Lady Gaga took to Twitter to announce that she suffers from fibromyalgia. She stated that long-term pain is “no joke” and explained that the announcement is not to get her fans’ pity or attention, but instead to raise awareness and push for more research efforts into helping those who suffer from fibromyalgia.
The announcement led to a wave of support and responses from fans who also suffer from the same debilitating condition.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by medical professionals as widespread muscular pain often accompanied with fatigue. Both of these conditions are common in a lot of different conditions, making diagnosis especially difficult. There is no easy test, no easy way to get a clear diagnosis.
Instead medical professionals often reach the diagnosis after ruling out a series of other diagnoses.
Not lupus.
Not rheumatoid arthritis.
Not Lyme’s Disease, and the list goes on. Once medical professionals rule out other possibilities, they must review the symptoms to come to the correct diagnosis: fibromyalgia.
What are my options if I suffer from fibromyalgia?
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, you are not alone. Recent data suggests at least five million people throughout the United States suffer from this condition. Experts expect the number is much higher due to the difficulties associated with reaching a diagnosis.
Because there is no clear test to diagnose fibromyalgia, coverage can be difficult. Whether you have an employer-provided long-term disability insurance policy or an individual plan, suffering from fibromyalgia does not mean that you have to fight with insurance to get coverage on your own. Legal counsel experienced in this niche area of the law can help you fight for the benefits you are entitled to.