep your job/career. Why, you ask, after what you're feeling and going through? Well, I have at least a couple reasons for telling YOU to stay at work, when I no longer do.
Number one, disability means a pay cut and it may be substantial. In my next post (tomorrow), I will outline what you might expect as income from being on disability. But you will NEVER get rich being on disability. I can vouch for that and I would NOT lie to you about that.
Secondly, disability may sound inviting when you are feeling your worst. HOWEVER, let's say that you've accomplished #1 above and found yourself 2 very good physicians and your pain is under control. Well, why leave a job that pays more that you could make on disability?
Thirdly, disability often "looks good" from the outside when you're working full time (or part-time)  and you just need a break! Well, I say take the break. Disability can be lonely, boring and because you don't have your former income, you cannot live a lavish lifestyle while on disability. It's not meant to be a vacation and believe me, I haven't had a vacation in years because of financial reasons.
SO, disability is NO picnic.
Finally, I will say this. There is something about a job; maybe the people, the work itself, the satisfaction of work well-done and even putting money into a savings account to save for a vacation, that can make you feel better and distract you from your pain and fatigue. When you're on disability, again, life can be boring, depressing and you can feel trapped inside of a body that will not do what it used to. If you are able to stay employed, do EVERYTHING in your power to STAY EMPLOYED.

I am envious of those who still work and can make it through the week. They have nice things, take nice vacations and they have a feeling of usefulness that you will NOT have on disability.

I hope I've made these two points well. I also hope I have NOT insulted anyone. I do NOT intend to do that. I want the best for those who sufferer as I do! I wish I had been able to keep working. I STILL look at job postings and wish and wonder..."could I?"...."should I?"...but I know, after cleaning up my kitchen or doing a couple loads of laundry, that I CAN NOT. If you CAN, please DO!

All my best for today,
stay tuned for tomorrow when I will discuss disability, the types and what you can expect from each..
until then...I remain yours, in Fibro,
Mo M. :)