Update.

[55LADY]

Hello everyone. I rung ESA with my concerns over the lift up to 4 floor , if breaks down there are 84 steps . Moved to nearer date Tuesday coming early morn , further to get to, daughter taking me . I'm apprehensive of what they ask you you to do in physical exam ! x

[mattoid-mags]

Hi, I've been to a few ESA assessments over the years. Each assessor was different in attitude, manner and profession. However, the questions and medical examination were similar. They will ask you to describe a typical day for you, from you wake up until you go to bed. They asked me if I watched TV, what my fav programmes were.. This is to see if you can sit for long periods of time and concentrate etc. Asked about my hair, did I go to hairdressers etc? Asked me to add and subtract numbers, memorise a few lines and repeat it back to them. Was even asked to spell the word 'WORLD' backwards etc. Physical exam- you will probably be asked to get up onto the examination bed, they may check your joints, hips, leg strength etc. They checked my spine, knees etc.. Asked me to kneel down, checked the strength in my arms, hands etc too. I have learned to decline some of their requests because it causes pain and even distress. At my 1st few assessments I tried to do everything they asked me to do even though it hurt, so if something is too much for you to do, just tell them you cannot do it as it causes you pain. Just be weary, they may try to trick you in their questioning. They will ask you how you got to the assessment centre. By bus, taxi etc? Did you come alone? They may even watch you walking from carpark to the entrance. The assessment questions are tailored to you and what difficulties you have and have expressed on the medical questionnaire form you sent to them. My last assessment was a lot better than any other I've had. The assessor was an actual GP, he was very fair in his questioning, he was sympathetic and he was a gentleman. There is probably more i could tell you but my mind is struggling to remember. I hope this helps a little. I wish you the best of luck. Let us know how you get on. Xx

[55LADY in reply to mattoid-mags]

Thank you for explaining about your experience with your assements. Just can't imagine how people are allowed to twist things. I can't bend legs stiff wrists pulling right up to arms , not sure about kettle , it's on. My form I make coffee in day till daughter arrives after her work to help out. Hands lose grip . There so many people been on benift for years while I worked in agony last 3 yrs now I'm burnt out. Don't want to sound bitter ... Been waking early hrs can't get my head to switch off & pain . Thank you again hope u have a good pain free night x

[mattoid-mags in reply to 55LADY]

Hi yes I know what you mean. I worked for years as a domestic in a hospital. We had very high standards as cleaners and I struggled in the last few years to maintain my high standards. I would not be able to do any of that work now... It would kill me. I hope you get some restful pain free sleep tonight x

[mattoid-mags]

Ps... mogi52 has just posted that she has just had her ESA assessment this morning. You could ask her about her experience in more detail while it is fresh in her mind. 😀 x

[BlueMermaid3]

Hello 55LADY

The best advice I can give you is to not be taken in by their friendly sympathetic attitude because on the whole they are just lulling you into a false sense of security.

You will be asked to do a few small physical things. Bending and touching your toes, lifting your arms over your head. Things like that.

I sat for the hour of my assessment in agony, but because I was being polite I didn't ask if I could get up and move around, as it didn't seem appropriate. Everything I said was exaggerated or just plain lies.

When you are asked if you can do certain activities you need to say, not without pain, or not without help.

Don't mention good days. I have read posts where people have spoken about good days and the assessor has said that they were picking and choosing what they could do.

Some assessors are decent nice people. The trouble is you don't know which ones they are.

My assessment was packed with lies. When I went to my Tribunal the Judge appeared to be very cross. I told my assessor that I had travelled by bus. On my assessment the assessor had written that I had driven there by myself.

On two pages of my assessment they had even got my name wrong.

I asked my assessor to put a letter from my Psychologist detailing my PTSD and he refused to accept it. He said it wouldn't mean anything to them. I asked 3 times, but he still refused to take it.

You are lucky you have someone to take with you. I'm sure that will help. Ask your husband to remind you when you answer questions, if there is anything you have forgotten.

I hope some of this helps. I don't advocate lying about anything. I just didn't know at the time of my assessment the detail I had to go into.

Best of luck.

Hugs

Lu xx

[55LADY]

Thank you Bluemermaid1. Have you failed the assement ? I failed PIP twisted everything & she seemed so understanding . I think it's just pot luck in some cases .., be glad when this is all settled someway or other , but still waiting for trubinal date for pip . Need to distress lol Thank you again for reply x

[TheAuthor]

I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck with your assessment and I hope that you get your desired outcome, fingers crossed for you.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[55LADY]

Thank you Ken . In a state now how I'll be on Tuesday .... x