ESA

[Burniegirl]

Be sure to explain in terms of your worst days. Hope you get the right decision.

[Mandypandy1969]

As soon as I said anything about a better day, the assessor jumped on me like a ton of bricks and I said, everyday I am fatigued and in pain. The physical examination she did was a joke, that explained nothing about my day to day life and I got angry at her and told her so. Yeah, I can lift my arms up to my head but I can't hold my arms up for more than a few seconds as they ache so much and feel like lead weights and go to jelly, same as my legs. Not a clue what I live with everyday along with the rest of us. So stressed/headache when I came out. I don't feel optimistic which I am a pessimist anyway especially After being stopped my e.s.a. Last November with 0 points and hadn't even been diagnosed with fibro then, I was on it for my mental health. My tribunal is next month. Not letting them get away with it. These assessors are liars and do there best to set a trap. Can't have better days!! Xx

[Burniegirl in reply to Mandypandy1969]

That sounds rough going. Did you have your assessment recorded? I'm sure it makes a difference, as you know the decision maker isn't the person who interviewed you. I'm sure they can hear the sincerity in your voice..

Make sure you emphasize every impact it has on your every day life, all the things you would like to do and can't etc.

I hope it goes well for you, such an awful process.

[Mandypandy1969]

hiya. you aren't supposed to have any good days. xx

[Hidden in reply to Mandypandy1969]

what do you mean Mandypandy?

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to Hidden]

when I had my Assessment, the assessor jumped on me when I mentioned on a really bad day, "oh you do have good days" no I don't have good days, I have better days. oh I am so fed up and stressed after yesterday. any tiny glimpse of hope for you to work they will use. No way can I hold a job down like most of us on here. xx

[Hidden in reply to Mandypandy1969]

my god, that sounds horrible! they are so self assuming and i bet they know very very little about fibromyalgia! i am holding down a job but in 10, 15, 20 years time who knows? it is an unknown answer. it is far from easy but working sounds like much less stress than dealing with those people who are meant to be helping you! xx

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to Hidden]

Not with my mental health along with the fibro. I couldn't get up washed and dressed for work. can hardly function. can't drive hardly at all due to the chronic fatigue. always got jelly legs, walk like I am drunk. can't reach up with my arms and using my legs like standing or walking too long just kills my back. I can't concentrate in anything, take in information. the list goes on. xxx

[Hidden in reply to Mandypandy1969]

hi mandypandy, it sounds like you are having a really tough time, i send you a (gentle) hug, you refer to mental health conditions which are becoming increasingly common sadly (i am always happy to listen if you wish to talk privately about this, if i can help in any way)

i can totally relate to the chronic fatigue and everything you describe, fibromyalgia really is a b***h

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to Hidden]

You are an angel and yes, a chat would be nice. I don't want to put my problems onto you though. xc

[Hidden in reply to Mandypandy1969]

not at all, not at all - send me a private message on here if you like

no pressure x

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to Hidden]

how do I send a private message to you. I am a bit thick lol. xx

[Hidden in reply to Mandypandy1969]

i will send you one...then at the top of your page you will see 'chat' it will say 1 click on that and you will see your inbox

[Burniegirl in reply to Mandypandy1969]

Hi Mandy,

Have you been in work and found difficulty because of your health?? It all counts when it comes to your assessment. They don't get that a "good" day for you is a bad day to them. Any chance of a support worker helping you? Also in Wolverhampton if you go to tribunal, which I hope you don't have to, they offer trainee lawyer to go with you, have heard that can make a big difference. X

[Burniegirl in reply to Burniegirl]

You really shouldn't worry about it too much, you can't possibly work like that, let us know how it goes. Hope all turns out well for you.

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to Burniegirl]

I have never been offered a support worker. I have my tribunal in Northampton near to where I live on September 6th. my mum is coming with me. I went to the advice shop for help but the woman just upset me and no offer of coming to the tribunal. xx

[Burniegirl in reply to Mandypandy1969]

Sorry to hear that, I hope you succeed, please let us know, will be thinking of you.