dealing with fibromyalgia pain and pain from recent car accident

I was diagnosed earlier this year with fibromyalgia, the doctor I was seeing at the time started treating me, but got to a point where he felt he couldn't help me anymore. (he was at a low income clinic and couldn't really deal with chronic pain patients). I ended up switching to my mom's family doctor and we were making pretty decent progress. He put me on vicodin as well as lyrica, both seemed to be helping quite a bit. I wasn't pain free, but was doing a lot better. The only time I was still having pretty bad pain was on the days that I work (I work part time at a grocery store). He also wanted to help me file for disability once I had some tests done, and he built up a nice chart and a lot of records that would be helpful to me when I file.

Last month I was in a bad car accident with my boyfriend, in which he totaled the car. I had some pretty severe seat belt injuries to my left breast (it tore some breast tissue and I have a perfect indent from where the seat belt held me in place). My entire left breast was almost black for a good 3 weeks..it has mostly went away now though, thank god. I also ended up finding a lump in that breast, but it is non cancerous, they think it's just a cyst. But I have to keep an eye on it. My biological mother (Im adopted but know her) is currently fighting breast cancer, so my chances are much higher already that I could potentially have it someday.

The frustrating part is--because I have a pre existing condition, I'm going to have trouble fighting with the car insurance (for lost wages, pain and suffering..etc) to prove that the pain I'm having is from the accident and not from the pre existing condition. SO my doctor essentially wants to scale back my treatment for my fibro, so that the problems with the accident are *front and center* for my accident claim. But because of that, I have to back down on my pain medication. I've been off work for nearly a month (I'm going back this Sunday). But I'm going to be on my feet, and lifting lots of heavy groceries. I'm not looking forward to it because of the fact he's backing off on treating my fibro until the accident claim is filed and all of that.

I have no idea how to deal with this. I'm still having a little bit of trouble with my shoulder and knee (from the car accident), but its MUCH better then it used to be. But I'm still having a lot ofpain from my fibro as well (I actually think its a bit worse from all the stress and injury from the accident). So adding work to the mix is gonna be crazy. But i have to go back to work, I have no money and bills that I HAVE to pay. Plus my job only allows 8 weeks for medical leave (I've used almost 4 of them). And I need to go back to work.

Anyone have any ideas on how I can cope with all of this? Any ideas or suggestions would be so helpful!

I can really relate to some of this stuff. For example, I have fibro, was in a car wreck last year in which the seat belt made my breasts black and blue, and just discovered a lump in one of them. I find out the results of diagnostic mammograms and ultrasound on Tuesday....

Surely the insurance company couldn't say your breast damage was from fibro. I don't recall that I filed any claim for pain or such, though.....

I basically just suck up my fibro pain. I truly think the meds I take for bipolar help with it. I also take Tramadol and Tylenol for pain in general (spine and joint problems).

Those are my general thoughts. I don't know that I helped much, but I can understand some of what you're going through!

Call an attorney asap to protect your interests medical and otherwise. It does not matter that you have pre existing problems. This accident made i worse as well as started some serious new problems. I too am a fibro/cfs person and my attorney took care of me.

Hope this helps. stay cool.....

Littlematchstick, I don't have any practical advice for you, but agree with lainpie4u. Call an attorney!

Don't worry about the pre-existing condition -- a law was passed that says that insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for conditions that you had previously. So your insurance company has to pay the bills Statements from your doctor about your condition should be enough. I think it's cruel to expect you to scale back your pain medications -- what is the point of making you suffer? The doctor should be able to convince the insurance company that your injuries are due to the accident! Sheeesh! I hate insurance companies. LOL

It probably would be a good idea to consult an attorney. It sure can't hurt!

I wish you the very best. God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee