Form filling a nightmare for me, just... - Fibromyalgia Acti...
Form filling a nightmare for me, just looks like a load of squiggles cant take in info ! anyone else have this ?any tips ?
Hi Jude. It took me 2 months to brave the form. Eventually I got a friend to sit with me and go through it. Mainly the questions are on walking ability with most of the questions asking the same in slightly different ways. Took 2 hours to complete and I'm so relieved that it is done now. Just waiting for the doctors report they've sent for. Take it slowly line by line and have someone with you to stay focused to each question. Give answers in full based on your worst days. It will make depressing reading but try to not think of the whole picture and give yourself a treat after completing it. Then get on here and relax. Good luck
I find its good to get someone without fibro (if possible) to read through with me to make sure I'm 'getting' the gist of it. I sometimes have a 'better' time of day for mental tasks. I find pacing activities relates to my physical and mental tasks and if I'm physically exhausted then I also can't deal with any mentally taxing tasks either. but everyone is different. if it's possible then put it to one side until tomorrow and try again.
hi - i too am not keen to do this time and again especially as often the answers never change. What i do now is to do it all on the computer and attach it to the form / questionaire. I write on the form see attached paperwork as writing hurts my hands too much. you can keep it and alter it as required! i do this for ESA and IIDB benefit claims and have never had one refused!
I agree about pacing, Just try to tackle a little bit at a time. As for DLA , I tell them EVERYTHING! I probably bored them into giving me the money, but it's no good trying to explain nicely - Fibro isn't like most conditions, we can have so many physical problems that are a by-product of it, so just let them know it all & if your writing or spelling is dreadful now, don't worry, answer honestly- it's how badly you are affected that they need to know/understand. hope this helps
I heard from a friend that the Citizen's Advice are very good at helping people complete forms especially DLA forms, it might be worth popping in there for help. it saves all the mind-muddling as I call it. Take along all your important information written down in a notepad to refer to, also your printed documentation from your GP and consultant etc. There is also help and advice online. 
If possible have some with you to read the questions out to you and write the answers in for you . If you have to do it on your own, don't do it all in one go, the minute you feel your brain beginning to scramble STOP and walk away from it, until you feel completely able to do a few more questions. You're in charge of it and you decide how long you will take to do it. Either way, make sure you remember the golden rule. Start your answer in your head with "on a really bad day" then put the rest of the answer on the form. Put the answers down in pencil, so you can make any changes you want to before going over it in pen. When the form is complete, read it through, again that doesn't have to be done in one go. Only then should you sign and send it.
Thank you for your help everyone
