I have severe copd 44% predicted. Arthrities of the hip and crps.

[hosky]

Hi, I have copd severe 44% predicted, arthrities of hip of which I need a hip replacement, but my ortho surgeon has advised not to have operation, because. I have stage 3 rsd (complex regional p a in syndrome, of which I have had for the last 9 years following a collar fracture, it is the most unbearable condition. I was awarded dla indefinite high rate mobility and low daily living care. I now have to go on to pip, although I am 66year old female who lives on my own. I have been extremely worried and anxious, in all 40 pages of paper to go through. I am a chronic case, but they want recent o.t.reports, physio reports, I do think they understand, hospitals , etcetera, have low resources, to keep giving to you. I will send them historical paperwork, and recent letters from surgeon, and Feb1 reading of 44% done in January. They have also asked for a practitioners letter, my doctor will not do one as I would have to pay the surgery £35. He insists they should contact him, but dwp won't me to pick up the cost to save the del money. Has anyone else having a similar experience. Thank you.

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi hosky

I am having my dla stopped even though I was on indefinite and I saw Welfare Rights yesterday and the forms have just gone off.  It doesn't sound right to me that you should have to bear the cost of doctors letters, although nothing surprises me.  If it were me I would get in touch with your local Welfare Rights or CAB and ask for the opinion of a benefits expert.  Do you have a time limit.  I don't believe they can count the 2 non working days over Easter but you need to check that out with a benefits expert.  

Please let us know how you get on and good luck.

Love cx

[hosky in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Hi, thank you I will, all the best.x

[Hidden]

Hi if you were of state pension age when notification came about PIP then I believe you stay on DLA instead of having to change to PIP.  Check this out.  x

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Hidden]

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is ending for people who were born after 8 April 1948 and are 16 or over.  This really ticks me off cough as I was born 3 weeks after the deadline.

  Also ticks me off because if you were awarded DLA with indefinite status they have already acknowledged that your difficuties will not change as you have conditons which by their very nature will not get better.  Of course IDS and his ilk changed the criteria to save money.

cx

[hosky in reply to Hidden]

Hi, thanks for your reply, you had to be born by the 8th April, 1948.to enable to just transfer over to pip. I am 66 although got a lifetime award, I have to go to pip, and start the process all over again. X

[Hidden in reply to hosky]

That's not fair is it?  Good luck with it.  x

[jimmyw123]

c,a,b best advice for this   [i worked there voluntary a few years ago ] they are there to set you right, 

best of luck

luck jimmy xxx

[Nottobad in reply to jimmyw123]

I agree with Jimmy  the CAB are the best to use. I used them when I applied for PIP and was awarded it. Take care. And the best of luck. 

[cofdrop-UK]

Just had a look at the PIP they will have sent to you with your application form.  This is what it states"

'Please only send in photocopies of things you already have avaklable to you.  Don't request other documents which might slow down your claim or for which you might be charged a fee - for example, from your GP.  If we need this evidence, we will ask for it ourselves'.

It is a minefield and to be hones if they asked me to pay for a letter I would pay the £35 - much better than risking being failed, but I know my own GPs wouldn't charge me anyway.  I would agree with Jimmy though defo check with a benefits expert, be that CAB, Welfare Rights or DIAL.

cx

[hosky in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Hi, I would pay the £35 for a letter, it's principal I think with my doctor ask them to write to me. He is a lovely doctor .thanks

[cofdrop-UK in reply to hosky]

So glad you have a good doc hoskey but I really don't think docs realise the DWP can get really arsy.  I have heard tht some consultants are so peed off with getting requests some refuse to do a letter.  I get their point - if they have written in the past to say a patient ha a degenertive disease, I guess they can't see why they should have their already high workload icreased but the ramifications for the applicant are dreadful.  I wonder if your docs sec could contact the DWP asking them to cotact your doc direct, which is what they state they do on the PIP notes.

Still think you need some advice.  It is lovely doc is trying to do things in your best interest - but is it.

love cx

[onamission]

When this was first changed by the labour party and Atos were taken on the responsibility was on you to prove you needed DLA/ PIP so before Gordon Brown screwed up the system DWP would fax a form to your GP it would be completed by his sectary using your notes and if the DWP were not sure they could ask a Doctor who was employed by the DWP. GP's were getting really p****d off with people asking for letters and even more so when Atos were not even looking at them GP's are paid to treat people who are ill so I agree with Doctors who wont do letters.

Again and again why do they think that anyone with COPD will improve is beyond me it's like saying a bald tyre's will grow another tread and the sooner they stop wasting tax payers money on these needless assessment's the better.

I would be very tempted to pay the GP for a letter and send them the bill   

[Talli]

Hi there. Yes u might remember me,but you're forgiven if you dont,cos I hardly ever post. Been too many other probs especially gastro,so not been up to it. I do read the posts when I can and silently wish all of you the best. You do a great job,keeping each other positive,plus you throw up a lot of interesting info. I.e the Buff! I've got a SCOUGH. Google. It did cost 60 odd quid cos of shipment from US,but its guaranteed to keep you infection free. Do read up on it. I saw it advertised in Daily Mail. Anyway peeps,back to original Query. My advice,after hearing from numerous folk on this problem,is to book in with C A B,who will go through form and criteria with you. That's what they r there for,its just a case of getting the appointment ASAP. I can not fathom how you can be refused. I too had to re-apply,had full indefinite DLA,am Severe Emphysema. Fev 20%. I just put the name of my consultant and local COPD clinic. It is so wrong that they can refuse! Please appeal! It does not make sense. I wish you the best of luck and all the best to all of you here on HU. Xx

[hosky]

Hi, thank you for all the replies, advice and support, posting form back Thursday !!!! Xx

[hosky in reply to hosky]

Hi, thank you for your replies, advice and support. All take care and all the best.xx