Fibromyalgia

Careful_with_that_Axe

somebody_else wrote: »

Have you phoned them yet, Auntie Axe? Have you phoned them? Gowan, gowan, gowan, gowan, it'll be so worth it once you've got a shiny, sparkly tide home.

:rotfl: :rotfl: It's done, so
Quit it

somebody_else

pamaris wrote: »

I suppose I am just not sure whose "job" it is to support me, and what I should do to solicit their support. GP? Rheumatologist (who is MUCH harder to get ahold of than the GP)?
Fibromyalgia nurse (haven't seen yet; I presume I'll need to form a relationship with her first)? Do I write a letter and have them sign it? Do I ask them to write a letter? Or is there a specific form I need to give them? Or do I just make the application and wait for the medical exam?

I've probably already read somewhere what to do, but I don't remember!

I think in your case it's a bit more difficult, because you're still in the process of 'forming relationships' with all these people. I would suggest that just because your Rheumatologist is diffcult to get hold of, doesn't mean that you can't communicate with him/her. For a start - there's a secretary you can speak to, and a sympathetic secretary can be very helpful. Even if you don't speak to the consultant, messages will be passed on. The fact that the Rheumy has given you a dianosis will be helpful.

If it's any help - I've never spoken directly to any professional with regard to my DLA claim. Although I did have to correct a lot of inaccurate information passed on by my Neurologist on my first claim (things like 'how can he assess how far I can walk when he's never seen me on my feet?'), but I do know that my current GP and the Rheumatologist are sympathetic to my problems.

I would also suggest that you don't rush to put your claim in if this is your first claim. Take time to keep a diary for a couple of months - how much pain you're in(I use a scale of 1 - 10), what your symptoms are, what (if any) triggers you've identified, how your physical problems affect your mental well-being. Then, make sure you send a copy of this in with your claim form. This will give the decision makers a better idea of how the fibro affects you, rather than what their computer tells them the problems will be. I realise that this causes more work for you - but it will (?should) be worth it in the long run.

somebody_else

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

:rotfl: :rotfl: It's done, so
Quit it

Yay! Gold Star for Auntie Axe.

That's the hardest part done.

pamaris

Thanks s/e. I think my plan now is to go to the doc and ask for/ beg/ demand something for the pain. At the same time I'll discuss what the rheumy said with her, and the referrals and treatment suggestions he made. I think it is particularly relevant that I have a diagnosis now (or 2).

I'll try my best over the coming months to keep a diary, and I'll try to form good relationships with my care providers. I'll just try and make sure that they know exactly what is going on with me.

Ugh, I am tired of thinking about it now so I am just going to drink my luxurious Italian hot chocolate. mmmmmmmmmm

LameWolf

Afternoon all,

I've just spent ages catching up from yesterday, wow this is one busy thread!

Tatty ((((hugs)))) for you. Of course you're going to be apprehensive about the op, who wouldn't be? Try not to worry, yes I know that's easier said than done. But honestly, don't worry about "spoiling Xmas" for people, cos you won't. I'm sure your family will be pleased to just have you there, and if you can't be as active as you'd like, they won't mind at all. Not expressing myself very clearly, but I hope that made some sense.

I'm a bit foggy today - was awake til silly o'clock last night, and can barely keep my eyes open today. I'm sure I'm naturally nocturnal!

Oh yes - I'm another with hypermobility.

purplecatlover

pamaris wrote: »

What else... I am still pondering the DLA thing- was wondering whether anyone had been approved without including a letter from their healthcare providers? I'll do it if I have to, but I just wanted to know if I have to.
.

its better to include medical backup, speeds things up alittle because otherwise they contact your gp/consultant and request it.

having said that mine was renewed without them contacting medical people, i didnt even get anyone to fill in the bit on the form by a person who knows you best this time. what i do not know is what medical evidence they ahve on me from previous claims/renewals which they may have kept. everything s/e and unity have said is true too. also i recomend either getting a welfare advisor (dial, cab, hospital one) to help and/or using guides. even with the guides its not a fun thing to do.

tatty good luck tomorrow and with the recovery afterwards.

Careful_with_that_Axe

I just wanted to come here and scream.
F.. f..... f.... flippin' things, flippin' people, flippin things always going wrong, flippin family. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.

purplecatlover

i had one of them days yesterday careful, not fun when people are that annoying. feel better for screaming?

somebody_else

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

I just wanted to come here and scream.
F.. f..... f.... flippin' things, flippin' people, flippin things always going wrong, flippin family. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.

But apart from that, CwtA, how are things?

Careful_with_that_Axe

Don't you start! I will cheerfully smack the next person that has the misfortune to cross my path.