Hi

[Karenm74]

I'm a 42 year old female been diagnosed with asthma and copd since I was 39.

Had to give up my job because of it.

On the pip application process which is hell.

[cales]

Hi, I too have retired from my job last October due to copd and at this moment in time have the PIP forms sat on my table waiting to be filled in, its so hard to know what to put I keep trying to think of how I am on a bad day , looking at the questions its hard to know exactly what it is they want to now and with all the horror stories that are circulating on social media regarding the PIP forms and medical assessment its almost putting me off applying ....... have you applied already or are you just about to ??

Lesley (Cales)

[Hidden in reply to cales]

Hi I am applying as to face the panel as a date to given as had dla as was stopped due I wasn't disabled they say! but I was born deaf (i loved to have good hearing I will never get the true sounds as my aids are very good with my special loop which enchances the sounds directly but in outside environment, he aids pick up every sound then this makes my life harder as again affects me greatly )as improved with the use of most powerful hearing aids that NHS provides as I am 75% deaf with speech which I had been to a special school which enables individuals who they can educate, as without the chance of hearing aids and education plus good support from parents,, I wouldn't be able to reply to your comment. As throu suffer with asthma use inhalers plus severe dyslexia (in the dyslexia association 4% group) as this greatly effect my day in and out especially English language. As I suffer with restless limbs disorder which is similar to restless legs but my whole body shakes lile having a fit in sleep unaware which affects my partner in bed me as need a prescription tablets to reduce shaking As I have seen individuals who are no way disabled like me and get it. So it not fair as its meant to stop fraud or those are fiddling the system as if I were you write down on paper on what's affects your daily life as it will show the great difficulty that you suffer with and have a good advisor to support you as life is meant to be hard but you will get there so good luck as I am applying for the right reasons and will fight/appealing hard as I believe I am entitled for lower level of pip. So again good luck to you.

[Delboy68 in reply to cales]

Hi Lesley,

Don't get to worried about the horror stories,but you defo need to apply, i have applied in past and although its not easy to get, it will help you, i am still working through choice and have the same illness and others.

[cofdrop-UK]

Good luck to all three of you but I would suggest strongly that you enlist the help of an expert benefits advisor to help you with the forms. You could contact Welfare Rights, CAB or DIAL.

cx

[Offcut]

I just got my PIP letter and I have enhanced on both.

Base your needs etc. on your worst day and never say on a good day use a better day. Take a serious look at what you use to make life easier. When I had a good look at what I have and use to keep me going surprised me on how many aids I do use. If getting ready for bed or getting up they do not accept you having to use the bed for support in helping to get ready! I use a firm stool now and it is better!

Any hospital doctors letters you have copy and attach them to the form. They also do not always accept your own GP's information now if they do not want to. When it comes to assessment do not do anything that you cannot do or might cause you discomfort.

Do not be afraid or embarrassed to put some of the problems you have but would not like to be public knowledge .

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy by telling people we are better than we are.

Be Well

[flo1]

Have you been tested for alpha one antitrypsin deficency? I only ask as your young to get this happening, if not I strongly suggest you ask they refer you to be tested! There is a free blood test from Birmingham Hospital too let me know if you decided to do it yourself..I think it would be good advice to rule this out. Pm me in case you need further help.

[Karenm74]

I have never had that test. I am based in Northern Ireland so have no idea if we even have it over here

[Sillysausage234]

Hi Karen look up benefits and work website they point you in the right direction when applying for pip ,good luck

[Lilyanne17]

Best to get Citizens advise people to help you fill the form - they do it every day and know how it should be done!