COPD

[Kadenfaye]

I am on ESA and have been since 2011, My FEV/FVC is 32.1 and as doctors know its a progressive illness yet im still being hounded with questionnaires I am 60 years of age does anyone else on ESA get hounded like me ?

[Hidden]

Yes,Kaden it happens to the best of us I'm afraid! lol..I was persistently harassed until I photo copied my scan results and sent them to every relevant department and told them if they need answers on my illness contact my g.p or specialist..

That was some months ago ..I was placed in support, and haven't heard anything from them since..I was told by my nurses and doctor that ESA did contact them though...Its enough we have to live with this dreadful disease without all the stress of ESA silly questions (One question was could I lift an empty cardboard box!!) What's all that about? I can't blow out a candle .you haven't asked me that yet lol..

Just tell them if they want to know anything contact your g.p and leave you alone...Best Regards Laura..

[newlands in reply to Hidden]

I understand you are asked to lift an empty box too see if you can bend, blowing out a candle well i cant !!!! take care

[barnsleysue in reply to Hidden]

What do you mean placed in support ? Sorry but this is all new to me so I am not understanding some things ....I have just been for a medical ( I only get my stamp paid) from what I can gather I will most likely receive a letter saying fit for work

[Hidden in reply to barnsleysue]

It just refers to people that claim ESA..Employment support allowance is for people that can work if need be..Support is for people who can't work because they are too ill,and they dont have to go for interviews etc..Hope that helps..If you Google it you will find all the answers there regarding your benefits..Good luck..Laura

[Kadenfaye in reply to Hidden]

thanks that's exactly what im gunna do when I get me next questionnaire x

[Hidden in reply to Kadenfaye]

I had it all ways from Atos and bedroom tax..My G.p and nurses will back you all the way and sort things for you..At least I can relax knowing these people have left me alone...Good luck..

[chrissie53]

I,m on ESA and 61, just been put on the the support group after a 2yr fight, but not really had much to do with them otherwise, my aim at the moment is to sort out my pip,,put it in last Sept,and not heard a word,,had to chase them up and DWP had not even bothered to send it to atos anyway why are they sending you questionaires,, i only ever filled 1 out for them on my health,,have you tried ringing them and asking why they keep sending you questions,,hope everything turns out ok for you, xx

[trevthered in reply to chrissie53]

atos that is so funny a bunch of health care professionals who sit and tick boxs dont listen to what you have to say, but i might add maybe dwp need to look at how they deal with us and maybe have a better understanding of our illness.......

[Kadenfaye]

thanks Chrissie53 I will do that next time I get one

[onamission]

Hi Kadenfaye What level is your COPD I'm level 4 and was turned down for ESA.

[newlands in reply to onamission]

I hope you will appeal !!!!

[onamission in reply to newlands]

no I didn't I just sent off for the pip pack, told I had COPD thought they would know what it was and how it effects you but they did not so really filled in new pip forms so will see when I don't know how long is a piece of string will keep you all posted

[Offcut]

I had a battle for esa awarded 6 points appealed won but took nearly 18 months. I am on the support group and the have sent me letter after 12months saying things will stay the same! I was refused because i could move an empty box? We are moving and i struggled moving the empty boxes ready for packing. So they got that wrong! I have sent dwp all my consultant letters i have, which i think has helped.

[trevthered]

yes very much the same here, im on esa and have been since 2009 i have been placed in the work support group, im 60 in april and have a lung capacity of 52%, i have had chest infection after chest infection since december and still they are telling me i can get back to work. Have even been sent on this stupid course to show me how to apply for a job and write a cv , most employers once they know your 60 and have copd wont touch you with a 200ft barge pole, if you fail to inform them of your illness and they find out they will sack you on the grounds of failing to disclose your health condition....

[trevthered]

the claimant is terminally ill, defined as having a progressive health condition, as a result

of which death can be reasonably expected within 6 months

This to me is one of the rules that seriously need to be reviewed by the dwp if you have copd your terminally ill end of they should seriously look at the impact this illness has on peoples lives how it relates to what they can do and the fact that this can be a cause for sufferer's having long term depression, also the effect this has on family, i worked for the nhs and although i was only a theatre porter considered patients and the effect going to theatre could have on them and their families and gave as much support as i could to assure and make them comfortable and at ease, is it not time we where being showed this same respect by the dwp