Looking for some much needed advice 😕

[Kittiekatz]

I have a PIP telephone interview on Friday & my anxiety levels are through the roof thinking about it. As this is my 3rd time & they've never went well before, though they've been face to face previously. I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice on how to convey my breathing difficulties etc to the assessor over a telephone. I'm working myself up to the point of panic attacks daily!!

[Spacecat1]

When they ring let them know straight away about breathing. I did and they were very understanding. I had a word with my gp and he gave me some orimorph which I took about 10 minutes before call and ut did help to calm me down. Hope all goes well it did fir me.x

[Kittiekatz in reply to Spacecat1]

Thank you for your reply. Even though I have written on my form that I have asthma, COPD etc do you think I should still say at the beginning of the call?? Did you mention your breathing at the beginning of the call because it was causing you anxiety due to the situation??

[Spacecat1 in reply to Kittiekatz]

Yes I did mention at beginning and I just reminded them about my copd and anxiety .might sound weird but having my table top fan nearby to me and I was by a open window seemed to help.

[Kittiekatz in reply to Spacecat1]

Yeah I might need to think of a few techniques to keep me calm on the day. Thanks for your response, it's much appreciated 👌🏻

[Spacecat1 in reply to Kittiekatz]

Your welcome hope all goes. Let's all know remember to talk about your bad days and help you need from family etc 🙂💗

[Hidden]

Historically with this kind of stress I have always put myself on a course of calms,however I think it takes about 5-7 days to have any affect. Likely you should not take these if you are already in medication for anxiety though.

My telephone assessment was so easy the last time,

I would say use calming breathing methods and then just tell it like it is when you are asked the questions..

If they ask you at the start "R u ok to proceed' you can then communicate precisely how you are feeling that day or in the moment.

They already know the health issues you have, they are more interested in how they affect you day to day..

The questions on the PIP form will be repeated to you, so everything will be covered.

Read through the copy of the form again, hopefully you kept a copy of what you sent in. If you didn't you can access the questions on CAB website.

Stay calm and good luck.

[Kittiekatz in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I'm already on anxiety medication, but I just find these assessments so daunting that as I said I'm already in a state, so goodness knows what I'll be like on the day 😕 Thanks for your response though, much appreciated 👌🏻

[Ergendl]

How did the assessment go on Wednesday?

[Kittiekatz in reply to Ergendl]

I’m not sure to be honest. You can just never tell what these assessors make of what you’re saying. Especially over the phone. I always feel like I’m on trial at a PIP assessment, as if they don’t believe me 😕 It lasted an hour & 20 minutes & she says it can take up to 8 weeks to get a reply from them. So a long anxious wait ahead I’m afraid. Thanks for asking though 🙂

[Ergendl in reply to Kittiekatz]

That's a long time for an interview. You must have felt exhausted afterwards. I usually feel tearful too. Big virtual (((hugs))) now you're through it, and all the best for the decision.

[Kittiekatz in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you so much, & yeah I’ve gotten very emotional at my past ones too. I think it’s just because they are so overwhelming. Also yes was exhausted afterwards , & mentally exhausted too. Now it’s a waiting game, one which I’m not looking forward too. I always fear the worst & have not had any joy the last 2 times. So I’m not holding out much hope this time either 😕