COPD advice please...

[SteveHill]

Hello everyone,

I was diagnosed with COPD when I was 58 and gave up smoking 3 years ago I am 66 now and in Stage 4. Although I am still fairly active, walking, shopping etc., I have slowed down dramatically, can no longer hurry or run and normal household chores are a real chore now, frequently getting breathless with the effort.

There are 2 questions I would like to ask:

1) I have been reading about a guy in the States who is getting relief by using medicinal cannabis and I may try that. (edited)

2) I was reading a post about claiming PIP and there were many conflicting comments. I live in Bournemouth and have never made a claim, but I am thinking of doing so. Is there anything definitive on this or is it hit and miss dependant on the area you live?

Thank you for reading this and as always be positive and keep smiling

[Leesea]

I have no idea about cannabis oil except it is reported to be good for all kind of things.

Sorry to hear about your condition. Breathlessness is exhausting.

[Hidden]

hi , i to have no idea on both of your questions. but i would think your doctor would be the best person to ask regarding your health would be your doctor. or try and contact the guy in the states.

i think if you want fact answers on making a claim for pip your better of going on line and there you will have no conflicting advice.

just google claiming pip.

[mrsmummy]

Try this post and scroll down to PIP ASSESSMENT GUIDE.

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

[Bevvy]

Hi, at 66 years old I don't think you are eligible for PIP. I think the cut off point is 65yrs. However you can apply for attendance allowance. If you google it you will find information. If you do apply (& no harm in doing so) get help from someone like Age Concern to complete the papers. There is an art to completing them and how you phrase things!!

Remember it isn't the condition you have but HOW it affects you that is relevant.

[Hidden]

Hi getting PIP is not what illness you have but how it affects you. Have a look at the link below to the Gov.uk site which has lots of useful information.

google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j...

As far as medical cannibis goes it is still illegal in the UK. There is a cannibis fb page so have a look if you are interested.

[Rosie2008]

I too am 66 with same symptoms as you. Too old for pip but I have recently been awarded attendance allowance at the higher rate. Someone from cab came out to the house and filled the form in for me...also a blue badge form. Best to get someone like this to do the forms as they know exactly what to write. This is the first time in my life I have ever claimed a benefit and I am so pleased to have got it. Good luck.

[SteveHill in reply to Rosie2008]

Great stuff! Well done Rosie and thank you Who did you contact to come to the house to help you in the first instance? What is a blue badge? And how much were you awarded for the attendance allowance? Thanks again for the advice

[Hayley_ in reply to SteveHill]

Blue badge's are for disabled drivers, allowing for easier parking. And the best people to help you with those types of forms are the Citizens advice bureau. Look up your nearest one and phone them.

[SteveHill in reply to Hayley_]

Thank you Hayley

[n1bl3t in reply to Hayley_]

No, that's not strictly true. Blue badges are for disabled people. They can be used in any car that is transporting that person.

[Rosie2008 in reply to SteveHill]

Hi Steve, as Hayley has stated it was citizens advice that was contacted. They actually came out to my house to fill the forms in which I thought was brilliant as didn't realise they would do this. I was awarded £83 per week so well worth applying for.

[SteveHill in reply to Rosie2008]

Thank you Rosie, I'll do just that! Excellent advice

[corriena]

Just remember when you fill in your pip for its about you on your worst day not your good days. And what condition you have dosent make much difference its how it effects you they want to know. Mrsmummys link is briliant. good luck

ps iv never tryed cannabis oil so i dont know

[SteveHill in reply to corriena]

Thank you very much Corriena

[lKeith]

SteveHill

Hi, you may be too old for PIP you may need to go to Attendance allowance for those above retirement age. It's a straight forward form of some length but they decide what you will get per week. It's not a fortune but ever little helps.

Don't know anything about the cannabis but I too have read an article about it. Consider tho' there are treatments out there that you may wish to explore first, some of which will be on the NHS.

IKeith