Many fibromyalgia patients use Tylenol, either in conjunction with other pain medications (such as tramadol) or as over-the-counter pain relief for mild-symptom days. But a recent study warns that even the tiniest overdose of acetaminophen can result in death. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) reported that their study found that taking even a [...]
Filed under Fibromyalgia - research, Fibromyalgia resources, Medical Develoments by on Jan 3rd, 2012. Comment. 
With the holidays upon us, many Americans will feel tired and achy at the end of a long day. But those of us with fibromyalgia are at risk to experience something even worse – post-exertional flare-ups. Triggered by greater-than-average activity, post-exertional flare-ups may arise more frequently during the hectic lead-up to the holidays. Shopping, family [...]
Filed under Fibromyalgia resources by on Dec 24th, 2011. Comment.
Social Security judges often call psychologists to testify as expert witnesses in fibromyalgia disability cases because there is medical literature that characterizes fibromyalgia as a mental health condition that produces physical symptoms. However, if you mention cognitive behavioral therapy to fibromyalgia advocates and you’re sure to get a passionate response. Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT [...]
Given the level of debate within the medical community about the nature and even the existence of fibromyalgia as a “real illness,” it’s not surprising that many people with fibromyalgia entertain significant doubts about applying for disability. It is true that many fibromyalgia patients, through careful and assertive pain management techniques and treatment protocols, can [...]
Filed under Fibromyalgia Case Strategies by on Sep 9th, 2011. Comment.
I recently ran across an interesting article on a blog published by the North Carolina disability law firm Hardison & Associates called “Fibromyalgia: Searching for the Right Doctor.” This article raises several issues that I regularly face in my own disability practice – many physicians do not understand how to diagnose fibromyalgia and can damage [...]
Filed under Fibromyalgia - alternative treatment, Fibromyalgia web resources by on Oct 12th, 2010. Comment.
We spend a lot of time on this site and others talking about the elements of a winning Social Security disability claim arising from fibromyalgia. Because there are no objective tests currently available, Social Security judges have to rely on medical records and testimony from the claimant. Successful claimants need treating doctors who fully support [...]
Filed under Fibromyalgia Case Strategies by on Sep 26th, 2010. Comment.
Chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia are notoriously difficult to diagnose, and often, symptoms are characteristic of other conditions. People may live with fibromyalgia for years, never knowing why they are suffering with such severe pain. What may be worse is that they can be diagnosed with another condition entirely and not receive the medical attention they [...]
Filed under Diagnosing fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia - research by on May 25th, 2010. Comment.
The importance of work background in a fibromyalgia disability case In a previous fibromyalgia disability case I tried in court, my client had a very insufficient work record. In addition, what was stated in her medical records about her condition did not match with what she claimed about her condition; she seemed to very much [...]
Filed under Fibromyalgia Case Strategies by on May 11th, 2010. Comment.
I am asked this question by fibromyalgia clients often, and the answer is yes, but there’s a big asterisk there. You see, to win your fibromyalgia disability case early on, you need to meet certain criteria which may be hard to achieve. First of all, you will need to obtain strong support from your treating [...]
Filed under Fibromyalgia Case Strategies by on May 3rd, 2010. Comment.
Last month we discussed the benefits of exercising for those living with fibromyalgia. We also noted that many people with this chronic condition are in too much pain to complete the requisite amount of exercise necessary to see an improvement in their condition. It seems like a double-edged sword in that individuals need to work [...]
Filed under Tips for better health by on Apr 15th, 2010. Comment.
