I WON!!!!

So a few days ago I was out walking the dog, and grabbed my mail from the box. A typical day, right?? NO! I received a letter from a return address of SSA ODAR. I almost dismissed it as junk mail. Upon further inspection I found several pages of legal jargon of which I understood few words. I thought I understood the following words though..."Fully Favorable". Now, this couldn't mean what I think it means, could it? I mean I ONLY applied 2 years ago and I haven't even had my court date yet. However, I do remember my lawyer saying something in October about asking the judge for a directed decision. Before I start assuming what this means, and jumping up and down, as obvious as the meaning seems, I decide to call my lawyer.
The lawyer's assistant confirms this does indeed mean I won, and without ever stepping inside the courtroom, yay me! Next, I conference called my husband and best friend to tell them. I could barely speak, I was crying so hard! Relief, affirmation, mostly relief.
In reading the judges ruling I kind of felt like the judge was saying "WTF are u wasting the courts time for?" and not to me. He cites my doctor's opinion, of course. And, he also cites the opinion of the medical examiner Social Security sent me to. Their own doctor "indicated that while there were some conflicting examination findings with regard to the claimant's neuropathy, the results of the nerve conduction study were compelling and highly reliable. Because Dr. Freeman reviewed all the available medical evidence of record and provided a detailed explanation with references to the evidence in the record to support his opinion, and he is a medical expert who is familiar with SSA policy and regulations, the undersigned grants significant weight to his opinion".
See, doesn't that reek of "your own freakin doctor said she is impaired, why'd you deny her in the first place???" LOL If that doesn't say it for you maybe this will... "The State agency medical consultant's (the people who read over your paperwork (or more likely DON'T read it) and deny you) physical assessments are given little weight because other medical opinions are more consistent with the record as a whole and evidence received at the hearing level shows that the claimant is more limited than determined by the State agency consultants." :) I love that. Other than the two words "fully favorable" those are my favorite words in the entire ten pages.
Don't you love getting your medical records and learning new things about yourself? For example, one of the specialists I saw said to me "what are they (as in my other regular doctors) doing for your B12 level being so low?". I said "it's low?". end of subject with that doctor. But, I did notice in all this legal mumbo jumbo of paperwork it mentions "the undersigned finds that the claimant's impairments medically equal listing 11.14 and 11.16." Of course I had no idea what this meant so I used my favorite search engine, Google, and, well, Googled it. These are listed in what they call "disability pararegs". 11.14 is for peripheral neuropathies. 11.16 is for Subacute combined cord degeneration (pernicious anemia). So nice for my doctor's to tell me about this, LMAO. I am not worried about it, it doesn't sound like anything big deal, although it is listed in the pararegs as a condition for which you can get disability, so that implies it might be something I want to mention next time I go to my doctor.Right now though, I am just to happy.
I'll have to expound on this more later as my fingers are really starting to not only ache but have bad sharp pains, and my knuckles are really swollen. I am so going to pay for this post, but to tell you I won, it is almost worth the pain.

Social Security Crisis due to fakers

Normally I wouldn't post again right away because my hands just can't take it, but right now I am fired up, ticked off, and know I am going to suffer later but it may be worth it just this once.......
I found this article on allvoices.com, a news media website, where anyone can post "news" articles. And, yes most of it is news or informative. BUT this person .... ok just read...

"The disability cheaters use this loophole with preferred "conditions'
that come under the description of 'Chronic Fatigue syndrome',
Fibromyalgia syndrome, 'mental blackouts' and even being "morbidly
obese". All of which supposedly make it impossible for you to sustain
a full time employment in a typical workplace enviroment.
Fibromyalgia is muscle pain and discomfort that affects about
half the population over fifty years old. Its mainly due to abuse
of certain movements, lack of total physical fitness exercise, and general
lack of adequate diet and lifestyle maintenance. Another more truthful
term for it is Laziness. The treatment for this, if you really have it
severely enough to where you are constantly grunting and groaning, and
taking pain killers, and complaining and sitting down a lot, is to simply get a life and off your lazy ass and start getting back in physical shape!
But the scammers who use the Fibromyalgia trick simply stay out of
shape intentionally because then your muscles do get 'sore' and atrophy, due to lack of circulation and exercise, so your 'act' is based on some actual basis. Fibromyalgia is a popular disability excuse because it is hard, if not impossible to prove you't don't have it because it exists naturally if you don't take care of yourself.
Thats why this would be an easy disability to eliminate and disqualify
for social security because it is so treatable and curable even if you really do have it."

This is my very nice, polite response (not all the four letter words I wanted to use)...

Obviously you do not know anyone who really has fibromyalgia. I have had fibromyalgia since I was a child. Granted, I was fortunate enough to be able to be active, work full time while working on my masters degree and even have an active social life. However, this is not the case for everyone and the people that I have known who have had the hardest time with fibromylagia are NOT overweight, are actually thin, women AND men. Unfortunately for me my life became complicated with peripheral neuropathy and I can no longer work, but trust me, I had a job I loved with a company that I loved, and a future that looked bright. If you knew the pain of just the thin people I know who have fibromyalgia for just one day you would know why they are "lazy". It's not a choice of being lazy. It's a fact of for me, I used to be able to do 20 laps in a pool to now not being able to move for 3 days after 2 laps. It's a matter of feeling like your body is one giant bruise, you do not want to be touched. I hope you never have a bad car accident and wake up stiff and unable to move the next day, again feeling like one giant bruise, and exhausted because then you will know what these people feel like.
I have one last thing to add that I didn't say... since when is fibromyalgia so easily treatable or curable?? Please let me know so I can share this information with the friends I have who would like to be cured so they can get back to their "normal" lives.

The Importance of a Good Support System

If you live with fibromyalgia, neuropathy, CFS, MPS, or another "invisible pain illness" there is no doubt you may come across naysayers, negative Nancy's, friends and family who in the least don't understand what you are going through, in the worst... don't believe you. Let's face the truth, it's easier to empathize with illnesses you can see or even are more prevalent, like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. www.fibrohugs.com has an excellent "letter to normals" that I believe should be a must read for everyone, especially those who deal with fibromites in their family, friends, and even coworkers.
When I worked for a certain, now bought out, aircraft parts manufacturer, in sales, I sold 1 million dollars a year more than the next closest sales rep. But, all my boss could see was I had more sick days than anyone else. My last job was at the Disney Reservation center where I had an excellent, extremely understanding boss (he had gout so he sympathized!) who knew how hard it was for me to leave my job there, I loved it so.
So, if you don't have support at home, work, or in your circle, what should you do? An excellent question. I found an amazing support group online. Soulten's fibro support is my favorite. http://forum2.aimoo.com/soultensfibrosupport/errno-1/warmtips.html
This group of people are not only my online support group. They are my online family. Most of these people I met in the fibromyalgia chat room on www.prohealth.com. They do not all have fibro, some have depression, are bipolar, or have neuropathy like me. They are from all over the world, and I don't think I would have made it through the past year without having their support.
One of the hardest things I had to learn was to kick the negative Nancy's to the curb. I cleaned house of the people who refused to believe my illness is not "all in my head". As hard as cleaing my life of these people were, and in some cases they were really long term friendships, I had to. No one should have to prove they are ill. You wouldn't ask a cancer patient to see their chemo treatment for proof would you?
I want to thank my support system. I have the most amazing husband who works 50-60 hours a week, takes care of me and our home too. Sweetie, you are my rock and I love you. To my best friends who I am realizing worry way too much about me and are always there to lend help, even from an hour away! And, lastly to my friend, neighbor, and sister Nan. Somedays I don't know what I'd do without you. You will never know how much the simple act of unloading and reloading my dishwasher means to me... and for that and all the other things you do for me (including picking up my prescriptions in the pouring rain) I love you (and u are NOT a negative Nancy!).

EXCELLENT Fibromyalgia & Disability blog

this is from a Disability lawyer's blog, and is some excellent advice. Thank you!

Fibromyalgia and Social Security Disability

A number of our Social Security Disability clients suffer from fibromyalgia. Individuals suffering from this disorder frequently experience the following symptoms:
∙ dull muscular pain,∙ multiple tender points (e.g., between shoulder blades, upper chest, etc.), and∙ fatigue or disturbed sleep.
The course of prescribed treatment can include medications which may include analgesics for pain and stiffness, antidepressants to promote sleep, physical therapy, and counseling. While not all individuals who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia will be found disabled under Social Security rules, one source of information for people with fibromyalgia that we recommend is Fibromyalgia Professional Resource Center. This is a non-profit wefull of information and resources to those suffering from fibromyalgia.
Recently we assisted numerous individuals with severe fibromyalgia in getting Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income. Their cases were among the more severe of those suffering with the disease, and each had other co-existing conditions such as lupus and depression. The frequency and severity of an individual's symptoms are unique in each case and will determine, to a large degree, whether an individual claim will be granted benefits.
Some diseases are included in Social Security’s Listing of impairments, but fibromyalgia is not included on the list. In some instances, a disease, while not Listed, is addressed in a Social Security Ruling. The Rulings offer guidance but do not set out specific criteria for an award of benefits. Other diseases are not in the Listings or recognized in a Social Security Ruling.
Regardless of the disease, you or your lawyer should have the following:
∙ a good working list of your symptoms,∙ a knowledge of the degree of certainty of your diagnosis,∙ a general understanding of the consistency between your symptoms and your diagnosis,∙ a good understanding of what evidence might best support your contention that your symptoms are disabling, and∙ which legal theory will most likely be accepted by the Social Security Administration given the particular facts of the entire case.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering from severe fibromyalgia with dull muscular pain and multiple tender points, consider visiting the Fibromyalgia Professional Resource Center for additional information on the disorder. If you are considering a Social Security Disability claim, we advise you to speak with an attorney. We handle cases throughout the state of Texas, but we are always happy to give you a referral if we are unable to assist you.
Posted by Bob Kraft on August 13, 2009 at 10:55 PM in

mind racing

I have been awake all night again. Everytime I go to bed my mind starts racing with "I could be doing this" "I should be doing that". The first time I got back out of bed, after laying there 10 minutes, I cleaned the cat box, wrote my friend an email, and made marinade and put the steak for dinner tonight to marinate. This time I was laying there with my mind racing thinking "I should be working on the mural". (But I didn't, my back and shoulders are hurting way too bad). The mural, my "manic" project. It's been a month or two since I started it, and really it's not that involved, but when I can't sleep at 3 or 4 in the morning, I take a xanax or two, then paint for about 15 minutes, it helps calm me down. The funny thing is, Stephen is asleep right there and clueless that anything is going on while he is sleeping. Poor man never knows what he will wake up to find, lol!!! This is a picture from about a month ago. I have started the tree that comes up from the other side of the dresser and added more flowers to this to make some bunches of flowers in places. It's supposed to be kind of abstract cherry blossoms but cherry blossom trees, in bloom, have thousands of flowers all over them. I think that would be overdoing it for one wall!

I shouldn't be writing this. I spent too much time last night researching companies for my hubby to apply to. We've already sent so many. Yesterday he looked up the phone numbers of at least 50 companies we applied to so he can call them and make sure they received them. But, now my hands look like I've been punching walls again. oh well, such is life. For me stress = insomnia + pain. My lower back, hips, and even the middle of my back have been killing me. My legs too. I actually had Stephen massage my legs for me today, well yesterday now as it's 8:30 am. I hope this xanax kicks in soon so I can catch some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

be well, chele

Flare

The past week has been quite a flare. My husband got let go of his trucking job last Friday. I applied for unemployment and 2 jobs for him before he even got home. So far this week he has applied for about 70 trucking jobs, yes 70. The good news is he has 2 job interviews tomorrow. The bad news is only 2 job interviews so far out of 70 applications! Jeepers creepers. I have been so freaked out which of course means lots and lots of pain, not sleeping (even with ambien). My hands look like I have been punching the walls because I have been helping him apply for jobs, so too much computer time for me. He hasn't even been a help around here. Within 2 days he had 8 different piles of dirty clothes AND all the stuff from his truck is still in my living room. These things stress me out and the pain is overwhelming. One good thing is I have been in too much pain and too down in the dumps to have too much (for lack of better description) manic episodes. He did get the speakers on my monitor working and my webcam too. But there is so much to think about, not just rent, utilities, but with no insurance that means no doctors, no medication. How am I going to function without my gabapentin? The electric shock pains will be back, the sharp pains will be worse, and so will the overall pain. Plus, I have to take my synthroid, I have no thyroid, and I have to take my metformin, how am I supposed to get those? Oh and the cymbalta, u can't just go off that.
I am looking forward to going to my Aunt's on Sunday for a Father's Day bbq. Being with my family should lift my spirits a little, I hate Father's Day as I lost my Dad a few years ago.
I have been so much better with my diabetes. My friend, Ronnee, helped me get a new meter so I am checking my blood sugar a few times a day and staying away from the sweets. (thank you Ronnee!!!!!! love u girl!!!)
Oh, the cymbalta is much better since I started taking it at night and so the irrational irritability is soooo much better.
No news from Allsup on this front, just more paperwork to fill out.

email from Allsup

Greetings Michele:
Thank you for choosing Allsup as your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representative. One of the many advantages of working with Allsup is that we assist you with your claim while you stay in the comfort of your own home. Now, you can do even more from home and online by visiting Allsup Place where we can stay in touch and you can check the status of your SSDI claim – anytime. New For YouAllsup Place is a new community that is being developed specifically for our customers who are looking for support, not only from Allsup, but also from other organizations and people with disabilities. In Allsup Place, you can share experiences and information beyond just SSDI, and keep up-to-date on the news that affects you and your family. And, at a time most convenient for you, you can see what’s going on with your SSDI claim, learn more about the work being done on your behalf and connect with customer service. In the not too distant future, you’ll even have online access to more details about your claim, as well as our Customer Information Center.Get Started NowTo visit Allsup Place and to access your claim information in a secure way, you’ll need to register.Visit Allsup Place (www.allsup.com/Allsup-Place.aspx) and click the Register link in the purple tab at the top of the page to create your personal profile.Be sure to save your custom User Name and Password as you will need these pieces of information to access your account and information – on your time, anytime. And in order to activate your account to view claim details, you need to register with the same e-mail address that Allsup has on file as a way to contact you.Once you have registered, click on the Account Activation link on the left hand side, and insert your confidential Activation ID and Activation Key – provided for you below.
And if you need help getting around Allsup Place, stop by for a Demo – link accessible from the left hand side – for your personal tour of Allsup Place.We hope you find Allsup Place to be an important resource that can deliver True Help when you need it.Welcome to Allsup.