Bad Week

[Hugomum]

Back story - May 2023 Suffered from Aortic Aneurysm, Hole in heart (since birth unknown prior), tear in left ventricle, thrombosis clot, failure of mitral valve . Suffered 4 cardiac arrests placed into an induced coma and transported to a Heart Institute where l had OHS. I have since had AF , heart burn, vocal palsy and Chronic pain disorder. These have left me barely able to function and severely debilitated. I have been awarded higher pip, ESA (still being assessed) obviously SSP ran out so l have applied for ill health pension from my employer of 29 years. Last Tuesday morning l had an email stating that my application for Incapacity Pension from my employer has been refused. I have had reports completed saying l can not work in business, hybrid etc in any capacity for the foreseeable future due to my disability. The email reasoning is there is a probability that l maybe able to work before 67 years old. To put you in the picture l am 49 and it has made me very stressed and low......bringing on chest pain and all the symptoms of another arrest. Ambulance called off back to hospital. Was asked if l have a respect form as my heart is badly damaged and as l have already had 4 cardiac arrests - have l considered a DNR? The hospital were fabulous and completed ECG twice as my results show AF and damage, X ray and blood tests showed it was my chronic pain not another cardiac arrest. Went home after having morphine. Two days later l have a call from the hospital asking how l am , to come back if the pain gets that bad again as chronic pain can be masking a CA.

Now totally in pieces...stress from work is making it so much worse, unable to financially afford to keep my house, bring up my 3 kids and not strong enough to fight for my pension. I am aware my heart is badly damaged and health is failing.

Finding it hard to find a way forward.

Sorry - l feel l am losing my way.

[Fanfab1]

hello

I am really sorry to hear the situation you are in with your health and it’s impact on life and especially your employer’s response.

If they are saying you could work before 67 have they said whether you can’t work in immediate future? Some pension schemes pay pension for a few years then review.

Are you in a union? They can help advise and support you especially re the pension question.

Hopefully the ESA will come through soon - health assessment should put you in the support group which means greater amount and paid for longer if cannot work. The good thing is they’ll pay your NI contributions sp helps with state pension later.

Have you accessed universal credit - savings should be £3000 or less?

It is a very tough process and I hope you find the strength.

There is also a government scheme (through your mortgage provider) where you can pay your mortgage interest only for six months but does mean when return to repayment payments can be slightly higher. Could you extend the term of your mortgage so lower payments?

Are you single parent -you could look at single person discount on council tax.

As you have PIP you may be eligible for bus pass and also reduced road tax.

Sorry if you know all this, at a time when your low and in pain, we find ourselves having to fight even harder.

❤️

[Hugomum in reply to Fanfab1]

Thank you for your reply. The oha assessment states that l will not be able to work for the foreseeable future in any type of employment with my employer.

As l am under a certain age it comes under the Finance Act 2004 which says work for anyone doing anything. I don't know how to prove probability of working again which is quoted in email ?

My mortgage insurance states that l need to have less than 12 months to live before they pay off. I am fortunate not to be in that position, but how can you prove when/if you are going to pass away?

I not in the position to get universal credit and l am married with a very supportive husband. I was the main wage earner so it has affected us quite badly.

Going to try and get into doctors this morning as directed by A&E doctor if l did not return to hospital over the weekend.

I appreciate your reply so much, just can't see a way forward.

X

[Wooodsie in reply to Hugomum]

Hi Hugomum, I'm sorry about your situation. My first port of call would be your consultant. Ask if s/he can give you a letter saying you have a terminal illness, ideally (but not a guarantee 🤞) stating your life expectancy. Your GP can do the same. But the life expectancy bit isn't necessary. With that you can appeal your retirement decision from the employer. This should also entitle you to withdraw your entire pension pot, tax free, immediately. This happened to my sister and she withdrew her pension, she only lived a short while but my brother in law benefitted from the lump sum.

I'm sorry my post isn't soft and sympathetic (I am), and I hope things get clearer and better for you soon. Steve

[Hugomum in reply to Wooodsie]

Thank you so much for your reply. I am sorry to hear about your sister, it must have been such a difficult time. I spoke to a GP yesterday over the phone, he increased my pain killers over the phone and said l have chronic pain on top of the heart damage and both are permanent. I asked if l could physically see someone and he said no , they will review when they have the letter from the A&E doctor and decide then. I have got the details for the chronic specialist at Nuffield hosp but that is private route. I have also requested the notes from my employer and doctor to understand the reasoning as everything l have has backed my pension request.

Thank you again x

[Wooodsie in reply to Hugomum]

I hope it goes well for you. The private route may be more beneficial, from my limited experience, when you are paying directly, they have a tendency to listen and be more supportive. Same people, different circumstances 😕🤷‍♂️. It was heartbreaking about my sister, she died way too young and we were extremely close, thank you.

[Hugomum in reply to Wooodsie]

Thank you. Sending big hugs regarding your sister x ❤️

[Fanfab1 in reply to Hugomum]

Under the FInance Act it will be interesting to see if your work OH / employer sought the opinion of an independent registered practitioner - pension schemes require this. You should have sight of such a report if there is one.. This is a condition of accessing pension on ill health grounds before the standard ealry retirement age I.e. before 55. This is based on a quick google but this is what happened for me.

It can come down to whether there is chance of improving as result of meds / surgery i.e. not all treatment options have been exhausted or there is evidence to show people in your situation do at some point improve. Trouble is we’re not all the same and we experience health issues differently.

The backing of your doctors is key though and their reports would be reviewed by the IRP - they’d have to have a really good reason and evidence as to why they would disagree with your doctors but it’s not guaranteed they have to agree though.

Good luck.

[Hugomum in reply to Fanfab1]

Thank you ! Appreciate your reply. I have requested copies of report from pension office (not even received official paperwork via post to date)., also requested my medical records from GP since my sudden illness resulting in ohs. 4 cardiac arrests , thoratic aneurysm, clot, hole and tear in heart and failure of mitral valve, biscupid clip being inserted and having pneumonia post discharge.I have been referred back to cardiologist and to the chronic pain team at Gloucester Royal unfortunately the wait is so long.

I have been in contact with a private hospital where my cardiologist also works, need his opinion. Also trying to see a Chronic pain specialist to have a documented opinion via the private route.

I have been to my medical centre again today for my INR tests for warfarin dosage - the nurse was very concerned, spoke with a triage practitioner (paramedic) and they have sorted morphine for me on prescription.

Can not get a face to face GP appointment and concerned that someone has written report never having met me to assess my condition.

Finding the advice from yourself and others invaluable and l appreciate the support.