Is Fibromyalgia A Disability? Part 1
Is fibromyalgia a disability?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on what is considered a disability under law. In general, a disability would be defined as a condition that imposes a significant handicap on an individual's ability to do normal everyday tasks, such as walking, standing, lifting, or using a wheelchair. Fibromyalgia has recently been considered a disability under most legal definitions,by the social security administration.
Can you get disability for fibromyalgia? The answer is yes, you can, but the Social Security Administration has established rules that have made it difficult to receive financial assistance for the medical disorder.
What is the meaning of a disability by law?
A disability by law is a condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, in addition to the individual’s ability to fully perform major life activities.
“Receiving a diagnosis for fibromyalgia does not automatically qualify you for Social Security disability benefits. You have to demonstrate the symptoms of the musculoskeletal disorder negatively impact your ability to hold down a steady job. A team of medical examiners at the SSA considers every one of your symptoms, including the common symptoms of intense pain and chronic fatigue.
The SSA has created a medical guide called the Blue Book, which is a list of disabilities that qualify applicants for disability benefits.
In addition to listing medical disorders, the SSA requires applicants to prove they suffer from the seriousness of symptoms that accompany a medical condition such as fibromyalgia. You also have to meet other criteria like collecting enough work credits over the course of a year. Accumulating enough work credits depends on your income and the minimum income threshold established by the SSA”. https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/working-ability/fibromyalgia
How Fibromyalgia Affects Your Physical Capacity for Work
Many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia can affect your ability to perform physical work. Sensitivities to light, sound, temperature changes, and odors significantly limit the type of work environments you can work in.
The pain that is associated with fibromyalgia can limit your ability to stand or sit for long periods of time. It can also affect your ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and grasp. Those who experience joint pain as a result of fibromyalgia may also have difficulty bending, lifting, walking, and performing other common actions required in physical work. The numbness and tingling which often accompanies fibromyalgia can make fine motor movements difficult, making even light physical work problematic.
Perhaps most significantly, the chronic fatigue which usually comes with fibromyalgia can make it extremely difficult to stay focused on any task for an extended period of time, especially if it is combined with some of the psychiatric/neurological effects. Several of the other symptoms can also make physical work impractical for fibromyalgia sufferers.https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/working-ability/fibromyalgia
How Fibromyalgia Affects Your Mental Capacity for Work
If your fibromyalgia is accompanied by a psychiatric disorder, or if it causes short term memory loss or difficulty concentrating, also knows as fibro fog. This can affect your mental capacity to work. All of these symptoms can make it difficult to succeed in any work environment, whether physical or non physical. Just because a job isn’t physical doesn’t mean that fibromyalgia cant make it too difficult to do. Aching muscles and pain can make any job difficult to perform. One person with fibromyalgia may be able to work while another person is incapable due to their symptoms. Everyone’s pain threshold is different so it is not black and white with regards to working.
I was working at home for a mail order pharmaceutical company. My jobs duties entailed sitting for long periods of time while entering information into the computer. I found it very difficult to sit for more than an hour. I would get restless leg syndrome if I didn’t move around. After a days work my shoulders, arms and hands were so sore because of the typing. The job wasn’t physical and still caused me pain. Unfortunately, it became too much for me to do; I had to resign. I felt like a failure who couldn’t do anything. Those around me said they noticed when I was working I was more withdrawn. I guess because of the pain I didn’t want to be around anyone. I hate feeling like I’m a burden because of fibromyalgia. This blog is a way for me to talk to them without actually speaking. I am shy and wouldn’t be able to express myself with words. This blog gives me the chance to speak my pain without complaining to my family. My family has been so supportive and understanding. May Allah reward them for their patience. I’m so grateful that Allah has blessed me with an outlet to get my feelings into words. I tried so many times to talk about it but each time was a failure. I tried to stay resilient and not let it affect me. I know it may sound stupid but having a place to vent and be myself has been cathartic. If you’re having a hard time speaking your truth to those you love try writing it down. Having an outlet to express yourself is healthy. Fear not because you are not alone ❤️