Relief for Fibromyalgia Sufferers by James DuBach*

Enforcing the rights of sufferers of fibromyalgia continues to be one of our biggest challenges. We have had success with the following:

• 1) Having your doctor complete a detailed fibromyalgia questionnaire by noting all your symptoms and limitations. This helps refute the claim that your condition is not well documented medically.
• 2) Have you complete a pain disability questionnaire from the Appendix of the AMA Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. The AMA considers the completed questionnaire medical evidence of the intensity of your pain.

If you and your doctor have not yet completed these evidence questionnaires, please call and we will send them to you for completion.

• 3) 60-day symptom diaries are also helpful. If you complete the diary and show it to your physician so the doctor can better understand your range of difficulties, it becomes part of your treatment regime and gains extra credence as evidence.
• 4) The FDA has approved Lyrica and Lilly's Cymbalta for treatment of fibro pain. Be sure to continue your partnership with your treating physician by speaking to the doctor about whether the newly approved drugs can help you.

*Attorney DuBach worked as a child and family therapist in various settings and was a health care provider in psychology approved by the State of Indiana before joining the Charles Hankey Law Office.