Hello. I am new to this group. Recently diagnosed at Mayo Clinic (after 3 visits during past 4 months) with Fibromyalgia, Central Sensitization Syndrome, Sjogren's Syndrome, Dysautonomia (Autonomic Dysfunction), Migraines and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome.
Today, a local rheumatologist in South Florida said "I don't support disability for fibromyalgia." After I questioned this, she said "never, ever" not even when combined with the other diagnoses and symptoms. She said going to work is good for Fibromyalgia. Is she even being medically ethical??????? This is all after we discussed the chronic exhaustion, aches and pain, sleep problems, nausea and dizziness, weakness, etc. She said as far as she is concerned she is ready to send her fibro patients back to work the next day, DESPITE their symptoms and REGARDLESS of their job. This sounds insane to me and unethical. How can a board certified Rheum put all Fibro patients in the same box?
This was my first visit with her. I went there to establish myself as a new patient and discuss some questions re medication and treatment for Sjogren's and Fibromyalgia. At the end of our appointment, I asked her to fill out a one-page form for my short-term disability claim which started in late September. I had no problem getting forms filled out in past 4 months by my local Internist, Mayo's Electrophysiology Cardio, and Mayo's Rheum. But this local Rheum is another story. According to the disability claim manager, they want the monthly form to be filled out by a rheumatologist from now on because of the diagnoses.
I am 49, female, have been working full-time since 22 and always worked summers and part-time during H.S. and college. I am not lazy or crazy (although with these new diagnoses came severe anxiety and mild to moderate depression - taking Wellbutrin and Ativan for that since 6 weeks ago).
So now I have to go to another local Rheum as a new patient (another $300) and hope that he/she will not have the same "all in one box" opinion about fibro patients. Before I do, please share your thoughts about what the doctor said.
Thanks for your thoughts.
P
is