Just been diagnosed

[Lola1997]

Hi all I have just been recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have struggled for years with being in pain, constant headaches and always feeling so ill and tired. It has effected my work over the years and had a number of sick days off. I have worked in care homes so it's a very demanding job. I have just left a previous job where I was a care assistant working with patients with dementia. I was off all the time having blood tests and chest x rays so doctors could find out what was wrong with me. In the end I went to the doctors and said I think I have fibromyalgia and they said I do. I am not in work right now and in a lot of stress to how I am going to get money coming in. I know I have to find some work soon but I need advice on what to do next? I have been told I can't claim disability benefits as this condition doesn't fall under the criteria. I am waiting to be paid universal benifit but it's not enough. Any suggestions please. Thanks everyone

[Ramjets]

Hi Lola, I can relate to your story as I too suffered for many years, went through numerous tests and eventually had to stop work. It’s true that having fibro does not automatically qualify you for disability benefits but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to claim. I claimed for and was awarded (contribution-based) ESA not just because I had fibro but because of the impact it had on my life. I am no benefits expert so I wouldn’t want to advise further therefore you may want to consider contacting the Welfare Officer at your local CAB for advice. You can also get in touch with FMA UK benefits advisor Janet Horton on 0300 999 0055 (Mon & Fri 10.00-12.00) or by email on [e-mail]. Janet may be able to answer your questions or point you in the right direction.

In the meantime, welcome to the forum, you will find lots of help and support from our friendly members. In addition there is plenty of useful information and links on our main site so you may like to take a look at this:

fmauk.org/

Also I notice you haven’t locked your post. You don't have to do this but you are likely to receive more replies if you do as many of our members are not keen on responding to unlocked ones, as they can be accessed by people outside the community. Instructions on how to do this can be found on the link below but if you get stuck, please don’t hesitate to ask for help.

healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

Take care and good luck. x