Another diagnosis

[Kazzza1976]

hi guys

as well as fibromyalgia I have also just been told today that I have osteoporosis as well. Pip are aware about my fibromyalgia. Do I have to call them to update them about osteoporosis as well?? Does anyone know ? Thanks

[CM1EDSUK]

Getting another diagnosis isn't a reason that you need to report to the DWP. Such a report, called a 'change of circumstances' would involve getting another claim form to complete with usually another assessment.

Important to note that PIP isn't about any diagnoses, rather the difficulties you face doing/attempting any of the PIP activities/descriptors 'reliably.'

You should always try to get expert advice (from a Welfare Rights office or say Citizens Advice) before putting in for a change of circumstances, as even tho you might have an additional problem, if it isn't thought you may get sufficient points to enhance an award then you simply wouldn't do it as there'd be no advantage.

[Kazzza1976 in reply to CM1EDSUK]

ok Thankyou for your reply x

[Pasanda in reply to Kazzza1976]

Yes they say its not about the illness its about how you cope with day to day living and the help you need. Or if anyone needs to help you with taking medication or helping ypu dress or bath.

[Penthouse13 in reply to CM1EDSUK]

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2016 after attending the doctor for 2 years with symptoms. I applied for PIP and was awarded the standard for mobility and daily living. In 2019 I was diagnosed with COPD. I informed them about this additional health condition and was sent another form to fill. They replied after a few weeks and said my award would stay the same regardless!

[Loobielu]

Hiya, just curious to know how did they distinguish which of your symptoms were fibro and which were osteoporosis and how did they diagnose your osteoporosis? A rheumatologist has previously told me I have osteoporosis in my hands. Thanks X

[Wonderwall3 in reply to Loobielu]

Usually, osteoporosis is a body-wide condition? No offence meant, but are you sure it was osteoarthritis your rheumatologist diagnosed, rather than osteoporosis? I had a bone density scan and was subsequently diagnosed with osteoporosis, following an ankle fracture after a slight trip at home. I told my GP and he said I shouldn't have sustained a fracture after such a simple trip so he referred me for bone densitrometry scans.

I am still waiting for my appointment with the Fracture Liaison Service. They wrote to me in December to say that there would be a significant delay, but I think 8 months is an appalling wait time, as I should already have been taking medication to support increasing bone density. My Fibromyalgia wasn't diagnosed by a Rheumatologist, but a consultant Gastroenterologist following removal of my gallbladder in 2007.

[Loobielu in reply to Wonderwall3]

Hi many thanks for the reply! Gosh I meant osteoarthritis in my hands not osteoporosis 🤦. Honestly the lights are on but no one is home in my brain lol. Gosh that is a ridiculous amount of time to wait for your bone medicine, that's just not good enough. I hope you get an appointment soon 🤞. Wow gallbladder out too, you really have been through it haven't you 😔 x

[glochessum]

usually it’s with an X-ray. That’s how I found out about mine.

[Badbessie]

If your osteoporosis is not causing new problems there is no reason to report it. Obviously osteoporosis can cause problems and should be recorded on your next renewal.