Had a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (UK). No disability allowance for me.
To be fair, I don't consider myself disabled, but .... well lets put it like this.
My hands are swollen like two balloons. (pink floyd reference!) I can't cook (i haven't cooked myself a meal in months), I cannot do a zip, I cannot put my own shoes on, I cannot go out, because if I do, I cannot close the [beep!] front door, and if I do, I cannot use a key to get back in again.....
Because I cannot eat particularly, we've reached the stupid position that my trousers fall down, my weight having nosedived. I cannot use a belt, because ... well, see the shoes issue.
This surgery has absolutely kicked the living daylights out of me.
My morale is still high. It always will be. I have my music, my family, and best of the lot, my wife.
But I am wondering what life will be like when I no longer want to go out.
Its not the visible difference that is the problem here. Its the after effects off surgery.... and the screwed up position it has left me in.
I had cancer. I can't tell people now I have cancer, it was successfully removed. So we think I am now (thankfully) cancer free. But we still have all the expense and hassle and stress of Doctprs treating me though as I do still have cancer, but they cannot call it cancer free. Limbo. I am no longer either cancerous or cancer free. All I'm told is there is help available to those with cancer, Except I qualify for absolutely no of it. I'm on my own. FFS.
I thought about this today, after hearing (for the first time in ages), that Police tune "Message in a bottle"....
"I'll send a SOS to the world..."
"I'll send a SOS to the world..."
"I'll send a SOS to the world..."
"i hope that someone gets my ..."
"MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE!"'
I've been sending messages in bottles for ages. And knowing the world is out there is just sooo cool. so....
Keep talking!
We'll figure some of this out, but I have to say, to politicians of either party in the UK, the benefit system is stuffed. sort it out please!
bad day rant over. sorry folks!
CBx
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Circuitbreaker
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Whoa CB, you've really been through the mill - I really feel for you.
I only dip in and out of this forum now, so please forgive me if I'm not up-to-date with your posts as this is the first I've seen since your surgery. I am aware that your tumour was cancerous but successfully removed, which was brilliant. I wonder what has happened between then and now to cause your current issues?
I really hope and pray you get some reliable and consistent medical support, advice, treatment - whatever you need - soon. Being in limbo is so difficult as you have no idea where to direct your energies.
Have you considered contacting your local MP? You have such valid issues in respect of disability benefits and support, as well as questioning why you're not receiving the medical attention to so deserve.
In the meantime, keep your chin up - you love life, your family and friends, so focus on them. And keep going out. Someone else can open and close the poxy door for you! That's just a practicality. You're bigger than this - your posts have inspired me since the day I joined the forum. Your ability to put a positive spin on life despite your challenges is admirable. You've got this.
So sorry to read this CB, as if the treatment you've been through isn't enough to be getting on with!
From my past professional life (now retired) I supported families understanding their rights over defining disability and claiming DLA in respect of their children's needs.
The following is taken from the government webpage, and could 'possibly' be useful to you. I've posted the link at the bottom too.
The legal definition of disability includes the statements below, it doesn't always have to be a lifelong disability, it can be:
‘substantial’ is more than minor or trivial, eg it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed
‘long-term’ means 12 months or more, eg a breathing condition that develops as a result of a lung infection
Do you have the right of appeal over the DLA application refusal? If so, that might be worth a shot too if you're up to it. You might need to draw on Dr's/Specialist/Occupational Therapist reports to support.
A body that might advise you well is Macmillan Cancer Support.
Hello CB ☺️, I myself have not being on here in quite some time so I'm sorry to hear what you are going through now 😔. After all you have gone through I was hoping life was going well for you and Mrs CB, as you are such an inspiring chap and always there for others in here 🤗.But no better Man to fight for what you truly deserve 🙏, and you definitely should qualify for this so don't give up & seek advice until you get what you deserve 💖!
I truly hope there is something that can be done for you as you don't need this additional stress with your recovery.
I love how you are still being positive and how much you love Mrs CB, now that is beautiful ❤️, so fingers and toes crossed 🤞 for you and keep positive 🙏🤗!
Hi My Man CB! Like Troy (Denzel Washington) used to say in Fences: "You got to take the crookeds with the straights. That's what Papa used to say", (I like the sound of the South 😄).
Bottom line my man, this is our struggle and we will win at the end. If we are not there it's because the fight is not over yet. I hope you can overcome this stuff as we know you will. A man like you does not give up that easy, I know.
So glad you value what you have and who you love not letting other things cast any shadow over you, that's the way to do it because that is what keeps us breathing, man.
As you can see, you've got lots of people here wanting to hear from you and to know how the battle is treating you. You know we are for each other here, and as Nomisconceptions said, You've got this!
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