Germantara

[Germantara]

I have moderate copd for last 5 yrs on inhalers iwork 20 hrs a week were I work I have fairly steep bank to get up occasionally might get lift up bank not often buy the time I get up it I'm breathless and stop at the top once it work I'm OK I applied for pip 2 yrs ago ta help ta get taxi so could remain in work I was turned down but never bothered again I still work and struggle Iapplied only cause it was suggested to me I'm wondering was it right or wrong to do that I'm 61

[Tia4209]

PIP has set criteria for being awarded the Daily Living and/ or Mobility elements. The activities fir daily living are based around everyday basic needs eg washing, dressing, eating plus others which are more about cognitive function if your needs are not based around these activities then PIP won’t be awarded, the same with mobility the criteria are based around mental health and physical ability to walk over a certain amount of metres on level ground. Citizens advice are good at helping to fill out the forms or giving advice on applying.

There really should be more help for people trying to stay in work despite it being difficult. Could anyone you work with give you lift in.

[Germantara in reply to Tia4209]

Unfortunately no I've worked since leaving school this is true after my daughter was born I went back to work 1 week after havin her my son went back to work 3 days later its true I've never had to claim anythink only tried that pip cause it was suggested so to be honest didn't know anything bout claiming for things I'm hoping I can manage to retirement that's only because I think I feel abit short changed with all these years off working and it comes to an end because off this darn copd I do worry alot about it

[Tia4209 in reply to Germantara]

Citizens Advice are really good about helping fill out the forms in the way that is required to be awarded, if you can’t do things reliably, repeatedly or safely then you need to fill the form to tell them that, if you have good days and bad days if your bad days are more than 50% of the time then that counts too. Hope you can find a way to feel less worried and find away to get safely and comfortably to work. xx

[Ern007 in reply to Germantara]

I worked with Angina = COPD and even went with chicken pox and a balaclava. - I was forced to retire early and my conditions worstened - From good wages to sick pay was quite a shock - With hindsight I would ave finished earlier, I did myself no favors working longer than I should. I literally went wonky and was sent home, that was that.

[Germantara in reply to Ern007]

You're post was very sad that it happened to you more so when ya trying ta keep working I'm try ing to carry on myself but do worry about finances if I don't work through my copd because I know and heard off peaple who have waited weeks and weeks for help and they have faced real hardship caused depression for alot off peaple it's heartbreaking

[Ern007 in reply to Germantara]

It was hard when I first had to stop working, in fact being in gardening i had to do the odd one to make ends meet. now things are OK that way. I really wish you well.

[leo60]

Hello! You really are a hard worker, going back to work so soon after having your children.

I agree with Tia that Citizens Advice Bureau are very helpful when it comes to claiming benefits. They will guide you on how and which benefits to apply for. You can go to their offices, phone them or email them. Their website is also very useful and easy to follow. Best of luck 🤞🏻let us know how you get on 😊 xx

[Germantara in reply to leo60]

My health was great at that time plus my dad lived next door so I was very lucky it wasent till I was 55 that everything changed I got 2 second degree burns down one side face my eye got steam burns spent long time backward forwards ta hospital then after that got blood preasure and copd until all that happened my health was 100 percent

[leo60 in reply to Germantara]

How awful for you to have your life suddenly turned upside down like that, I am so sorry xx

[Germantara in reply to leo60]

Even though was diagnosed 5 yr ago I did take it badly I mean I kept feeling to myself and just struggled on if I had being better with technology my phone I'm sure I would off got alot off good support from the beginning I feel alot off comfort since joining this forum

[leo60 in reply to Germantara]

I know what you mean about keeping it to yourself, but it is a relief talking to other people in the same situation. That’s where this forum is so good! You get information, advice, support and friendship here, with a lot of laughter. I’m glad you found us and that we bring you comfort 😊 xx

[knitter]

The helpline here used to have a benefits advisor , I don’t know if they still do.

Might be worth a try ….it opens during the working week , office hours for UK residents .

[Danielmystar]

Hi pip is about your illness how it affects you daily not what you can do or what your illness actually is but how it affects you every day its unfair of you being turned down when you struggle getting up hill yet your doing your vest to stay in work I would try again along with help of citizens advice xx

[shazier2000 in reply to Danielmystar]

Hi

With pip like others have said it’s how ur condition affects you but, you also have to be able to carry out Dailey task with a reasonable time? So it’s safely reliably and in a timely manner

So example if it takes you say double the time to get dressed ? washed etc because you have to stop for a few minutes to catch your breath then that’s not in a timely manner. Can you do it safely without any help from others ie cooking preparing food, do you have to use a perching stool to prepare food or wash your self. Having to use an aid to help you can give you points

So if your affected with Dailey activity say 7/7 days a week or 4/5 days a wk that’s the majority of days

Mobility

How far can you walk without having to stop to catch ur breath, or how many times

How long does it take you to walk say the length of 5 buses

There really are things you need to take into account when claiming for pip

Don’t answer with a yes or no

If you can do something but it causes you to become very breathless then say

Yes I can but and then explain the difficulty you have with that particular activity

Another one when you bath or shower

Can you get out and dry yourself or, do you have sit on ur shower stool and wait to catch ur breath, do you put a towel around you and wait until ur dry? Does anyone help you or do u need help but don’t get it

Speak to an adviser citizen advise ? disability beuro, I do know they can help fill forms for you

Don’t give up

You worked all your life and just need some help, you can work and claim pip so check that out to

Hope I have helped little bit there are many sites you can look up and must bu plenty others on here that have made a pip claim while still working

[Germantara in reply to shazier2000]

Thankyou appreciate it

[PaulineHM]

Ooooh I feel for you Germantara, it can be hard can’t it ? The longer we can keep moving though the better. Once we stop being so active then we are more at risk of exacerbations ( which bring scarring in the lungs ) and a deterioration in our condition, and we dont metabolise oxygen so well in our muscles either.

Have you been offered a Pulmonary Rehabilitation course to help you with your fitness levels ? This course helps us learn how to manage our breathlessness. Ask your doctor or nurse for an assessment.

Keep going if you can.

Be well.

Pauline

[Germantara in reply to PaulineHM]

I've never been offered anything I asked could I be referred to hospital ta be fully assessed they said oh no we see to it at docters in fact don't request ta see docter about copd nurse deals with it I've seen nurse 3 times and never botherd with docter

[PaulineHM in reply to Germantara]

Hi Germantara,

As long as you are in the bracket of MRC Dyspnoea ( Breathlessness scale ) which your Pulmonary Rehabilitation team supports then you are entitled to an assessment. Usually it is 3-4. The COPD can refer you to the local team.

Let us know how you get on wont you?

Pauline

MRC Dyspnoea scale

[Tykelady]

Because of the pension age changes you are still working whereas I, now 80, was one of those who could take their pension at 60. Have you considered getting advice from Age UK who might be able to help you with a claim?

[Germantara in reply to Tykelady]

No never thought about it

[gingermusic]

Yes you were right to apply I first applied while I was working full time and I was awarded the full amount and that was over 23 years ago. I think the problem is we often like to think we can cope more than we can. When you fill out the form you must put your feelings aside and be totally clear about what you need help with even if you don't get it. The people at your nearest CAB will help with the form if you ask. I wish you well

[Germantara in reply to gingermusic]

The bank I have to walk up is quite steep peaple who have no conditions huff an puff but they get there breath back quickly I don't got to wait a while I take my inhaler and just stand when it feels right I carry on but I applied realy for taxi ta go ta work the days I can't get lift but I've being paying myself for taxi it's 10 quid from my house cause when get bus my breath abit off cause anxiety creeps in over the bank

[Mellywelly]

I'm waiting for my answer about pip. Why shouldn't you as you still work and do your best. My copd has been rubbish for the last year and nothing they are giving me yet has helped me yet. I have a long walk tomorrow which I am dreading, but unfortunately has to be done. So depressing when you have trouble breathing 😞

[Alberta56 in reply to Mellywelly]

Best wishes. hope you manage the walk without doing yourself a mischief. xxx

[Germantara in reply to Mellywelly]

It's awfull ya try and keep going but anxiety creeps in and dread off it the days I don't get lift to work I just pay for taxi can't stand anxiety sets me breathing off

[Zand60]

Yes, fill the form in as if you're suffering on your worst day. Be honest about how hard it is for you. I sent them copies of all my letters and diagnosis. It started with me going to the doctor's, being sent to hospital, having all the tests, being diagnosed with emphysema and being told I'm not going back to work! It was lots of sick notes and e mails and job centre interviews. Now I receive eesa which is linked to the fact that I had worked all my life from 16yrs, and like you, going back days after having my kids (5). I also got awarded pip, although the lower rate. You can still work and get pip, they can't take it away from you. Try googling the questions and answers to help you score the points you need. I hope you get it sorted, I kept going to my doctor, they can help.Fingers crossed for you

Lesley xxx

[Germantara in reply to Zand60]

I did once and they said no in a letter I might try again thankyou

[peege]

Do give the help line a call Germantara, the benefits advisor may have some good ideas for you. Good luck. P

[Germantara in reply to peege]

Thankyou

[Alberta56]

I'd try the Cits' Advice. They have a lot of experience. You need someone objective to help you fill in the form. We all have a tendency to go into 'brave little soldier' mode. Good luck.

[Germantara in reply to Alberta56]

Thankyou I'm going to do that

[leo60 in reply to Germantara]

Good, I think they are the best option for you and I wish you luck! Xx

[Germantara in reply to leo60]

Thankyou I'm going to do that

[blueberry125]

Google Access to Work. It's on gov.uk website and their phone number is 0800 121 7479 if you want further advice. You may be eligible for help in taxi costs to get you to work if your health condition is making it difficult to travel to your work place. It's worth a read, I think. Hope this helps.

[Germantara in reply to blueberry125]

Thankyou

[Spoticus]

I would apply again as once you retire you cannot get PiP . . I had to give up work during Covid with 18 months to go before I could retire with state pension. I wish I had applied then as I was really unwell but it was impossible to see a Gp at the time so medical certificate ran out and everything was too much effort. Luckily this group of People kept me Sane with all their advice. I had been working for many Years with Copd & had similar problems to yours, amazing what you put up with when you think you just have to get on with it . Go to Citizens advice to get help with forms and don’t leave it too long . Good luck & come back for advice on treatment and inhalers that help .

[Germantara in reply to Spoticus]

Thankyou