Fibro and Spinal Stenosis, Struggles And Trying To Cope

[Grumpet]

Hi

Thank you for letting me join this group!

I am looking for some help and a bit of encouragement if possible. I have Fibro, I think I developed it after having a Brain Haemorrhage in 2009. I had to give up work in 2012 as work just became "too much". I have never claimed anything, as I am convinced that the Benefits System will try to make me get a job and, I am one of those people who will walk if I'm told to and will suffer later. I have to take Morphine and Gabapentin to cope with the pain (Tramadol made me fall over - very funny when I was hanging the washing out and nearly plunged into our wildlife pond!!). Anyway, all was OK, we sort of managed until my Husband was diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer and took early retirement in March 2018. I just wonder if anyone could give me some advise or pointers as to whether there might be some help out there? I am trying to bring money in by selling on Ebay, each one pound makes me feel as though I have achieved something, but I know, realistically, that we will not have enough to get through, Thanking you so much in advance. x

[trudym]

Hi I really think you ought to start looking into benefits. When I gave up work I didn't claim anything either until my savings ran out, but because I didn't my National Insurance hadn't been added to, so I'm short on my pension pot (I could make up the shortfall, but don't do the lotto!). When I did try to claim I was made to sign on... with slipped discs on crutches & in agony! They said on my meds alone I was unemployable due to insurance costs, but I'd still have to look for work🤔😶 And I wasn't entitled to anything because I'd quit work years ago😵 (bad back, depression)!? That's when I applied for Disability Allowance & failed, due to the 'inaccuracies' (bull poo!) told by the examining doctor. On appeal I got enhanced & that's when there were 3 levels of the benefit! Then PIP was introduced & I had to appeal that just to get the lowest. My lumber stenosis (cyst pushing on nerves too), bulging discs, degenerative discs entire spine, permanent nerve damage down right side, arms/hands/fingers tingle from trapped nerves, thumb base tendonitis (from 7yrs on crutches), fibromyalgia & an ever increasing list of ailments. I'm still waiting to hear from my second application/face to face appointment for PIP, 6months & counting...🤞🏻

If you've had MRIs your GP can give you a printout of the results, a list of your meds & ones you've tried/stopped due to side effects & these should help your application for benefits. I wish you luck (tho' it's obvious you're entitled to the money) & let us know how you get on. Invisible hugs 🤗

[Hidden in reply to trudym]

Hi

I had to find work on ill health retirement last year. I applied for pip and luckily I got it, my Dr gave me print outs of everything plus my consultant said he would back me up too, I think that clinched it is all my other conditions. Also, citizens advice are very good and are willing to go to your appointment with you if you need them to. With all my love and hugs Lynne xxxx