Hi everyone. Hope you are doing ok. Would appreciate some advice for PIP assessment phone appointment please.

[Topgunele]

I was diagnosed in December with Asthma/COPD overlap. I also suffer from anxiety. Am currently waiting on further tests and consultant appointment and results of follow up lung CT scan due to lung nodules being found following hospital admission in April. I’m really anxious about the phone assessment. Does anyone have any suggestions/advice please?

[Homer12]

Hi

I've just recently applied for pip and had my telephone appointment 2 weeks ago, I have bronchiestasis,Asthma,sleep apnea,High blood pressure,anxiety,I have a blue badge also, It was a long 1hr + half telephone appointment but the lady was really nice on the phone, I told her I only have to walk 20 yards and I'm out of breath and rarely have normal/good days now,I have numerous chest infections which stop me from doing anything and as a result I have had 79 days off work in the past year (I work full-time but have work place adjustments in place) Just think of your worst days and what negative effect it has on you, I get all my shopping delivered as it's to much to walk round them carrying heavy bags, write down everything you want to tell them and they will ask you to explain in detail about these things, I've heard must of the people who do the telephone assessment are actually very nice as they don't work for the dwp, I had a text yesterday saying I've been awarded pip so it's not as impossible as you think, Good luck

[Alberta56 in reply to Homer12]

Glad you got it.

[Topgunele in reply to Homer12]

thank you for the advice Homer12, this is really helpful. I had actually forgotten to put in my application that I have shopping delivered. I’ve started writing things down already thanks to your advice. Thank you again 😊

[Alberta56]

Homer's advice is good. Write down everything you want to tell the PIP person and make sure you emphasise the effect this has on your life. It would help if you can have someone with you to make sure you don't leave anything out or play down something you should stress. (We all tend to do that.) Remember we on HU are with you in spirit if not in person, Good luck. xxx

[Topgunele in reply to Alberta56]

Hi Alberta56, thank you for your advice. I’m taking yours and Homers advice by writing things down. I guess I have to focus more on my bad days. And like you said don’t play things down. This forum is such a lovely community, I stumbled across it accidentally and am so glad I did. Thank you for your advice and kind words 😊

[Alberta56 in reply to Topgunele]

Definitely focus on your bad days. Can't say that too often. xxx

[Karenanne61]

It helps also to have a copy of your application in front of you, and a drink.

[Topgunele in reply to Karenanne61]

Hi Karenanne61, that’s great advice, thank you 😊

[Ergendl]

Not the time to play the brave little soldier. Don't mention good days, just bad days and worst days.

[Topgunele in reply to Ergendl]

Hi Ergendl, thank you for the advice 😊