Author |
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Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 8:07 pm
Pamy I worked with my local Disablity office. They helped me fill in all the paperwork and pointed me in every direction including contacting all the Dr's that I had at the time and asking them to write letters and filled out forms. It is a time consuming process but I was on medical disablity. It was becoming apparent that I would not be able to return to my demanding job. So My then doctor said it was time to go start the process. That was in 1991. I filled twice on my own and the 3rd time I hired a lawyer to help. I finally one my award in 1997. Not to be dramatic but my husband passed away in April of 1997 and a few weeks later early may 1997 I got my award. It was retroactive to 1991 thus a hefty settlement. I'm not saying it's like that anymore as Fibro has been ankowledged by the Federal Government. I'm just saying to your comment yes indeed it can be done (I assure that I am living proof), HeeHee. The topper for me is that I also have arthrist in my Jaws. Shoot try and tell my family that and they just laugh cuz I never quit talking. Hell, If I can't do many of the things I once enjoyed then by default talking and communicating is something I heavly rely on. I might hurt but I love talking goofing and having fun. Does that make sense? GEEZ fibrofogged again. 
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Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 8:09 pm
I Filed twice
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 8:14 pm
Pam, yes totally makes sense. I am so sorry to hear about your husband, my mom died in 97, 97 was not a good year I am so glad you got the settlement!!! I will see how it goes over next weeks, hoping this 5 days off will revive me...but of course I was off work for 9 days just few wks ago .....fibro bad right before i went on vacation, didnt know if I was gonna go...I did and started feeling better, came back and here I am again...sigh....
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 8:24 pm
Pamy, you might ask Sage about disability. I don't think she would mind telling you. She has always been very upfront about her life. Just not sure how often she checks the board.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 8:26 pm
Thank Juju....I am hoping I dont have to go that way,,but will Keep Sage in mind...thanks again! xxoxo
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Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 8:41 pm
Pamy not to be to preachy but girl you gotta take care of yourself. If you need ta rest then do so if you need to change jobs (if that is something you would be up for) then explore that. It is really a big decision to go forward and start even looking into SSI. To me it was sortof like having to shed my old life and accept and work with what I was dealt with. I had to grieve the loss of the "old Pam" and the loss of my husband at the same time. I thank God that I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl in 1992 she for better or worse kept me then and now always present and in the moment. Single parenting is a trip but my almost 15 yr old is so cool. So sorry about your mom. My momma passed in 2002. She had a heart attack in 1999 and with open heart and valve replacment surgery she lived a really difficult additional few years. At least I was able to prepare for her passing. As well as any child can when your Mom becomes so sick, Stark contrast to losing my hubby suddenly 20 days after his 38th Birthday. Sorry this getting so dark. I charish everyday and have fun every chance I get just going to the store is always a fun adventure. That sounds so Sad - enough said. 
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 8:44 pm
it is so wonderful you were blessed with your daughter, I know she helps you thru the bad days. You had some really rough years, I hope the future is bright and getting brighter for you aahhh going shopping....another fun thing that I have to plan for now...can only really do 1 store, cant do a mall like I used...well I can and do sometimes but pay for it later but a girls gotta shop!
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Kstme
Member
08-14-2000
| Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 5:45 am
Owl, it is true that fibro is usually the result of a severe accident or many surgeries. Please, do talk to your dr. or find another. Pamz, you can have fibro, arthritis and a whole lot of other stuff, like the lupus. Everybody gets in and does their own nasty thing. I do have all three. I am so sorry for you losses, I know how hard it is. I applied for SS disability when the lupus was first diagnosed and was told, if I wasn't confined to a wheelchair or bed, I could forget it! I re-applied three times and finally gave up. I don't need it. I haven't worked since '86. Yes, Pamy, it is all about the planning, isn't it! When my friend from England comes over, she comes to SHOP! Thekid and I take turns taking her to every store imaginable! Thankfully, she doesn't have a problem letting me sit on the benches while she forges the stores. For the last five years this plan has worked out really well. Today is cleaning day. Thekid does most of it now, but I still do the kitchen and bathrooms. I'll be horizontal by noon! lol Take good care, all!
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Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 6:33 am
Kstme - You are very right and I have so many things that are related to FM and a host of things that just ride along side just to see how much I can REALLY take. (But don't we FMers have days where you just say ENOUGH, then some how we keep plugging through. I notice your from Nevada. I lived in Reno for 4 years, when my Mom passed away my Dad asked us to move in. So, I sold my place and now my daughter has the room I had growing up, (I got lucky my 2 bros had the room I am assigned to) HeeHee much bigger. Wow, the curve balls we are thrown. Didn't think I'd move in with my Dad (whom) I adore. But lordy he is 83 and the most active person. I call him the eveready bunny, I can't keep up. I'm starting to (after almost 5 yrs) not even try. That has beeen a hugh challange. Have a wonderful sunday y'all
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Theowl
Member
09-28-2000
| Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 7:26 am
Thanks Pamy, Pam, Retired, and Kstme. I could write a book here, but I hate LONG posts, so I'll make it short. I've gone to at least 3 doctors (if that's what you want to call them). I've been told everything from it's all in my head so go home and take a few asprins and you'll feel better in the morning, to arthritis, and "I don't know what's wrong". I really hate to say it, but I wish someone would say "Yes you have Fibro M. so I could have a name to this, and know that it's not in my head. I know that my accident 24 years ago has alot to do with this, because I was told at the time that I would have problems in the future, but they didn't say how bad. I didn't think it would be worse that what I was going through at the time, but I was wrong. I volunteer at our humane society at least 3 days a week. I can't move my body until late morning, so I go over in early afternoon. It's outside, and last week and this coming week it's 95-100 degrees outside, and it kills me, but I'd do anything for those "kids". If it wasn't for that, I'd just sit home and feel sorry for myself. I also know about the frustration when you can't get the energy to clean the house. Then it just gets overwhelming so I just cry. I do do the main cleaning, but I save the big stuff for when my family comes down from Mich 2-3 times a year. OK books done. I hope everyone has a good day, and if it's not, don't feel guilty and go to bed!! 
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 9:21 am
It is so helpful hearing everyone's stories, thanks so much for sharing! Owl, I agree working with animals does help with pain, playing with our fosters takes my mind of pain.....I just cant bend over and pick up like I used to..I have to remember to sit down and let them come to me now. Pam, I love that your dad is so active! love and hugs to my Fibro friends!
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Tess
Member
04-13-2001
| Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 11:40 am
Pamy, my heart goes out to you my dear. I was diagnosed with fibro in 1990 and arthritis and lupus after that. Added to the COPD from environmental factors and severe asthma.....well, I know how interesting life can get. I thank God daily for my loving family just as I thank God that you have Bill and Dylan. Love and very gentle hugs to you and please take care of you. You are such a precious and generous person. 
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 12:42 pm
Thanks Tess! gentle hugs back to you cuz Heaven knows you deserve them! xxoxoxoxo
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 4:02 pm
Sending hugs to all of you sweet people. I have many of the symptoms but I don't think I have fibro. My one workup by a rheumatologist determined that I probably don't have an autoimmune problem. I do know it is really hard to pin down what is wrong. Have any number of other friends with the diagnosis, or multiple diagnoses and that is what my ex MIL had as well. So you have my respect and full encouragement, for sure.
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Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Monday, August 06, 2007 - 11:09 am
It's seems as though some of you have found me out. One of the ways I deal with forever being in pain is to think outside myself and reach out to folks who have more intense often life threatening things going on. Last year at this time I sat besides my dear friend as she tried to fight colon cancer she was in a long term facility very delusional but for the few hours I would sit with her she would talk to me and remain calm. Her family was amazed (so was I) but I was happy to bring a little peace to her each day. That lasted for 5 horrible months. Once she passed. Her husband also a very dear friend was diagnosed with colon cancer. So far he hasn't had to go to a long term facility but he is rapidly declining. And on I go I write my soldier to take my mind off of my situation and I Thank GOD everyday that I get the privilege to be in the company of my 83yr old Dad and my 14 yr old daughter. P.S. Don't get me wrong my Med's help ease my pain too a tolerable level so I can go outside myself and be present in others lives. Sorry I sound so preachy I just wanted to explain how (I) have learned to deal with FM. And that ever, (To me) embarrassing handicap placard I try hard not to use. I send my positive wishes to all of my TVCH friends that you will find some comfort in whatever way you can be it Med's or friends, prayer or massage....Don't stop looking for answers.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Monday, August 06, 2007 - 11:40 am
Pam, you are an inspiration!! I over did it yesterday...first time I felt normal for week and did some housework..I am resting and hoping to get a few things done later...Bill is sick with stomach flu, Dylan has neck pain, so we are a fun bunch this week! LOL
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Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Monday, August 06, 2007 - 8:54 pm
Feel better soon 
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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Wednesday, August 08, 2007 - 1:09 am
(((((Pamy & family)))))
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Thursday, August 09, 2007 - 8:04 pm
I have question....this pain is not getting better...I have never had a bout last this long this bad.....it now feels like broken glass under my skin from my shoulder blades up neck and then down the side of my back I am still getting over broncitus (coughed for couple weeks, could it be bruised inside?) I am wondering if this pain is not from fibro and if something else is going on just wondering if ya all have had this...plan on doc on monday but thought i would ck with my fellow fibro friends! My new FFF(fibro friends forever! 
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Kstme
Member
08-14-2000
| Friday, August 10, 2007 - 10:46 am
Pamy, I am never without the pain, anymore. The cut glass pain is similar to the burning pain, which is most common for me. You, truly, want to leave your body and skin somewhere else. I am so sorry this is lasting so long for you. I no longer really get over a bout, like I did when I was younger. I experience 'degrees' of pain that intensify throughout an attack. I hope the dr. has some answers for you. I'm thinking it may be because of all the stress you've been through the last few weeks. And being sick, isn't helping either. Take some good care! {{{{{{Pamy}}}}}}
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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Friday, August 10, 2007 - 11:18 am
Are you taking any meds for it (((Pamy)))? If so, what? Do baths help? My usual cure for fibro aches is to get a professional massage. Also I tend to take muscle relaxants and tylenol 3's when its at its worst. So I sleep through the worst of it. But the meds make me very irritable usually, so I try to avoid them if I can. Although I've never had accupuncture, I've heard great things about it... Remember that Fibro usually starts from stress in our lives, so it makes sense that any stress would aggravate it... I also think it's VERY WISE to have the doctor check what's going on. Do keep us posted, hon!
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Dovez
Member
08-27-2005
| Friday, August 10, 2007 - 11:19 am
hi {{{{pamy}}}} and {{{{{everbody}}}}} just want to add that a few years ago i was watching a program on pbs or something such where it had been discovered that doing something artistic or creative helped interfere with the pain receptors to the brain. i tried doing an art or craft project in the afternoon (4 pm being my worst time for fibro, etc.). at any rate, it worked. there is, of course, the zone effect of working on something intensely and that gets me overthinking my pain status. but i've found that i don't care what helps at that point, just that something does work to a degree. so all of you go out and buy a paint-by-numbers!!
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Friday, August 10, 2007 - 7:25 pm
Thanks again for the love, it means a lot to me! Yes I am on meds....they just take edge off and sometimes no effect....except my sleep med, that wks well i cant afford massages like I would like... Dovez, that is a great idea!! I used to love to paint ceramics, I shall ck into that
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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Friday, August 10, 2007 - 9:54 pm
Pamy - are there any massage schools in your area? Instead of paying 75 bucks or more for one massage with a pro, I have paid about 100 - 150 bucks for 10 - 15 (!) massages with a SUPERVISED student. Just be very VOCAL with them. Let them know if they are working too hard, or not hard enough. And give them the lowdown on exactly what's going on with you. It's worth the money. Although if I am in really serious pain I pay for a massage or two with a pro then do the follow up massages with a student-package.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Friday, August 17, 2007 - 10:15 am
Mame, I cant find a school by me, I am so glad you are able to get that deal. I am still going to ck and see where one is went to doc, he gave me 2 new meds to try....we are planning to go on a wkend getaway to hollywood, we got a hotel so I can rest in between the fun....hoping the new meds make me feel good enough to keep up wiht the boys! 
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