Hi Adrienne,
One can get a medical disability, even without a diagnosis, and even with any diagnosis. And absolutely a lot of people with CFS are on disability. I actually applied for Social Security Disability under CFS, but I was actually awarded for another illness. Go figure!
Your first place to start, is to figure out whether you have disability insurance through your or your husband's employer. Often health insurance policies include disability insurance, although most people don't realize it. No one ever thinks about becoming disabled, until they do!
If you do, then you need to contact either yours or your husband's insurance representative and tell them that you want to file a claim, and ask how to begin. If you don't, you will be eligible for one of the Social Security disabilities. There are 2 types, and when you call to file a claim, they will determine which kind you are qualified to receive, and they will guide you in filing a claim (making an application). Their Toll Free # is 800-772-1213.
Oh, I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with the new Dr :-( Sounds like a REAL jerk! I always hate when I have to say how often I've heard it before. It's all too common an experience for those of us whose symptoms don't easily fit into a commonly known diagnosis. And most Drs don't consider CFS a known diagnosis, unfortunately.
Have you thought any more about have a sleep study done, as I suggested in my reply to your first message? One way to get around Drs' stubborn refusal to help, is to ask for specific tests or treatment. They have to write whatever you request in your records. So upon having it officially noted that you requested something, it obligates them to offer the test or treatment. This is part of what I call making the medical system work FOR you, instead of it always working against you.
Well, good luck with the disability claim, Adrienne! Keep us posted, let us know how it's going.
Take care.
Brynn
Moderator for Chronic Pain forums and
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forums