Fibromyalgia is a difficult condition to diagnose because there is no specific test. A fibromyalgia diagnosis comes after doctors rule out any other underlying conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that may be causing your symptoms. Doctors will also determine whether you suffered from widespread pain throughout your body for more than three months and other symptoms such as fatigue and impaired memory. If a family doctor or general practitioner made your initial fibromyalgia diagnosis you should consider seeing a specialist for fibromyalgia. Specialists such as rheumatologists have more experience diagnosing, treating and documenting your fibromyalgia. Proper documentation of your symptoms, diagnosis and pain are important for filing a successful disability claim. Fibromyalgia can be a difficult medical condition to diagnose. If you feel that your doctor is not taking your complaints seriously, seems unfamiliar with the condition, or is not moving towards a diagnosis consider seeking a second medical opinion. Another specialist more familiar with diagnosing fibromyalgia may be able to more quickly assess your medical condition and needs. Before filing a claim for disability or retaining a disability attorney request a copy of all medical records pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and documentation of your condition. If your records do not clearly document your condition, you should go to another doctor who will clearly and accurately document your condition. In assessing your fibromyalgia disability claim, SSA analysts must determine whether you suffer from a medically determinable impairment of fibromyalgia. Your doctor can assist this process by filing out a detailed RFC form that specifies the ways that you are physically/functionally limited and that these symptoms prevent you from working. When seeking disability benefits, you will need to document that your fibromyalgia impairs your life. One way that you can create a record of your symptoms and how the condition has limited your lifestyle is by maintaining a diary. In your diary describe how the condition makes you feel, your level of pain and fatigue, your inability to engage in activities and document your inability to work. If fibromyalgia made it impossible for you to continue working, it may be useful to collect employment records that document your absences from work due to your condition. SSA may seek this information prior to deciding on your disability claim.

Summary: Obtain a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Seek medical care from a specialist. Switch doctors if you are not getting support. Obtain a copy of all of your medical records. Have your doctor complete a fibromyalgia residual functional capacity (RFC) form. Maintain a diary that details your fibromyalgia experience. Collect employment records.


Keeping trash bags in your car will help you collect trash as necessary instead of just tossing it onto the floor. Among the most inexpensive options is to use an empty tissue box. Fill it with plastic bags saved from trips to the grocery or convenience store, and grab a bag whenever you need one. If you’re not a fan of using disposable plastic bags, you can use a plastic or glass sealable food storage container. Typically used for storing cereal, you can find a storage container at a grocery or home goods store.  Try sticking velcro strips to the bottom so you can secure the storage container to the floor. You always can line it with a trash bag to easily dispose of the trash you’ve collected. To cut down on disposable plastic, just throw your trash in it, empty it out into your home trash receptacle, then wash it. Try using a container for recyclables and one for non-recyclable trash. Instead of using empty tissue boxes or cereal storage containers, you could always buy a trash can designed specifically for cars. Many models come with either strips that secure it to the car floor or straps that hang it from one of the front seats. You can buy one online or find one at an auto or home improvement store. Cup holders are notorious for collecting all sorts of grime and bits of garbage. After cleaning them out, place a cupcake holder inside each, then change them out periodically. You can also purchase store-bought car cup holder coasters.

Summary: Keep an empty tissue box filled with trash bags in your car. Use a cereal container to collect trash. Purchase a car trash receptacle. Place cupcake liners inside cup holders.


They can be pretty beads, buttons, or even rhinestones. Choose something that is about the size of your earlobe and not too heavy. If you are using coat buttons or stud earrings, snip the prong or loop off using a pair of wire cutters. If you are a child, ask an adult to help you with this step. There are two main types of clip-on earring backs: the skinny type with a bar in front, and the larger type that are shaped like a disk. The skinny type may be more discrete, but they will be more painful to wear. The larger ones will be less painful to wear; they will also be easier to decorate. Consider getting some clip-on earring pads. You can slip them over the back of your clip-on earrings to make them less painful to wear. Be sure to cover the entire front evenly. Don't apply any glue to your item. Make sure that they are right-side-up. This should not take more than a few minutes depending on the brand of glue. For more specific drying times, refer to the label on the bottle. Pull open the earring and position it over your earlobe. Close the earring. When taking the earring off, do not yank or pull it off. This can damage the earring. Instead, open the earring back first, then take the earring off.
Summary: Choose two matching items with a flat back to use for your earrings. Choose a pair of clip-on earring backs. Spread some super glue over the front of the clip-on earring backs. Press your two items into the glue, flat side down. Wait for the glue to dry. Wear the earrings.