fibromyalgia in settlement

In CA, my wife and I were in an auto accident, after which she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This is a very difficult injury to diagnose (and treat) and we were wondering if anyone has received a settlement based on fibromyalgia. Also, what steps were taken to prove the diagnosis in negotiations or court to achieve a reasonable settlement? What medical tests were performed in the diagnosis? CT's, MRI's and X-rays all showed negative, but we are told that this is not unusual.

Any info would be most appreciated since we are fighting Allstate Insurance (the "It's 20% your fault no matter what anyone says company").

Thank you,

JDRollins

[vrzirn]

The etiology is unknown despite interesting theories. However, you are not going to be able to attribute the condition to the accident.Proving that will be extrememly difficult.

To:Vrzirn,
May I ask a question? Why would it be so hard to prove and why couldn't or wouldn't someone belive it is real?

You see I have developed this syndrome and it was confirmed at a University Hospital. I have been out of work for over a year. I also have been in Therpy and on anti-depressants since July of 2001. I have to begin Trigger Point injections on the 22nd for muscle spasms that I have as well as loss of feeling in my hands.

For example-I lose feeling in my hands daily as well as severe head-aches, I try to turn my head and it will shake, My back down to my hips burn.. I could go on and on but unless someone can find a cure for this it is not something a person without it could understand. However would Medical records not be helpfull? This surely concerns me. I would never try to cheat or steal from anyone or company and I don't mean to sound so emotional. However I did not ask for the accident to happen and it wasn't my fault..

Much Respect

[vrzirn]

Although the diagnosis of FM is well established the etiology remains elusive. You are not going to be able to definitively relate your accident to the FM.
It is a chronic pain disorder. It is not a progressive condition, not an inflammation and not an immunologic disorder.The most factual information on FMS education can be found on The Arthritis Foundation website. Most of the others have errors in information.
Exercise has been found to often improve tolerance to pain and reduce syptoms of FMS. It should be a form of conditioning with some increase in heart rate. Good luck.

Hi Vrzin,

I am not sure where the first poster was from but I live in GA. I guess I waited to reply until after I came back from Emory today. I had Botox injections in about fifty area in my neck, shoulders, and even behind my ears. I also was hooked up to a type of ultra-sound machine to send the sound waves from the damaged area.

I don't know if everyone that has developed this has undergone this procedure. But I will be the first to say if it don't kill you then you've done pretty well.. The way I understand it is that the Drs, can tell the area to inject and while I was in spasms begin injecting the meds into the muscle, my hope is this. One day sooner or later they will have to find the cure.

But trust me when I say this, had this accident not happened to me I wouldn't be going through this now..

Again thanks for you information.One more thing. This med. was around 1500.00 a vial and I had three, so if anyone has to have these treatments for pain be sure you check with your insurance carrier or sign a consent for the hospital or pain center to use.

there is a good attorrney who specializes in FM, and yes it can be an after effect of a tramatic injury. While some may say that you cant prove it was caused by the accident, you also cant prove that it wasnt. I cant remember the attorneys name but if you can do some searching FM will be in his list of expertise...Good Luck, I know how it feels....