Tyler is an HR Manager at Costco. He was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, and has always been actively involved in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and canoeing. 

Unfortunately, Tyler has been unable to participate in many of the activities he used to because he has been suffering from the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia for the last few years. His doctors encouraged him to exercise despite his illness, so when he is feeling physically strong, he will take long walks around Stanley Park. Tyler knows that too much exercise can trigger a fibromyalgia flare, so he is cautious when planning his outdoor activities. 

In addition to fibromyalgia, Tyler also suffers from IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. This condition causes abdominal pain, digestive discomfort, and alternating constipation and diarrhea. 

According to the UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders, fibromyalgia occurs in up to 60 percent of people with IBS. And up to 70 percent of people with fibromyalgia have symptoms of IBS. WebMD says that with both fibromyalgia and IBS, “you have more brain activity in the parts that process pain. Your sense of pain can be enhanced.” Dealing with both IBS and fibromyalgia can be a struggle, and it can sometimes trigger Tyler’s mental health problems, which only adds more stress to his life.

Still, at age 45, Tyler was not ready to accept that he was disabled from working, so he’s tried hard to avoid missing work due to his illnesses. He was not sure when to stop working because he was concerned about his finances and if his fibromyalgia disability would be covered by his insurance. After several years of putting it off, Tyler finally applied for and was approved for short-term disability (STD) benefits. However, when his STD benefits were about to run out Tyler was worried he was still not ready to go back to work full-time.

After researching disability law firms, Tyler decided to speak to someone at Share Lawyers. The team at Share Lawyers guided Tyler through the process and answered his questions so he could feel like he had a good understanding of the next steps. One of Tyler’s biggest hurdles to overcome was getting all of the relevant medical information to submit because COVID forced him to depend on virtual appointments and long wait times. Share Lawyers stayed in touch with Tyler throughout the process and followed up with him regularly.

Despite this, the insurance company denied LTD benefits in response to Tyler’s claim. Tyler once again turned to Share Lawyers. They were able to help Tyler fight the denial and win. 

In addition, Tyler worked with his doctors to examine treatments that could alleviate both his fibromyalgia and IBS symptoms: medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exercise, and reducing stress.

If you are struggling with chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia or IBS, and you have been denied long-term disability benefits, contact Share Lawyers. We fight the insurance companies that deny long-term disability. BC is just one of the provinces that we service; even if you live in another province, you can contact the long-term disability lawyers at Share Lawyers for help.

If you have had your claim for long-term disability denied, contact the long-term disability insurance lawyers at Share Lawyers. Our experienced team of long-term disability (LTD) lawyers can help.   We have recently settled cases against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and many more. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless we win your case. Find out if you have a disability case.

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