Bell's Disability Scale

I just learned about the Bell's CFS disability scale. I have never heard of this until just now! If I look at it, my symptoms seem to be somewhere around 30. Do your doctors use this scale? Is it helpful to have a doctor confirm where you are on this scale as far as application for SSDI and other insurance and legal matters? I am now trying to find a doctor that specializes in CFS/Fibro/etc, but have up until now been treating with other specialists. How important is this? I would love any information you could offer or referrals to other resources on this. Thanks a lot!

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pasara
co-moderator CFS forum

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

- Anais Nin

I had never heard of this befire, but it sounds like it would be a really useful tool. I would think for disability it would be helpful to have a specialist rate you on this scale.

I have heard that it can be hard to find a specialist for CFS. Some people have gone to infectious disease docs, some go to internal medicine docs and others have gone to endochronologists, but I think the endo's just rule out any thyroid or endochrine issues. I was diagnosed by an internal medicine doc, but it wasn't a great experience and he never had me come in for any follow up, so I was left trying to sort things out for myself.

I'm glad you found this scale, it might end up helping some people who are trying to get disability.

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Hippimom,

I am kind of glad you have not heard of this, only so I don't feel so out of it! (lol!) Anyway, here is a link to a PDF version of this scale if you are interested.

http://www.cfids.org/treatcfs/pdf/bell-disability.pdf

It seems to me if there are consistent tools such as these used to evaluate CFS then there will be better understanding and acceptance of the reality of this disease.

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pasara
co-moderator CFS forum

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

- Anais Nin