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[Deb3822]

Could you help me?? I've liver cirrhosis and I'm in the ESA wrag. Should I be in the support group?? I'm afraid to appeal as I went to court to get ESA in the beginning. It's been nearly four yrs now, I still suffer from urinary urgency, have gallstones and advised against having my gallbladder removed due to possible complications, I suffer from flare-ups and all my Dr says is I have to put up with it. I've also endometriosis, depression and anxiety.

Please advise

Many thanks in advance

Debs

P.s I was told I was intolerant to alcohol and haven't touched a drop since and given a life expectancy of 2-5yrs, my consultant says every three months that I don't need to start my bucket list lol

[AyrshireK in reply to Deb3822]

Hi Debs, my hubby was placed in the support group as soon as we applied for ESA. He has cirrhosis and struggles with all manner of symptoms which stop him from being fit for work - this was initially certified by his GP and then on various renewals since the support group has been upheld. We had more of a battle with PIP than we did with ESA.

Maybe you are stuck in the work related group unless you can get a doctor to certify you unfit for work and this is a change in circumstances. Do you have to attend Job Centre appointments and suchlike? Can you ask them about changes in circumstances and what you can do to change the decision.

When was your last ESA review? We never had one for hubby for ages but last year I had to complete the big Work Capability Assessment form again.

Go to see your local council Welfare Rights Officer, Citizen's Advice Bureau or sign up to the amazing Benefits and Work website for advice. benefitsandwork.co.uk/

Best wishes,

Katie

[Deb3822 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you for taking the time to reply, I hope your husband is well. I'm due another assessment soon. CAB help me full all the forms already and they are sent with copies of results from my consultant. I've given up going to my GP as he always says that there's nothing I can have for pain, except paracetamol. The anxiety I get waiting for these assessments are horrendous, I can't leave the house, without company and don't answer the door if I'm not expecting anyone.

How can you explain to an assessor an average day when not one day is the same?? I feel so intimidated and feel that every word that comes out of my mouth is a lie. Do they not know that cirrhosis is a long term/terminal illness?? Do they really believe that going from £1800 a month to £400 is a better way to live??

Rant over, feel better

Debs