Have just had phone call from atos, have appointment for tuesday for pip medical, never has one for pip before can anyone advise, thank you

[Shazzzy]

[TheAuthor]

Hi Shazzzy

I hope that you are feeling well today? I have never been through anything like this, but I have pasted you the ATOS website page for PIP, it should give you all the information that you need? I would also like to say that you should not give in to them if they start asking you to do things that you cannot really undertake? As they will mark you down on points if you even make the effort. I was told this by a guy from Disability Direct at an MS seminar a few weeks ago! He said you should just tell them that you cannot do that?

atoshealthcare.com/pip/

I want to wish you all the best of luck with you assessment and I genuinely hope that you get the outcome that you desire, good luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you.

Ken x

[security]

Hello Shazzzy,

Atos must be having a big push on to clear the back log of claims, I also had a phone call today from Atos

and want to carry out a home medical assessment for my PIP claim.

My appointment is for next week too............

Best wishes hope you get something positive too...... Good luck..

[TheAuthor in reply to security]

HI security, just wanted to wish you all the best of luck with your assessment!

Good luck

Ken

[1Hope]

Hello Shazzzy,

I've never been to PIP interview either.

Just feel that if it's anything like either DLA or ESA interview, if they do any physical tests like raising arms, bending or anything like that, make it really clear and don't be shy about it, that any movements might be fine once, but if you need to do anything for a prolonged time, or repetitively and it hurts, aches, burns tell them how limited you are, tell them what you used to be able to do pre- illness if that is applicable.

Tell them what you used to be able to do that you cannot now do.

I hope this helps. I wish you good luck.

1H

[Scouser58]

Shazzzy, all medicals are scarey, please dont panic, and stay relaxed. Prior to the appointment they should of had reports from your doctors and anybody connected with your care. When you go in take your time, as you can only go as fast as you can, and if they have read any information they will know this. have your conditions, symptoms and medictions read on a sheet, and any side effects that occur. have a drink with you and sip it if you need to, and take somebody with you, and into the room as well, they can listen and hear things you might miss, ask them questions and see what answers they give you, most of these medicals are one way, they ask you and observe you and watch how you move, sit (if seat too low, ask for a better one), put legs in comfortable position, and then how you get back up from sitting, ask their opinion see what they say, may i wish you good luck and be brave, ttfn

[1Hope]

Hello Shazzzy, ditto to what scouser says with the added point that if there are things that you are asked to do which are too painful or impossible to do, don't force yourself, it's ok to say "I can't do that".

Best of luck for tomorrow.

1H

[Shazzzy]

Thanks to eveyone for encouraging messsges, as you can see sleep is eluding me once more, not suprising really as my buttrrflies are doing a tango in hobnail boots. So, the whiskey didn't work, am off to try a meditation tape. Is it possible to sleep the night before an assessment or is that asking too much ?

[1Hope in reply to Shazzzy]

Lol. Come on Shazzzy how did you get on?.

[Shazzzy]

Hi ihope, it went much better than expected. I wrote a post last night telling all, am feeling hopeful for once, do hope its not misplaced.

[perseverance01]

I too am going through this process however after 16 yrs of being treated and told repeatedly it's servere raynars anxiety, depression ETC.. and medication just increased each time I felt like I was going mad. You know your own body! But it was up until last few months just fobbed off. And I've tried to just get on with life but now my pain and symptoms have become so bad I'm becoming almost house bound. I've only recently found a doctor to listen I'm still waiting for diagnosis but he agrees it is fibromyalgia my sister has recently been diagnosed and understand this can be hereditary. I've been at wits end... felt so alone. But have been told by so many people that fibromyalgia is not even considered for PIP good luck. I too am having blood tests on going and have low sodium so any advice is welcome. Only found this web page today and it's just wonderful to be able to read your comments and discuss the issues related too this illness. And not feel so alone. Thankyou! And this goes out to everyone who reads this! I know it's not an answer to help but with the sodium i can relate.