Mary Jo Evans
I too am a Fibro sufferer, 55 and on social security disability. If you have a rheumatologist, (this is who usually can diagnose FMS) then he should write you a letter stating the facts of the disease and where you are in relation to those facts (at what level your fm has progressed) and what your prognosis is for the future. FMS is such a dibilitating disease, that you should not have any problem getting your SSI, but I am on regular social security as well. Get a book by Dr. Devin Starlanyl, titled Fibromyalgia/Myofascial Chronic Pain Syndrome: A Survivor's Guide, because if you have fibro, you will need a survivor's guide. There are varying stages of the syndrome, from mild to severe, so when you have your appeal, arm yourself with the book and a letter from your dr. Make sure, you have a good dr that knows his stuff when it comes to fibromyalgia. Some claim they do, others claim it doesn't exist, but join the other 10 million of us fellow FM'ers. The book incedently has the info about benefits relating to our particular illness. Good luck, I'll be praying for you...and do keep in touch...I'm a long time survivor...always be glad to assist another. Mary Jo