Hi Everyone,
I finally received a response on the report I made on that horrible government appointed doctor I had seen for disability benefits. As I had thought, basically they are telling me that his examination was proper procedure which included a full physical examination which included my private parts. They said that this exam was not just for Fibromyalgia and that I should have been explained that this is what it was going to entail. The other part about his behavior towards me being arrogant, condescending etc. basically they informed him that he should be more attentive and act properly in that regard especially with patients such as myself who have been through a lot to be more sensitive to that. They said he agreed with them. They will do no investigation and said that I had achieved my outcome in that it assures this will not happen again in the future. I was happy about that part, but I have never heard from anyone on here that a full physical examination was performed on them for a claim for disability for Fibromyalgia. I still feel violated, but I have to let this go. I can appeal this decision, but judging with how things have gone so far its a constant battle and a losing one. I am exhausted and broken down from it all.
I had my appointment with the psychiatrist this week and this too was a complete shock with regard to the line of questioning which was very different to what some of the experiences of others on here have told me. The questions stated with my childhood on whether I had been abused in any way...to was I alone and did I have a boyfriend. The fact I do not have a boyfriend he asked why....when I said I just happened to meet men who were not honest and simply the relationships did not work out over the years he asked me why I chose men like that. Now tell me how does this relate to how Fibromyalgia affects me and my life now? The appointment lasted about an hour and I was never asked questions how this affected my cognitive skills in relation to work or how my pain was on a daily basis and how that affected my life and activities...he just kept saying I was too young to go on disability and what was I going to do with my life. He asked what I did during the day and if I exercised. He also said that narcotics/pain meds are NEVER prescribed for Fibromyalgia and doctors encourage only exercise to manage the pain. He asked how do I know if I even have Fibro! Can you imagine that one? That was unbelievable to me that he asked me that question. He said that my doctor should be telling me to exercise and not giving me medication. The tone he used was an angry one and as if to imply I had a bad doctor. All in all, I balled my eyes out through most of the interrogation as bringing up every horrible thing that has happened to me in my life just stirred up so many emotions. He also asked why I had to be accompanied to the meeting and why I couldn't drive myself. It is a no win situation with the Canadian government. At the end of the meeting he told me straight out that based on this that I would not get disability benefits. At that point I blew it was the breaking point for me and I just said I didn't care anymore and if he already knew the answer then why did he say he was going to read my file after I left. I told him that this was not a surprise that the government makes it as difficult as possible for people to receive benefits. I don't think this explosion of emotion will of helped my case, but by that time I had it! I'm either the unluckiest of people to have hit all these horrible doctors and/or in conjunction with this horrible government that does not believe that Fibromyalgia exists.
Of course I will relay all of this to all my doctors, but I'm done! They got to me and they won. I can't put myself through this again. Unless you are half dying and you look it, I will never get disability benefits. I feel I was doomed from the start. I'm sorry if this sounds like rambling and it is as I know I've skipped and jumped over things here, but the whole past few months and the 2 year long journey has just taken its toll. Of course any comments if any are always appreciated and I pray that none of you have to ever experience such unprofessional mistreatment. It is too bad that in Canada we cannot hire a lawyer to help us through this as this is not how it is done here.
I wish all the American Fibro friends a Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs and best wishes...Susan