Some doctors incorrectly see fibromyalgia as a “garbage can” diagnosis, meaning that any pain symptoms that cannot otherwise be explained end up with the fibro label.  The problem with this approach is that Social Security judges are increasingly familiar with the American College of Rheumatology’s diagnostic classifications for the disease and judges will discount or ignore a physician diagnosis that does not refer to the American College diagnostic criteria.

Some doctors – thankfully fewer and fewer – do not accept that fibromyalgia exists at all.  Often the medical records from these doctors will contain suggestions that the patient has psychiatric problems, or worse, that the patient is a malingerer or drug seeker.The Hardison law post quotes from a National Fibromyalgia Association publication that offers the following questions that a fibro patient should ask his doctor:

• Are you comfortable with diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia?
• How many fibromyalgia patients have you treated?
• Are you familiar with my other conditions?
• What medications do you usually prescribe for fibromyalgia? Do you have a problem with the medications I am currently taking?
• What do you feel is adequate pain control?
• Can you treat depression or must I see a specialist?
• Are you familiar with alternatives therapies? What therapies do you recommend?
• How can you and I communicate best?

In this era of soaring medical costs and lower reimbursements, patients must serve as their own advocates.  Changes in health care law will discourage treatment of conditions that cannot be objectively observed on x-rays or MRI scans.   Fibromyalgia patients will therefore need to assert the legitimacy of their condition and their rights to treatment.

One of the articles, from the Black Women’s Health Alliance and detailed on PRNewswire, discussed a study conducted in Pennsylvania which found that many of the state’s women suffered from chronic pain but did not seek help for it.  Specifically, the study found that two-thirds of Pennsylvania women suffer from chronic pain, and over half of them do not seek treatment for their pain, even when it is so severe that they have trouble completely daily tasks or working.  When asked why they would not get treated, a majority of the women stated it was because they felt that insurance companies would not cover treatment for pain, unlike more traditional conditions, such as heart disease.  Additionally, the women felt that the pain was not something to worry about and that it could be handled privately.

The other article, from Pain Medicine News, discussed how twice as many women as men feel that they are not being taken seriously when they complain about their pain.  This perceived lack of sympathy often causes these women to refrain from seeking medical treatment even though their condition often impairs their daily activities and work environment/ability to work.  What is even more troubling is that fibromyalgia impacts seven times more women than men, so not only are more women not seeking help for their pain, but more women are suffering from a serious chronic condition and are not seeking help!  Fortunately, some researchers, medical writers, and health professionals have launched a website, www.healthywomen.org , to address these issues and educate women on fibromyalgia and pain management.  It provides references for doctors who specialize in treating fibromyalgia and how women can fully engage in their daily lives.

Knowing that this painful condition we call fibromyalgia is real and not something to be taken lightly is the first step to getting the necessary treatment.  Once you know what you are dealing with, you can then take the necessary steps to get the right therapy for you, file for social security disability benefits if you can no longer work due to your condition, and generally manage your life better.  Although men and women are very different, this type of chronic pain can impact us all the same.  It is important to seek help and educate yourself so that you can live the healthiest life possible.

Sherrie describes herself as a “recovering lawyer” and notes that she has phased out her law practice because of her fibromyalgia.  Now, she is transitioning into a new career as a write and a coach.

While the legal community will miss this talented and vocal advocate, the fibromyalgia community now has a passionate, determined and thoughtful voice who will discuss medical developments, communication issues and, I suspect, legal issues related to fibromyalgia.  Besides her blog, Sherrie is at work on a book and offers coaching and speaking services.

In my law practice I have observed that many of my fibromyalgia clients often fit a profile – intelligent, over-achieving, type “A” individuals (mostly female) who are extremely organized and committed to finding relief from their symptoms.  If you were not previously aware of Sherrie’s blog, I strongly recommend that you bookmark it or add its feed to your home page or blog reader software.