Can I join the Air Force or ARMY with Fibromyalgia?

Since I am on Cymbalta, which is used mainly for depression, I am afraid that a recruiter will see that and not understand that until recently there have been no other meds for the Fibro, and I had to take the Cymbalta. Although I dont agree that I have Fibro (no pain, etc.) I have still been on it for a year, and go tomorrow to see the Dr. to get off of it. I am NOT depressed and was diagnosed because I had headaches for a short period of time. How do I get the military to see that? I am in GREAT shape otherwise and REALLY want to join. Always have. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

If you have fibro you won't want to join the military. I've had fibro for about six years now and I'm in constant pain.
Able bodied persons tend to struggle with basic training. A person with fibro would be dead after one day.
If your not in pain you don't have fibro.

i believe no. if its the same thing im thinking of you'll eventually end up in a wheelchair. i doubt they'll take you.

best way to know is to ask a recruiter and see what can be done/see if it is infact an issue, do no not however be convinced to lie about anything. most recruiters are good people but there are those that give the rest a bad name, also the military often changes their mind about what is or is not exceptable in a recruit so, i would say go check it out, it wont hurt to stop by and talk for 5 minutes, and at least that way you will know for sure

I checked out the medical standards from beginning to end. Fibromyalgia is not specifically mentioned. But, there is a general paragraph that might apply. Current or history of any condition that in the opinion of the medical officer will interfere with the completion of military duties or require care on a regular basis is disqualifying.
The source below is the citation for that standard.

you should talk to the recruiter. i'm sorry if you can't though. you can be on anti-depressants and join, i dont think that will stop you from joining, but if you have an immobilizing or potentially immobilizing disorder they probably wont take you.

i think this might be a case of finding the right recruiter. some recruiters are lazyyyyyyy. some will go through the hoops. there is pretty much a waiver for EVERYTHING...it just has to get approved by command over at the recruiting battallion. now, im not sure about the air force, i know they are extrememly strict on letting anybody in...but the army most likely will take you with a waiver or something to that effect. a good idea is when you see your doc, ask him to write a letter stating that you are no longer diagnosed with fibro, and are "in a clear state of mind and body". also, saying plainly, "there is no medical reason why this patient should be denied for military service."
hope this helps, and dont bother with those blue pansies go army bro, hoooah!

Fibro does not necessarily meanyou will end up in a wheelchair-some people like me use a wheelchair on a minimal basis-some people use it when they go out-it is rare that you need a wheelchair full time, but does happen-but the majority of people I know with FMS do not use a wheelchair at all-

First thing to do is go to another doctor-if your only symptom was headaches-you are probably a victim of malpractice

there are many doctors who refuse to educate themselves about FMS and will diagnose anyone with normal pain/fatigue with FMS-or stress headaches, etyc..

You may have a completely different problem that is going untreated

fora list of good docs who might be able to tell you if you have FMS or not

email kindness@fibrobetsy.com and ask for a list for your area

or visit

http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?p...

If you drop the diagnosis and expalin you were misdiagnosed-you won't have a problem