Hi everyone. I wonder if you can help. I am part way through completing my PIP application for Asthma COPD overlap. I was diagnosed in December 2023. Today I visited nurse for asthma/COPD review and was told that they are now putting my diagnosis as asthma as they have been advised by Respiratory Consultant that if COPD is on my record then this could stop me having steroid treatment, including steroid inhalers? My nurse advised that I definitely have asthma with a possibility of COPD or some other obstructive disease but needs to put asthma on my medical record. So confused. I’m seeing a respiratory team in July under investigation as they want to do a full lung function test to determine if I definitely asthma COPD overlap or just asthma. ….. this now leaves me with what I need to do about my PIP application…… I’ve already put Asthma/COPD overlap on the application form as this was my original diagnosis. My symptoms haven’t changed. Any suggestions please? Also, has anyone else had their diagnosis changed on their record for steroid reasons? I’m very confused
Asthma and PIP: Hi everyone. I wonder... - Lung Conditions C...
Asthma and PIP
The PIP is not given for the condition which you have but for the way that your condition affects your ability to live your daily life. It will not be important whether you have asthma/ copd overlap or just asthma so it doesn't matter what your surgery put in the letter as your condition. However I am sure that many on this site who have COPD will disagree wholeheartedly with the nurse quoting a so called consultant stating that with COPD you would not be able to have steroids in any form. As most people with COPD take steroids in oral or inhaler form that is plain nonsense! If you have taken steroids in the past you can put it on the form.Hopefully the respiratory team will give you a sensible diagnosis and if needed later you will be able to send it to the DWP.
Just carry on with your application. Remember that it is your bad days that you need to accentuate.
Good luck
thank you so much for your quick reply. And advice. Really feel like I’m going round in circles with my diagnosis. I don’t as recently hospitalised due to chest infection and was ill for 4 weeks, which is when respiratory clinic got involved. I also suffer with anxiety so this is all just making my anxiety worse. But having you explain it to me has helped, thank you so much. Hopefully I will get some answers when I see respiratory clinic in July. Hope you have a good day and thank you so much again x
Well said and I was going to say the same.
Swizzy has given a very good reply, liked by other members. It is steroid inhalers many of us here rely on wether for asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions, and steroid tablets given for bad excaberations. It is upsetting when nurses get it wrong. Wherever did she get that idea? But as Swizzy says it is the affect of your condition not the diagnosis that counts for PIP. Are youl seeking help with navigating the PIP application. There are various organisations who can help navigate that difficult process that I am sure others will point you to.
Good luck with that and for your July appt.
Hi thank you for your reply. That’s why I’m so confused as to the nurse saying that they could stop me having steroids if COPD on my record? My Dad has COPD and has steroid inhalers and steroids too, all so confusing. I’m seeing respiratory clinic in July, possibly for a full LFT, so hopefully they can give me some clear answers but do feel like I’m going around in circles and misinformed at the moment. Thank you for your advice 😊
I would ask Cits Advice to help. They have a lot of experience in form filling. Applying for PIP is made as daunting as possible. Swizzy's advice is brilliant. Just remember to concentrate on your worse days- no playing the brave little soldier. Good luck.
I don't understand their reasoning as I have COPD and have always been prescribed steroids if I have a flare up. Hope this helps you
I don’t understanding it either. Definitely feel like I’ve been misinformed
hi, that information sounds wrong to me as a COPD sufferer myself I use steroids in inhalers and have to use steroids if I have an exasperation (attack). As for PIP what you have is irrelevant it’s what you can and cannot do on your worst days, if you keep a journal good as you can use it as proof when assessed . You need to quote your worst day even if you only have one or two bad ones; and as for walking they ask you how far , mark the lowest . I can walk but tend to veer off into walls and miss doors, I used to walk on my own but now I need someone with me just so I don’t walk into the road which I have done (only been hit once). Seek advice there are various places that will help. Good luck. Kevin
I was baffled when the nurse said it too! Don’t know why I didn’t question it to be honest. My Dad has COPD and is on steroid inhaler and also steroids when he has excacerbations or chest infections so I really don’t understand why that was said by nurse, she said she’d spoken with a Respiratory consultant? Bless you, sounds awful. I hope you have someone who can be with you regularly so you can still get out and about. Take care, be careful and thank you again for advice 😊
Hi
As the members have mentioned- getting some support with filling the forms in from your local CAB is advisable.
Age UK can also often help with the forms and advice if you are over 55. I have added some links you may find helpful below. It can be difficult to explain how your health condition affects you, so keep a diary and list the things that you struggle with.
citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...
citizensadvice.org.uk/Globa...
Take care
Helpline Team
Thank you
With PIP, DLA - It's what you put on the form
eg Meals you can't use the cooker, scared I will scalled myself as I can't lift a full pan.
Can't bent to oven, if I do bend that far, I can't get back up. So I need help on both counts
I have to use the wall to raise myself from the toilet, really I could do with a rail.
I need help in the shower, I need grab rails and soemone to wash my hair, as I would be afraid of falling.
No shower. No problem.
I need help getting in the bath, and more so I need help getting out, again I can;t reach my hair to wash.
What I am saying if you had a deadly disease, if you can help yourself, no PIP.
PIP si paid on the help you need.. Think HELP.
Just one example, you meays need help with shoes, a nighty
First reply was good. I’d also like to add that pipinfo.net is a really useful site for filling in your form.
Its likely that your application will be turned down at first and you’ll have to do a mandatory reconsideration and possibly go to a tribunal in order to get it. Just don’t give up.
My experience is that the refusal letter is full of lies and wrong information. It makes me so angry how they make you jump through hoops to get it.
Lastly, (and it’s only minor) it’s assessed on your condition “the day you asked for the form”, and at that time you had asthma/COPD as your diagnosis, so it’s almost a moot point that they seem to be changing it at the moment. Just explain that you’re awaiting further asssessment.
That’s great advice thank you. Really appreciate it 😊
That website has different tribunal results on links from each Activity. Its useful if you have time to read through and find any relevant to your appeal (if you are refused), and add them to your info. A court precedent gives them less room to argue against you.
My daughter's first application was turned down with a lot of misinformation and serious underestimation of the effect autism has on her life. It was months before we worked up the energy to reapply.
Yes, mine is for pulmonary fibrosis, ILD, lupus and autism. And they still give the impression that there’s nothing wrong with me and I have no issues navigating through life 🙄
Grrrrr!!
hi topgunele
As suggested by swizzy it’s how your daily activities are impacting you, as opposed to the actual condition that determines what award if any.
My conditions have gone from asthma, emphysema, Copd, cf but not identified the gene(new ones are being discovered all the time) and most recently bronchiectasis over the years. These conditions are all respiratory based and hasn’t had an impact on my awards. At one point I had two different diagnosis from the same respiratory team - the medical professions have not explored the respiratory system fully and are still learning so much about the respiratory system.
In light of the pandemic the DWP knows many people can’t be seen by specialist so rely on our written description of how we are impacted by our health. The follow up by specialists reports can be sent to DWP when you receive them … beware if awarded the enhanced rate I prob wouldn’t automatically send the reports to them as they may see it as an opportunity for a review and may impact your award level negatively.
Answer the questions in the form in relation to how each task has an impacts on you.
can you do all of the tasks
*Safely
If you can’t do it safely say why, or mention aids or support that help you do it safely. Maybe you’re forgetful and leave items cooking to long.
*In a reasonable time
compared to someone your own age it may take you a longer time to do… pace exhaustion, need rest breaks, need to catch your breath, find it’s uncomfortable pain so have to stop
*To a reasonable standard
Mention if you require support aids .., perching stool in kitchen, chair in shower, assistance- physical help, guidance or support, medical aids…
*As often as is needed
can you do this task repeatedly if not why not -pain, breathlesness, exhaustion
Remember if you use aids and still struggle let them know.
If you have any other ailments or disabilities write about those too. Such as hearing loss,arthritis, etc
Hope this helps
Hi, thank you for your reply. That’s very interesting what you’ve said about respiratory illnesses and the medical professionals. Maybe that’s why I’m being given conflicting information. You must feel like you’ve been going round in circles too. Thank you for all the advice on filling in the forms, really helpful thank you 😊
Trimbow - newbie - Asthma and COPD
Confused
PIP
Asthma or Bronchiectatis? 
