I was finally diagnosed [not that I wanted to be] with Fibro Sept 2014 after 3yrs+ of investigations. I was tested for everything before being told that I had Fibro. I have been seen Rhuemy and attended pain clinic. Both have now discharged me back to GP. Rhuemy said there was nothing they could do attend pain clinic. Pain clinic tried some medications including doing a lidocane infusion [didnt work], in the end said they could do no more and told me to keep taking pain killers and pace myself and go online for support group.
Anyway I was awarded DLA 18 mths ago LRC HRM after a huge fight with DWP. I had my PIP form to fill in and return by middle of Dec 2014 [DLA runs out March 15] Sent forms back expecting a long wait. Well that hasnt happened. I received a letter from DWP beginning of Jan 15 telling me that Capita would contact me shortly for my face to face assessment. Had that phone call 2 wks ago and they are coming on Feb 9th 2015.
Everything seems to be happening very quickly. Have they had time to contact GP, Hospital etc?
Anyone had their PIP claim looked at so quickly?
What can I expect from assessment? Had one for DLA however everything he wrote for ATOS was a load of rubbish [hence Tribunal].
Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Written by
ladycaz
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi I live in wales ,they sent someone from Lincoln to asses me, he came from atos the same week the capita asses came to assess everybody else in my town ,and those that had the-capita asses got there pip , tell the truth but remember bad days, don't do a me and think what you can do on a good , good luck I am now appealing for the 2nd time but I have a advocate now and don't see them by yourself get someone there that help you remember your bad days. Good luck. X
I can only quote from my wife's experience and this was that they collected enough information from her doctors and specialists that she did not need an assessment and was awarded her PIP solely from this. She has MS, and used all of her Consultants as contactees for the DWP. I can imagine that they have written to however you put on the sheets but need more information? I would not worry too much about this as it does appear to be standard procedure, and many other members have been awarded enhanced rates after assessments.
I want to wish you all the best of luck with your assessment and your claim and I sincerely hope that you are successful.
Well done all of you who've managed. I had lrcc dla and lrmc tribunal came and the night before my partner at the time father passed away. Tribunals couldn't rearrange and due to the nature of his fathers passing, I just had to miss it. I was scunnered. DLA ran out and now clained PIP. Assessment in a fortnight, again, still ATOS. This time I have to go to an assessment centre. I am terrified. I have done the centre before for ESA and it too was traumatic with doctors stating there was no medical reasons for me to require walking aids and I got 0 points. The home DLA assessment was also traumatic with the doctor disagreeing the distance I could walk. I know,; its me who struggles all day with it. At doctors last night and have various referrals in pipeline.
Working with benefits I understand the importance of validating the applications but I think they have fibro patients all wrong and the assessment is not flexible. Same with ESA. Makes me sad and nervous knowing that I am attending for a written attack on my genuineness. Why do we need to put ourselves through it?
Hello Andreaef the same happened to me, I felt so let down. Took a lorry load of info but when they phoned me just before Christmas I was so upset. I had to go back on jobseekers but back on ESA due to left foot osteoarthritis and surgery possible next week, the very least ultra scan guided injections, very painful to walk on. Cervical spondylosis, depression, long term hypo etc etc. Battling but if they take me off again, I will be going to CAB and appealing. This is such a degrading system and people are suffering. Good luck!
Try not to worry, I had exactly the same happen to me, applied for pip middle of July 2014 received my letter from atos saying they were looking at my form a few weeks later then got a further letter saying they were coming to my home at the end of Nov 2014. I freaked cos I was so worried that they were trying to catch me out or something so I posted on here and everyone was so helpful with advice and reassurance. Welll had my visit by a really lovely lady who was with me for a couple of hours. She asked about my pain and how it affects my day to day living and my life. My husband was with me, REALLY IMPORTANT YOU HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU IFF POSS, I told her about my life on MY WORSE DAYS, again this is REALLY IMPORTANT, she asked me to do a few movements for her, some I did but some I refused to do. I showed her all my meds and she looked at some of my consultant letters. It was quite upsetting for me especially having my husband sat next to me as he got upset listening to me. After she went I thought I would be waiting forever but I received my letter within a week and was awarded the higher care but no mobility which was the actual part I thought I would get and I wanted. It hadn't been sent for checking and they couldn't have got in touch with anyone within that time but maybe they had contacted my gp or consultants who I had put down on my form before they arranged the home visit, I don't know? I am not appealing but the point I am trying to make is don't worry they can work fast when they need too and I think it all depends on who you get on the day. Don't forget though always tell them about your WORSE day and don't try to be brave and positive because it won't help your case in the long run. We need this benefit so that we can be 'brave and positive and at least have a reasonable quality of life.'Sorry if this has been a bit long winded but hope it helps, good luck xx
I had mine looked at quickly, but mine was refused and they didnt
Hi everyone. Thank you all for your replies. All I can do is wait until assessment. I haven't seen anything that my GP or Consultant have written [if they have had time to write]. Maybe who ever comes will have that with them.
I will have someone with me, my husband will be here he has to be because I am very forgetful and get confused and repeat myself. I also tire very quickly.
I can't remember the last good day I had I seem to have all bad days lately. It would be lovely to have a day pain free, not have to take any medication [I take 35+ tablets a day just to semi function] and be full of energy as I have forgotten what that is like.
Will let you all know what happens.
A big THANK YOU to all who have replied. I actually feel less nervous for now.
Well I had my assessment yesterday with Capita. The lady who came, she introduced herself as a nurse, was very polite. She told me she had read my file and what the Drs had written about me. Went through everything again regarding my application and typed everything. She asked me to stand and do a few things which I couldn't do she said it was ok that i didnt do anything because she didnt want me to be in pain for rest of day due to a few arms up touch toes etc. At one stage she asked about memory and talking with people. To which i replied that no offence but she was actually starting to get on my nerves and i was getting a headache [well she did say tell her the truth].
She was here for 75mins in all and she said i should here from DWP in 4-6 weeks. I just hope it went alright and i dont have to go through another Tribunal.
I was diagnosed with fibro in Dec 12. I applied for DLA and was told this was being dealt by PIP. I re-applied and waited 12 months before I was seen. I have been to the pain clinic and had nerves between vertibrae's burned to help with pain management and also have a range of medication. I live in Dorset and was seen by a PIP assessor who traveled from Scotland!! I haven't worked for over a year due to my condition . I was refused PIP because I scored 8 and needed to score 10. What the assessor wrote for ATOS was a load of rubbish. Good Luck .
Had the dreaded brown envelope this morning and I have been turned down for Care element and only given low mobility. I only scored 6 points for care and 8 points for mobility [which is strange to me I was on high rate on DLA. All of a sudden I can walk further].
After reading on how they came to their decision I am beginning to wonder if I was reading about someone else. Almost every bit of it was untrue. Apparently if you can pick a piece of paper up, lift a small plastic cup with lid drink through a straw and open your glasses case you can take nutrition and medication unaided. There is nothing wrong with my memory because I had notes in front of me and didnt refer to them when she asked a question. I could see them without having to shuffle a load of papers and if i forgot something my hubby reminded me.
I would not do the examination because of pain but I stood up unaided from a sitting position and my balance was normal. [I stood from a high seated sofa using the arm as an aid to help me get up and I was standing for no more than 20secs when I had to sit back down again because i felt dizzy -i did tell her that but she didnt record it]
They state in letter that i take mild/moderate pain control. I actually found that insulting!! I take a combination of pain relief tablets which add up to just over 700 tablets a month!!! Also the pain pills i do take only just take the edge off i am never painfree i hurt every minute of every day.
I can also manage my toilet needs without help. Its not a nice thing to say but I cannot wipe my bum because of restricted back movement my hubby has to do it for me {Bless him]. I also suffer from IBS so there are times when I don't make it to the toilet told her that but she failed to put down. Also during the day or night I do wet myself sometimes because i cant make it to the bathroom on time because i am so stiff, she never recorded that either.
I can shower/dress and undress myself without any help at all. [I wish!!].
I have no difficulty in communicating and because i told her she was ''starting to irritate me'' [I had by now the start of a migrain] I was rude and impatient.
I have no idea what this has do with my assessment on communicating but because I can read my post, understand their information and have a within limit vision test I dont need any help. What has a vision test to do with communicating!!!!!
On the mobility side I can walk 20/50 metres. Apparently they cannot take into account the difficulties you have with walking on slopes, hills, stairs and uneven ground, that bit is baffling. I told her that every step was painful and tiring.
I was extremely upset this morning after that letter and was ready to give up. After a good cry and being persuaded by my hubby i am going to appeal and phone them on Monday.
Also they only relied on what the Capita assessor wrote. No info from GP, Rheumy or pain clinic. This has gone through so quick that they havent given any time for evidence to be received from them. [claim started 10th Dec. 2014, decision made on 4th March 2015 total of 11 wks].
I'm new around here and just read your post tonight. I appreciate all you've shared so far about your experience of the PIPs process.
This is for 2 reasons - firstly for the sheer human, empathy side, because you share so vividly and openly... and secondly because I feel 'in best company', and less on my own, by reading about your experience. I'm a bit behind you in the process, and just awaiting the first decision, so its helpful to get a sense of what can happen and how the criteria are looked-upon.
I *am* sorry about your initial disappointment, Ladycaz, and I also empathise with the natural tears you experienced... I'm wondering how you are feeling now? I'm glad your husband is encouraging you to appeal. Are you finding good sources of support with the reconsideration / appeal process?
Hoping this next stage goes well for you.
Warmest thoughts...holding-out for the best outcome for you.
It was lovely to read your post. I know how you feel, I was feeling very alone until I joined here. It was such a relief to know that I was not alone (although I wouldn't wish this terrible condition on anyone).
I was extremely upset for a couple of wks but I am very lucky to have a wonderful husband and family. Also a change in medication (stronger painkillers) has helped.
If the DWP decision doesn't go in your favour, remember never be afraid to challenge them. It seems to be the DWP way these days to turn a person down at the first hurdle.
I have had my PIP decision reviewed got standard care and standard mobility (not happy about mobility decision, however I cannot do anything about it until the Government reinstate the walking distance back to 20 metres from 50 metres it is affecting many disabled people).
Keep us updated on your progress. There is a lot of help available here.
Hi Caz, likewise lovely to read your post - and thanks for all your encouragement. I love that - including being unafraid to challenge DWP if need arises (as mostly seems the case, as you rightly say).
So glad that the that stronger painkillers are helping a bit...and of course, support of your wonderful husband and family.
And glad that your case has been reviewed favourably...apart from the higher mobility allowance.
Yes, I absolutely know what you mean about the 20 metre walking distance - and such a barrier to higher mobility allowance.
I'm signing petitions on that, as fast as I can find them - and let's hope the Govt listens to the many groups voicing for so many affected.
Yes, will keep posted. Feel this is a generous-spirited forum - and wonderful to read you.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
xx
Were You Asked for Feedback on your PIP/ESA Assessment?
P.I.P. and work Query
Pip
