If you are unable to work because of Fibromyalgia you may be able to make a TPD claim for a lump sum from the Total & Permanent Disablement insurance contained within your superannuation fund. There is no necessity for you to have been involved in an accident or to have suffered a work-related injury or illness to make a TPD claim. If you suffer from total and permanent disability, you may be able to make a TPD claim in addition to receiving your super early as a result of your condition. Our solicitors can advise you in detail as to the requirements of a successful submission, they will prepare all relevant paperwork and will obtain full supporting documentation. Our TPD lawyers will give you advice on the likely success of your claim to a super fund, without further obligation. It costs nothing to use our advice service.

Our TPD claim solicitors use a risk free no win no fee arrangement.

We have offices situated in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Darwin.

Fibromyalgia - TPD

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which causes pain in the whole body, especially the muscular skeletal system. There are certain triggering factors which start the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Ex: Infections, trauma (physical or psychological), surgery, stress. However symptoms can start off gradually without any triggering factors.

Women are affected more than men by Fibromyalgia. Sometimes it can be associated with other painful conditions such as; IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome), Painful bladder syndrome (Interstitial cystitis), depression, anxiety disorders, migraine or tension headaches, temporo-mandibular joint disorders and sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea etc.

Unfortunately Fibromyalgia cannot be cured. Symptoms can be controlled with various medications, physiotherapy, exercises, relaxation and meditation techniques.

What are the symptoms and signs of Fibromyalgia?

• Wide spread pain which occurs all over the body –

Pain is constant and occurs as a dull ache. Pain is long lasting and wide spread, that is involving both sides of the body and both upper and lower parts of the body are affected. Your pain may vary from chronic dull ache , aching pain, tenderness, shooting pain, radiating pain to wide spread pain all over the body. There may be flare ups, which means you will feel more symptomatic on certain days.

• Sensitivity to pain is increased so that patient feels more pain than others –

Painful sensations are felt more due to Fibromyalgia because the way the brain processes the pain signals are affected. The chemicals in brain which causes pain (neurotransmitters) are also increased in Fibromyalgia.

• Numbness or tingling sensation-

This is also called feeling like pins and needles

• Severe fatigue (Extreme tiredness) -

Patients with Fibromyalgia are extremely tired and because of pain, their sleep can get disturbed. Once they are up from sleep, they are not fresh but feel tired, even after sleeping for more than usual. Getting out of bed will be difficult.

• Muscle stiffness –

Patients with Fibromyalgia have stiff muscles. Joints will be stiff too especially in the morning or after engaging in physical activities. Your muscles and joints will be sore.

• Cognitive difficulties –

Patients with Fibromyalgia find it difficult to focus, keep the attention span/ concentrate on various tasks and to pay attention.

What are the causes of Fibromyalgia?

Cause for Fibromyalgia may be multifactorial. Genetics play a role and it is found to run in families. When there are certain genetic mutations, Fibromyalgia can develop. Trauma (either physical like a car accident or psychological like loss of a loved one) may be related to causing Fibromyalgia.

Some illnesses and infections can start off symptoms or even aggravate Fibromyalgia.

As females are affected more than males, your gender may be a risk factor.

When you have a family history, you are at a higher risk of developing Fibromyalgia than others who don’t have a family history.

Patients with Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis or SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosis) have a higher chance of developing Fibromyalgia than others.

What are the complications of Fibromyalgia?

The symptoms can have severe consequences for the patients to manage their day to day life activities. Fibromyalgia is not a curable disease. It’s a non-remitting syndrome. There can be social consequences like stigma and changes in life style may be difficult to bear.

• Intolerable and chronic pain
• Sleep disturbances – This can interfere with your day to day functions especially at your occupation or house hold duties. Functional ability will be lost or reduced.
• Depression – Constant chronic pain can gradually lead to depression. Mood changes can affect a person’s quality of life.
• Anxiety disorders - Anxiety occurs when you have a chronic illness. You may be uncertain about holding onto your job, maintain relationships or even carrying out your normal day to day activities. You may lose your job. Relationships might fail.

How is Fibromyalgia managed?

You may seek help when your symptoms are worrying you or persistent. Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is mainly clinical. Sometimes there are certain trigger points in the body which causes pain when pressed firmly. When there is wide spread pain which lasts 3 months or more, it can be due to development of Fibromyalgia.

• Pain management – Doctors will manage your pain with various types of pain medications. First your score for pain will be assessed before prescribing a suitable pain killer or anti- inflammatory medication. The strength and which type to use will depend on your pain score.

Ex: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil), Tramadol

Pain medication should be used with care as with long term use patients can develop tolerance.

Chronic pain also responds to gabapentin and pregabelin.

• Physiotherapy and regular exercises
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological management – Addressing various stressful conditions, teaching relaxation techniques, practicing yoga and meditation will help you to calm your mind
• If there are depression or anxiety disorders treat accordingly with anti- depressants or anxiolytics. Counseling these patients is a must.
• Life style changes – good dietary habits and exercise
• Some doctors prefer acupuncture and massage therapies
• In addition to these, you should get a healthy, balanced and a nutritional diet

Living with Fibromyalgia….

Although it is a hassle living with Fibromyalgia, constant fatigue, pain and brain fog, you don’t have to stop living just because you have those symptoms. Consider them as a challenge. You will have to make adjustments to your life style, make changes in your job, house hold duties etc.

First understand what you have and accept the reality. Once you take control of your condition, it will be easier for you to handle the symptoms. Be strong. Make sure that you are compliant to your medication. Try to improve your quality of life as much as possible by regular exercise, balanced nutritional diet and life style changes. Follow up with your doctors, psychologists, occupational and physiotherapists according to instructions. Accept the multidisciplinary care. Once you learn to live with it, it will be easier to lead a near normal life.

Focusing on the positives is a must. Be happy with what you can do, rather than worrying about what you can’t do.

It will help you to know the stories of other people who live and cope well with Fibromyalgia. Then you will feel that you are not alone and that there are many who fight the same disease as you.

LAWYER HELPLINE: ☎ 1800 339 958