ESA medical assessment

[kittyfisher]

Hi could anyone tell me what to expect at a medical assessment i have to go to as i receive esa. I'm really nervous about it. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks along with fibro. I rarely leave the house and car journeys are agony. I told them all this but they must not care.

Kitty xx

[Mazz64]

Hi Kitty. No they don't care. Make sure they allow you to answer the question they ask, as they just want to tick there boxes to say your as fit as a flea.

if they ask you for example..do you do the hovering, don't say "yes" straight away because what ever you say after that is ignored. say something like; "If I do hoover it takes me a long time to get it done, as I have to keep stopping to rest and more often than not I don't get to finish it" say you can't do things repetitively (if you can't) as its so painful and you get exhausted

have you got someone to go with you? if so get them to carry your bag and if you are taking any letters with you, get them to take them out of the bag for you.

when I went I took the letters I had out of the bag my self, they said "she have not problem using her hands she was able to handle her paper work"

I'm sure there will be plenty of people on here to give you more ideas about what they ask

When is your appointment? good luck

Good luck

Hugs Mazz xx

[Hidden]

Hi Kitty

Did you try any of the relaxation exercises? It may be worth giving them a go especially the breathing exercises for the few days leading up to it to help with the anxiety.

I would try them everyday if you could

With respect to these medicals mazz is very right they just want to tick boxes its a job to them and they're on a time limit for each assessment. If you find the assessor is rushing you don't be afraid to ask them to repeat questions or to slow down as you can't make sense of what they're saying.

My general experience has been like they've tried to trip me up on something............. remember this medical is in association with the answers you wrote on your initial application. The other thing to remember is that they cannot force you to do anything but if you don't try they mark it down as unable to assess and its more than likely going to go against you.

warming, healing and calming fluffies for you Kitty

xxxzebxxx

[Offcut]

Do not go dressed to impress. Do not wear lace up shoes go for slip on shoes or boots. If you have sent any medical papers ask them have they got them and understand what they are all about. Most of the assessors are not proper doctors but someone that has had a few weeks training on how they want the form filled in. I have heard reports of lifts filled with boxes so it shows you can use the stairs. Get them to make room for you to use the lift. they will keep you waiting which will show that you can stay in one place for a time. If you are in any discomfort or pain because of this make sure they are aware of this and it was noted. Going on public transport is a biggy explain if that is what you did it was because that was the only and cheapest option available to you, as you said on the letter if I failed to turn up a decision will be made without you.

I have also heard that there is a person outside asking for directions ignore this shows dexterity of mind and limbs by pointing. Even to a coin stuck to the floor to show that you are flexible if you try and pick it up?

Take a person with you and take notes and do not be afraid to ask them questions so you fully understand what they want.

Be Well