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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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Posted 9/20/2004 7:35 AM (GMT -7)
Uggg.  I have to vent this morning.  I made an appointment with a new doc who just opened his practice this month here, but he's been practicing elsewhere for 20+ yrs.  I was so hopeful and excited, and I go right on time.  I wait for almost an hour and when he finally shows up, I tell him how I'm feeling, explain what I've found, show him the information I've gotten, and wait for him to speak.  He says, you sure do have CFS, from what I can see.  Your main concern is fatigue?  Sorry, nothing you can do for it (which I expected in a way) and then he WALKS OUT!!  He didn't try to help me in the least way!!  Heck, they musta ran him out of the old practice!  UGG!  I am so angry and frustrated.   I drove for almost an hour to get there and this 3 minutes is all I got?  Sheesh!!

And now, my question is, does CFS sometimes come with a disability diagnosis?  I mean, can I apply for diability with it, now that I've been diagnosed?  I didn't even have time to ask the doctor.  I really need the help with my kids, but obviously can't afford it, and I can't afford any medications that might help-vitamins, ect.  Anybody know?  How do I get started, if yes?

Adrienne

Posted 9/25/2004 11:12 AM (GMT -7)
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.
Posted 9/27/2004 7:10 AM (GMT -7)
Brynn,

Thanks for the info!  I called our insurance today and of course they only cover my husband as the working person for disability, so I'm going thru the SS office as I type.  I'll keep you up to date about that.

I did consider having a sleep study done, but our insurance won't cover it so I doubt I can afford it and I'm not real sure what we'd do with my kids while I was gone anyhow.  The nearest one would be a good 2 hrs from me since I live in the rural farm area.  I'll suggest to to a different doc when I find one though. 

 

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