How does PIP work with fibromyalgia and trigeminal neuralgia

[Tiacoyle99]

Hi was just wondering how it works with trying to claim pip for fibromyalgia and trigeminal neuralgia is it work putting in for or will it be a hard case? I’m 21 with a 3 year old and now I will be told to start looking for work I have been getting sick lines for universal credit. I’ve had fibromyalgia since December 2018 suffering pain every single day that causes me anxiety just not understanding enough about what is going on in my body everything is affected

[lancslass56]

Hi Tiacoyle, I had to give up work 3 years ago due to fibro and now claim UC and PIP. It is certainly worth applying but I don't know how long you would have to wait for a decision at the moment. Covid is causing delays with everything.

You can work and still claim PIP. There is lots of help online to show you how to fill in the application forms if you decide to go ahead. I found the whole process much easier than applying for ESA (which I was refused)

Good luck✨

[Tiacoyle99 in reply to lancslass56]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼

[Greenpeace]

Hi Tiacoyle99 , I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at such a young age. It can’t be easy having a 3yr old to look after as well, they have so much energy.

I would certainly apply for PIP. As stated above, it may take some time due to COVID-19, but fill in the forms, and get them off.

The thing to remember when applying is, is not what your diagnosis is, it’s how you’re diagnoses affects your daily living. Fill in the form being truthful, and describe how living with the pain of Fibro, and looking after a 3 yr old on your worst day. Leave no detail out. Keep a diary, and gather all your medical evidence of appointments, and any tests, etc.

I’m sure you’ll get other replies, with details of where you can get help to fill in the forms.

Good luck.

GP. 😊😊

[Tiacoyle99 in reply to Greenpeace]

Thank you so much, doctors aren’t really helpful telling me that there’s not much they can’t do anything I’m on gabapentin 300mg 3 times per day and on verafaxine was supposed to be twice per day but it made me feel like a zombie no emotion so I stopped it the duluxotine make me sick constantly so doctor advised me to come off it. I genuinely am struggling day to day I’m a single mum if it wasn’t for my family I don’t know were I would be simple tasks like drying my hair or carrying bags from shop are becoming a real task I push myself everyday because I’m a mum to a toddler. I just fear applying for pip and them not believing me or making it difficult I have bad anxiety all the time. I tried going a walk the other day and I was just about crying with how sore my legs were I struggle with understanding why me I’m only 21 😭. Not everyday is a bad day I do get days were I am able to cope with pain. Thank you for your help it really means a lot

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Pip is based on how your condition affects you, not on what your diagnosis is. Some people with fibromyalgia qualify for pip, others don't.

[Farmerboy]

PIP is as you know a benefit to help and assist you with your daily living activities and mobility issues. PIP is not awarded on a diagnosis or illness or the amount of prescription drugs you are taking but how you cope or manage the activities, descriptiors in the application and assessment. Send copies of your medical information, not letters about appointments, any test results and consultation letters from any health professionals who can support your application. Keep a dairy of what happens when you try or attempt to do the PIP descriptiors, activity. Rembering you have to be able to complete each activity safely, repeatably as often required to complete the activity and in a reasonable time. A reasonable time is deemed as twice as long as an able-bodied person. Give reasons why you are unable to do, complete the activity and aids or assistance you have or require and how long you take on each activity.