Falling apart

[Wreal]

I'm new to this site but glad to see I'm not alone. I've just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but have had joint pain for the past 17 years (I'm 38) I have sciatica, cp of my knees, arthritis in my lower spine and a disc bulge that presses against my spinal nerve. I applied for ESA before fibro was diagnosed and even lost my appeal. As a result of this I also suffer depression. I'm reapplying which as we know beings more stress. But apart from that I'm doing ok 😊

Glad to know I'm not alone.

[Wendyld]

Hi welcome to the site, I to have fibromyalgia, knee problems, arthritis & a disc bulge. I was refused esa twice. I had to give up work last April & I've now got my PIP assessment tomorrow. I think it would be good if you applied for pip too. Good Luck x

[Wreal in reply to Wendyld]

I've not though of applying for that but I'll check it out. Thank you and good luck x

[Wendyld in reply to Wreal]

Lots of people on this site have claimed & been successful. Make a diary of how you feel. If u look on the pip website it tells u how to claim. I've waited since last July for my assessment but I think they are moving quicker now. They back date your claim from the first day of the claim do the sooner u do it the better.

Good Luck

Wendy

[Wreal in reply to Wendyld]

Thank you x

[TheAuthor]

Hi Wreal

Welcome to the forum and I genuinely hope that you find it useful, informative and loads of fun! I have pasted you a link to our mother site, FibroAction which hosts loads of useful Fibro information:

FibroAction Website:

fibroaction.org

I am so sorry to read of your illnesses and I sincerely hope that you have good pain management? I also want to wish you all the best of luck with your application for ESA.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hidden]

Welcome to the site. I have never had to claim DLA, But was awarded enhanced rate PIP for mobility.

See you around sue

[fenbadger]

Likewise. Good luck. Grasp that nettle. It's worth it.

Hugs

[Reykua]

Hi Wreal,

You are definitely not alone. Many, many of us have had issues with the system. I know two people who have had to 'go all the way' with their Appeals.

One of them has even started the whole process again. Unfortunately, even though she used all the help from the websites and got support from her local CAB she was unsuccessful so she feels even more upset about the whole thing but she needs it, she's unwell and in pain so she's not giving up.

You didn't mention what treatments you're having and whether your application is supported by your GP. I discovered that the GP for the lady I mentioned above completed a form sent to him by Atos giving the impression that once the lady took her meds, lost some weight and followed the advice of the physios she would be fine.

She didn't see this feedback till she decided to Appeal the decision and when she approached him asking him to write to support her appeal, he was unwilling to change it. This leads me to think that the doctors essentially ensure whether or not you're successful so do check with your GP and consultants, they may not be as supportive as they may have led you think.

I hope this information is useful and things go well with you. Do try to go for the PIP but keep in mind the fact that they've changed the system and now link both applications so if you fail the ESA, you may find that you fail the PIP as well.

Best wishes. Stay strong and don't give up.