Well I had the appeal yesterday. They changed my time and the person who was coming with me couldn't make it, the option I was given was turn up or the appeal will take place behind closed doors.
They were not interested in my mobility or medical issues (I was appealing this), they were only interested in
•If I came alone did I really need support
•could I clean myself after the loo
•could I cook a meal
•could I shop, clean and do household chores
•could I bathe
Having to wear pads became questionable and if during work hours I had an accident who could clean me - I got upset as I don't really want my friend to do this never mind someone I don't trust who I work with
Cooking was also a questionable activity, my friend cooks for me, portions it up and puts it in the freezer - I then put it in the microwave. They questioned could I take hot food out of the microwave, I said I have a towel in front of the microwave and I drag the micro plate with my food onto it and eat stood up. "So you can cook a meal", no that's not what I said "I can heat pre cooked food", "so you can cook a meal". We had the same two statements over and over again until I said that's not what I can do and they were putting words in my mouth.
Shopping - big stores "Will deliver" said the doctor on the panel. Everyday staples can be delivered via "your milk person". Cleaning - "you could get cheap enough cleaners to clean your home". Everything I said the doctor had an answer for.
Bathing - "you have a bath chair", "yes I answered", "so how do you wash your body?", "with difficulty as my arms and shoulders are poor", "but you can get into the water?", "yes", "so you can clean your body without help", "no that's not what I was saying".
The whole ordeal lasted 20 mins and then they said they couldn't give me a decision and they would write to me. I know I lost.