Disability

[Nof1nidea123]

Can any one advise what constitutes disability I have rheumatoid arthritis as a consequence of cirrhosis of liver none treated which is making mobility a problem as all joints are sore and inflamed. I have never asked for help before but I'm really struggling but I don't seem to qualify for a disability blue badge which would be a great benefit

[AyrshireK]

Have you had a look at the Can I get a blue badge page from the Govt. Website ? gov.uk/government/uploads/s...

Whilst some people automatically qualify if they are in receipt of the highest mobility element of Personal Independence Payment others can still qualify if mobility is affected by their condition. In this case I believe there might be some form of assessment via the issuing authority (i.e. your local council).

Might be worth applying with supporting evidence from your doctor.

Am I correct in that you are saying your RA and cirrhosis are both untreated - Can I just ask if you are actually seeing a specialist? Is your cirrhosis being monitored by specialists (blood tests, ultrasound every 6 months etc. ?).

Katie

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to AyrshireK]

Yes I have a hepatology doctor being monitored with ultrasound and bloods 6 monthly

My rheumatoid specialist has stopped all medication as it is methotrexate that has caused cirrhosis. All analgesia and other disease modification drugs stopped also. I'm in a pickle can't sleep as withdrawing from amitryptaline and antidepressants so coping mechanisms not good

[AyrshireK in reply to Nof1nidea123]

Glad your liver is being looked after, it was just when you said it was untreated.

I would apply for a blue badge with your local council and put all your information in. If a blue badge would make your life easier due to mobility issues then apply.

If you have substantial daily living or mobility issues due to your ill health it might be worth applying for Personal Independence Payment (none means tested and you can get if in or out of work and it just helps with those additional monetary issues that being long term unwell or disabled brings). Seek help from Citizens Advice Bureau or local council Welfare Rights team who will be extremely helpful when filling in the initial application and help with any appeals etc. If you consider applying, details are at:- gov.uk/pip

Katie

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you for all your advice

[Faithfull in reply to Nof1nidea123]

Katie advice has helped me so much and bless her she is so lovely as me posts are confusing to me I no exactly all the emotions ,overwhelmed that you can't function take anything in.

Can't advice you but we can all no there is another person like us and can relate to it .

[AyrshireK in reply to Faithfull]

Thank you for saying so Faithfull, I know what a mine field this whole thing can be. My hubby often says he doesn't know how anyone could go through it all alone ...... I am glad that I am able to be by his side through it all and if our experiences help others then I do try and help.

Love from Katie x

[vulnerable in reply to AyrshireK]

Katie do you know what process is once a patient meets with the Ptofessor regarding ie putting a name to a face?

[AyrshireK in reply to vulnerable]

Sent you a PM vulnerable.

[vulnerable in reply to AyrshireK]

Excellent advice from Katie above. I would have said exactly the same, your consultant will support you invyour application for PIP. Please make appointment with your local CAB or other support services in your area. Good luck xx

[LAJ123]

Hello there,

Further to Katie's reply, you might find this link useful.

Jim

gov.uk/definition-of-disabi...

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to LAJ123]

Thank you I will study it.

[LAJ123 in reply to Nof1nidea123]

gov.uk/government/uploads/s...

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to LAJ123]

Thank you I'm a little overwhelmed by it.

[LAJ123 in reply to Nof1nidea123]

Understandable.

You could always book an appointment with your local Citizens Advice, they can guide you through the process.

Jim

citizensadvice.org.uk/

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to LAJ123]

Yes I think that is a good idea. At the moment I'm having difficulties retaining any information. But thankyou

[Faithfull]

Same here I ain't been out this house two yrs only hospital dr back in me prison cell to scared to tell them I'm worse case they stop all money for being so I'll co morbidities so I no where your coming from .ask GP and you may get taxi card or transport . But I ain't got clue no more as everything is a knock back depends on who's playing god that day

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to Faithfull]

I try to be independent it's a big thing for me to ask for help. In fact I'm cross with myself that I need to do it. It infuriates me the people "playing god" with our lives will probably never understand what we're going through. I almost feel ashamed asking for help.

[Faithfull in reply to Nof1nidea123]

I feel inferia frightened ,referrals to anything . It is like an offence of offences when they have to come out as your socially isolated hearing voices, I'll health. Then it's what do you want !

Don't think it helped when the dog got in never went near her put out straight away she held hand in the air and one on chest and I apologise and two min she out the door I said sorry the fear of the dog was horrible and then said I live with that fear everyday it never goes she new what I ment .

I never ment it in a bad way .hence the nock back

[O13B]

You need to apply for PIP and if they say your entitled to the mobility component, if you are you can then get a blue badge. Why are your conditions not being treated?

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to O13B]

Because the rheumatologist has put me on watch and wait to see how I can manage she reluctant to start me on any other drugs. I have asked for a 2nd rheumatologist opinion which is beginning of march. Apparently I am only the 2nd of my rheumatologist patients to get cirrhosis in her hole career and I think she not sure of the best thing to do

[O13B in reply to Nof1nidea123]

I would get your GP to refer you to the liver team

[19581979]

Have you thought about applying for pip? You would be best getting help to do it from your local benefit advice agency,it is usually the c.a.b.. I forgot to ask how old you are. If you are 65 or older you have to apply for attendance allowance and there is no mobility component to aa. It is particularly in those circumstances that you can apply for a blue badge through the local authority method. If you are in the pip age range 16-64 the local authorities can still consider your request but they may ask why you haven't applied for any help.

Have you had any aids to help you from social services occupational therapy such as a patching stool, frame around the toilet hand rails to help your mobility? They may be useful and are helpful when applying for pip. Do you use any aids to help you walk?

Last bit not least, my doctor and I had a quality of life discssion. It wasn't easy but although my hepatologist wanted me to cut down on drugs: paracetamol, amitriptyline, ibuprofen, codeine, I couldn't if I wanted to go to work part-time, and get out of bed and be able to sleep and exercise. My doctor and I recognised this and the implications but cutting them out would lead to other problems, so I try to reduce them as much as possible rather than cut them out. I have tried alternatives but they caused other problems.

I have a spinal cord injury (incomplete) and that seems to be linked with some of my liver problems, namely the fibroscan puts it in the cirrhosis stage in terms of elasticity and the ultrasound (only, which I know is bad enough) fatty liver. This means diet, medication and exercise are of vital to sort out for me. But without pain relief particularly at night I can't sleep, and it is broken anyway and I'm in bed much of the day as I have problems with the messages getting to my legs and a fuzzy head which means I can't concentrate on trying to move around. That is ignoring any pain.with pain relief I function better.

Sorry to go on but I hope it helps.

All the best

Gx

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to 19581979]

Thank you for all your advice I'm 58. Work part time but it is getting harder

[19581979 in reply to Nof1nidea123]

Hi I'm 59, 60 later this year. As I said I work part-time but I get pip. I get both the care and mobility components. Working doesn't stop you claiming.

Gx

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to 19581979]

Thanks

[Faithfull]

I'm really in a state to be Horst but come on here and see your name thinking I'm gutted I never thought of that one .

If it's what I'm reading it as no f.....g idea .

Please let me no as I bet I got it wrong but if not that is bes name I seen .

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to Faithfull]

I'm afraid you got it right I do have a dry sense of humour.

[Faithfull in reply to Nof1nidea123]

It made me laugh got old age Adhd

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to Faithfull]

That's tough but you seem to. Be dealing with it well you have to have a good sense of humour to deal with all this