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WELCOME TO Chronic Fatigue Research France, INC. NEWSLETTER
OUR MISSION:
Chronic Fatigue Research France Inc. is a non-profit organization maintained by sufferers of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for fellow sufferers, while increasing public, governmental and medical awareness of these diseases, through education. ***************************************************************
A CHAT WITH THE EDITOR:
You Know You’re a Mother When
By Liane Kupferberg Carter
1. You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they're equal.
2. You have time to shave only one leg at a time.
3. You hide in the bathroom to be alone.
4. Your kid throws up and you catch it.
5. Someone else's kid throws up at a party. You keep eating.
6. You consider finger paints to be a controlled substance.
7. You've mastered the art of placing large quantities of pancakes and eggs on a plate without anything touching.
8. You hope ketchup is a vegetable, since it's the only one your child eats.
9. You can't bear the thought of your son's first girlfriend.
10. You hate the thought of his wife even more.
11. You find yourself cutting your husband's sandwiches into cute shapes.
12. You can't bear to give away baby clothes - it's so final.
13. You hear your mother's voice coming out of your mouth when you say, "NOT in your good clothes!"
14. You stop criticizing the way your mother raised you.
15. You use your own saliva to clean your child's face.
16. You say at least once a day, "I'm not cut out for this job", but you know you wouldn't trade it for anything.
We wish all of our mothers a very Special and Happy Mother’s Day.
Michelle, Editor
M32764@aol.com
If anyone would like a copy of the last issue, please email M32764@aol.com and put "last issue" in the Subject line. Thank you.
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TAKE A MOMENT TO VISIT OUR SITE!
And don’t forget to bookmark the site for future visits.
Chronic Fatigue Research France, Inc.
http://ourfm-cfidsworld.org/
Featured Pages:
News Page
http://ourfm-cfidsworld.org/news.htm
Related Illnesses
http://ourfm-cfidsworld.org/related.htm
NMH
http://ourfm-cfidsworld.org/nmh.htm
Sleep Disorders
http://ourfm-cfidsworld.org/sleepdis.htm
Medicine Assistance Programs
http://ourfm-cfidsworld.org/medicine.htm
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LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? THEN JOIN OUR “FMily”
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You can find a convenient link to subscribe at our site.
Chronic Fatigue Research France, Inc.
http://ourfm-cfidsworld.org/
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FEATURED SITE
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Finally, something special for the guys in our group – a guy’s perspective on Fibromyalgia. I’m not slighting the gals here either; there is truly something for everyone at this site. “Peter’s Fibromyalgia and Personal Info Site” has wonderful personal insights from the author, information about FM, disability, symptoms, treatments, inspiration, humor and poetry, just to name a few things. I have included the link to the site Table of Contents to help so you find your way around. This is a site you’ll want to spend some time browsing through.
http://www.merlinean.com/pmhoran/index.html
Table of Contents
http://www.merlinean.com/pmhoran/toc.htm
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LEARNING = SUCCESS
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**Few of us have even heard of hemochromatosis, but the condition is much more widespread than most people know. "Iron overload is probably the most common and most under-diagnosed problem in American medicine,"
http://www.prevention.com/healing/living/0701.side1.html
**Not only can pets make great companions for people of all ages, but years of research have also found that pet owners have lower blood pressure under stress, better coping skills and a variety of other health benefits.
http://www.heartcenteronline.com/myheartdr/common/articles.cfm?ARTID=496
**Food as Medicine
Fibromyalgia Dietary Recommendations
http://www.drweil.com/eatingwell/aliments/fibromyalgia.shtml
Chronic Fatigue Dietary Recommendations
http://www.drweil.com/eatingwell/aliments/chronic_fatigue.shtml
There are recommendations for a host of illnesses and conditions at this site.
**One of the scariest symptoms to cross our paths is that of chest pain. This easy to follow chart gives information about the various types of pain and symptoms and how to recognize if an emergency exists.
http://familydoctor.org/flowcharts/523.html
** “Chronic Pain – Hope Through Research” offers a bounty of information on pain, theories, new treatments, new and old drugs, surgery, types of pain and where to go for help.
This is an excellent resource.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/chronic_pain_htr.htm
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THE MEDICINE OF LAUGHTER AND INSPIRATION
“There’s no fun in medicine, but there’s a lot of medicine in fun.” ~ Anonymous
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Apples
A 4-year-old son was eating an apple in the back seat of the car, when
he asked, "Daddy, why is my apple turning brown?"
"Because," his dad explained, "after you ate the skin off, the meat of the apple came into contact with the air, which caused it to oxidize, thus changing the molecular structure and turning it into a different color."
There was a long silence. Then the boy asked, "Daddy, are you talking to me?
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Test your own age-old wisdom in this ten-question multiple-choice quiz – a true test of what you really learned from Grandma! If you are unsure of the answer, “Ask Grandma” by clicking on the rotary phone and she’ll either give you a clue or take away two of the wrong answers. Five “phone lines” are available.
http://164.109.41.126/Content/askgrandma.asp?BrndID=2&ssID=7
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DISABILITY INFORMATION
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Why it is Important to Address Psychological Issues in your Chronic Pain Disability Case
by Scott E. Davis, Disability Attorney
Over the past several months I have represented fibromyalgia clients at disability hearings in Chicago, Seattle and Midland, Texas. Although the three clients lived far apart geographically, their cases had several things in common.
First, all three were found disabled by the administrative law judge. Second, in my opinion, all three had solid medical documentation of their fibromyalgia (chronic pain) and resulting symptoms. Third, all three had medical histories, which included treating physicians prescribing strong narcotic medications to control their chronic pain (they were also taking anti-depressants). Fourth, all three had histories of suffering from psychological disorders that resulted from their longstanding chronic pain.
So why am I telling you about them? Would you believe all three were approved based on their psychological disorder and not due to chronic pain? I found the basis of the judge’s decision to be surprising and disturbing. Why? Because a review of their medical records clearly showed their chronic pain was the primary reason they were unable to work.
In terms of how to win your disability case, several lessons must be learned from these cases. Before we discuss the lessons to be learned, it is important to understand that I believe fibromyalgia is a physically (and not psychological) based disorder and its resulting symptoms are very real and disabling. I base this opinion not only on medical research but also on my experiences with representing wonderful people throughout the United States. When I represent a client, their disability claim is based primarily on fibromyalgia unless the records clearly suggest otherwise.
Don’t ever apologize to anyone for your fibromyalgia or feel that you simply can’t win your case if that is your diagnosis. Every week, throughout the country my clients win their SSA disability cases with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Thus, it is clear SSA recognizes fibromyalgia as a legitimate disabling diagnosis, is the way it oftentimes evaluates these cases that concerns me.
With that said, when you file a claim for disability based on fibromyalgia, it is critical you understand how SSA is likely to approach your case.
Lesson #1: If your case is based on fibromyalgia, Social Security (SSA) may approach it as if you have primarily a psychological disorder
Although this sounds ridiculous to those whose understand fibromyalgia, I have seen this happen hundreds of times over the last several years. This is by no means a formal policy statement from SSA, it is merely my own observation. In SSA’s defense, it is important to understand that it has an obligation under federal law to evaluate whether a psychological disorder may be a reason (or the only reason) why you are unable to work.
The problem with SSA it often begins its evaluation of a fibromyalgia case from a psychological standpoint. Again, in SSA’s defense, in some cases it is apparent that a psychological disorder is the primary reason my client cannot work. Thus, SSA will usually take the easiest route to approving a case and does so using the psychological disorder rather than fibromyalgia.
When it uses this approach, SSA may be following what many in the medical community believes about fibromyalgia. Many doctors I have talked with have told me that when any patient has a chronic illness, depression or anxiety often follows. Over time, it becomes impossible to separate mind and body.
Indeed, the medical community in its lack of understanding about fibromyalgia further complicates the issue when a psychological diagnosis is made instead of or in tandem with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, as if they are one in the same. The result is the fibromyalgia diagnosis seems to be thrown in for “good measure” rather than as the result of an examination or in accordance with the American College of Rheumatology criteria.
Most people with fibromyalgia politely remind everyone, including their doctors, that the “pain is in my body and not in my head, thank you very much!” And current medical research appears to indicate this is true. Unfortunately, the message that fibromyalgia is not getting out.
If SSA approaches fibromyalgia cases from a psychological standpoint, the reason may have to do “comfort level.” That is to say I believe SSA is more comfortable evaluating psychological diagnoses and their resulting work limitations.
Regardless, of how SSA approaches your case, you would be wise to assume it will evaluate whether a psychological disorder may be preventing you from work.
Lesson #2 Increase your odds of winning 1developing whether a psychological disorder is preventing you from working
Now that you know how SSA may evaluate your case, you can beat it to the punch!
First, it may surprise you to learn that a diagnosis of depression or anxiety has already made its way into your medical records. Second, you may currently be taking or have taken an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication in the past. If this is true, you should
inform SSA or a judge that you believe you are unable to work due to fibromyalgia and secondarily, a psychological disorder.
I believe it is critical for you to confront a potential psychological diagnosis in your case. Why? First, if you don’t, SSA or a judge most likely will do it for you with results you don’t like. Second, if you do have a psychological disorder with resulting work limitations, this will only help your case since SSA has to consider all work limitations. The more work limitations you have, both physical and psychological, the more likely you are to be found disabled. Third, if a psychological disorder has been ruled out by a psychiatrist or psychologist, your complaints of chronic pain, fatigue and cognitive problems will then based solely on your fibromyalgia and will be entirely credible. After a thorough psychological evaluation, SSA or a judge will not credibly be able to assert that your problems are all in your head.
The worst position for you to be in is one where SSA or a judge ignores your fibromyalgia and believes instead that you have a psychological disorder. A judge then decides that since you have never treated with a psychological professional, your depression or anxiety are not disabling. Because your physical or psychological problems are not severe, you claim is denied. When this scenario occurs, you won’t be in a position to defend your fibromyalgia claim because you have never had a psychological evaluation.
Lesson #3 Win your case anyway you can!
Although it angers me that some fibromyalgia cases are approved based on a psychological disorder, I am also a pragmatist. So are most of my clients. At the end of a long battle with SSA, you really want to win your case anyway you can. Having your claim denied and being broke does not help your family. If your claim is approved for what you believe to be the wrong diagnosis, address the issue when SSA reviews your claim several years down the line. For now, put the money in the bank and be thankful your battle is over.
Best of luck in your pursuit of disability benefits and remember never to quit!
Scott has extensive experience in handling FMS/CFIDS cases and represents clients throughout the United States.
Scott Davis
16421 N Tatum Blvd
Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85032
602-482-4300
email: harris.davis@azbar.org.
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HONORING GOOD DOCTORS
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There is still time to nominate your doctor for this award…
Finding a good doctor is imperative to our health-care regimes. To find one that is willing to listen, learn and act has become increasingly difficult for many of us.
Fortunately, there are those of us that have found those traits and more in our doctors. We have found men and women willing to learn with us and willing to take roads not well traveled by their peers.
It is these compassionate, talented doctors that we wish to honor.
Chronic Fatigue Research France, Inc. is accepting nominations of doctors who exhibit the above named qualities, and have helped you lead a more productive life. We will judge the nominations sent in and will select a doctor to receive our Caring Doctor Award. This will be an on-going project, and all nominees will be honored in time.
To nominate your doctor for this award, simply include your name, the name and address of your doctor, his/her area of medicine, and a letter explaining why your doctor deserves this award. A copy of your letter and the award will be sent to your doctor and published in our newsletter. The names of award recipients will also be published on our site.
Our first award will be made in May. Please submit all entries by April 30, 2001 to Michelle at .
We look forward to saying thank you to the men and women who are helping us make a difference in our lives.
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IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
The Founders of Chronic Fatigue Research France, Inc. would like to thank those of you who have supported us so graciously with your gifts of help to keep the site online and to help us reach our goal to bring up-to-date information to all who need it. We strive to educate the public, the medical community and the new sufferers of these diseases by offering information, chat rooms and message boards to bring us all together. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!
Anyone wishing to share in the support of our endeavors may send a tax-deductible donation to the following:
Chronic Fatigue Research France, Inc.
Kathy Tatum
2915 Forest Street
Texarkana, AR. 71854
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OUR WORLD IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
-President, Webmaster – Kathy,
-Vice President, Editor – Michelle,
-Recording Secretary – Grace,
-Treasurer, Featured Newsletter Writer - Bonnie,
-Webmaster, Volunteer Coordinator - Sue,
-Founders Assistant, Researcher - Cathy,
-Board Member – Mary,
-Board Member -Jan –
-Board Member - Eileen -
-Featured Newsletter Writer – Robert,
-Research, Featured Newsletter Writer - Traci -
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**Together We are Making a Difference - Everyone is ALWAYS welcome to help!
<><><><> God Bless and Best Wishes <><><><>
************All of us at FM/CFS World, Inc.*********
Disclaimer: The list owner cannot accept any form of responsibility, legal or otherwise, for the opinions and information presented on this mailing list. All information should be thoroughly examined by a qualified physician, familiar with your health care, prior to commencing any new treatments.
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