I applied for PIP last year and was refused. I had to go to an assessment in the town centre. They didn't even contact my GP about my medical notes.I think because I work and the job I do, they dont see me as having a disability that I am fine.
I am a postie and like my job, I find that some walking helps me, but I can't carry much weight so use a trolley.
Driving from the office to the first delivery point, I would stiffen up, my ankle ache so need to rotate them just to try ease the stiffness in them
I would do a couple of loops walking then my partner who I work with would do the rest of the walking and I would deliver parcels. We were fine doing it that way.
On the way home I stiffen up and struggle to get out the car. Really tired so I have an afternoon nap everyday.
My body aches but I find a bit of walking helps.
It's funny that because I don't have a sit down job or I am not at home that you can't have a disability.
My shoulders and elbows ache, my jaw aches at times as well. The worst for me is neck pain, that had me in tears, it's worse in the winter. But all year round at work I wear a snood just to keep my neck warm. Thick ones in the winter thinner ones in the summer.
I use hemp cream to help ease pain, I have a massage belt that warms up and massages my lower back. I have infrared massage gun to help ease some pain. I have a bath with magnesium flakes to help ease the pains.
My knee caps dislocate sometimes I was told that can be part of fibromyalgia.
I have bought so many things to try help ease the pain. I have a weighted blanket and that helps you have a better sleep but still get up throughout the night to go to the toilet.
I drive an automatic car because its easier on my body and my feet.
I forget things my memory is terrible, if I don't have a list I forget or I need to be reminded about things, even to take my tablets. I am forever saying the wrong thing when I mean something else.
I get so emotional maybe that's perimenopause I don't know lol
I just felt like I was just dismissed and what I go through everyday is nothing.
Why is everything a fight to get help.
I try to deal with my condition by myself because getting into the doctors is ridiculous.
I am not sure if I should apply again but definitely need to try and get an appointment at the doctors. So should see one in a month time.
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RACHPOW79
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Morning , although I’ve never been through this process , many members here have ,so hopefully you will get some helpful advice (weekend so may be quiet ) but I do read most people that have been refused do apply again, a month is a long time I would ring your surgery. &find out how you get in quicker , our surgery we now can go on daily online and normally get an appointment fairly quickly, take care x
Did you get any help completing the PIP application. It's often the way something is put on the form and the words used that will swing it either way. There are charities that will help or a few companies that will charge but do a good job of completing the form and doing a MR for you or will take it to Appeal. Worth getting help to try and get the right information down.
My relative had help on a MR having been refused PIP when he did the form himself and he went from nothing to standard living and mobility.
Did you also try the online PIP assessment which should give you a good idea of where you would score points.
Regarding the doctor, they don't always ask for notes they assume that you will send all relevant paperwork to them with the application. Never rely on the DWP to ask for relevant documentation, they rarely do and if you send anything to them after the original claim always phone them to make sure the additional information has reached your file and isn't sitting on somebody's desk somewhere waiting to be added.
I know it's a horrible process but keep trying. It helps to provide evidence from your GP and/or any medical consultants who you're seeing. I got mine after the 2nd attempt even though I had to appeal it. I recently had it renewed for 3 years after a phone assessment. The assessor who interviewed me was very kind and reported the truth even though I think she could have gone into more detail about my condition.
Hello, I'm sorry you're going through a tough time with PIP. Unfortunately it's very rare for them to contact your GP or Consultant. I would put in a Mandatory Reconsideration, and send them copies of any relevant notes from your GP, hospital/GP letters. I would also ask your work partner to write a letter stating how difficult you find it and that they help you whilst working and why they help you. Also try and remember to tell them what difficulties you have in line with the activities on the PIP form, as they don't really care what aches and pains you have, it's about how those aches and pains and your condition affects your ability to do the activities. If doing your job wears you out so much you don't have the energy to cook when you get home, tell them. Have a look at benefitsandwork website, lots of helpful info on there. You could also ask Citizens Advice Bureau for help with your Mandatory Reconsideration.
With my application I sent in photocopies of GP, hospital, consultant letters, list of medical appointments and operations. The 'wad' was over an inch thick! I don't know if they read it but after being refused first time I flooded them with medical paperwork. Good luck! x
Please do reapply. You are entitled to PIP with your disability. And if they refuse you this time please appeal. I was turned down when I applied a couple of years ago. They gave me absolutely zero points for the activities of daily life. I couldn't believe it! The assessor who came to my house flat out lied.
I'm usually a push over but I was so mad I appealed. When I went to the tribunal there were 3 decision makers there. One was a GP, one was a solicitor and the other was a disability rights man who was blind. They were very reassuring as I was visibly anxious.
They reversed the original decision and I got my PIP. You can take someone with you to the tribunal so I took my sister. The person who goes with you can speak on your behalf. I was glad that I both applied and appealed for benefit.
It can be expensive to be ill! You end up trying all sorts to try to help yourself as the medical profession don't know enough about fibromyalgia. My GP told me that. I've paid for taxis, a weighted blanket, swimming, massage, cbd cream for pain relief, different pillows, over the counter pain meds, various hot water bottles. I pay for 1st class when I travel by train because if I don't I'm destroyed by the time I get to my destination.
When you fill in your form be honest (I know you are) and say how you are on your bad days and how you are on good days. However, I advise you instead of just saying that you can do x, y, and z, say that when you do these things it takes you much longer to do them, and why (eg., this is because of severe pain and fatigue) than it takes other people.
For my appeal I got a couple of people who knew me really well to write a letter of support for me. I kept a diary of my symptoms for 7 days before the tribunal and I got my doctor to write a letter too. At the back of the forms there's space for writing more about how your illness affects you. I filled it in and included several more pages of writing with it.
Include with your claim any letters from the hospital if you have any. I didn't. Don't give up RACHPOW79. I'm rooting for you! Love, Elaine xx
Aww, so glad RACHPOW79. I'll be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. Let us know how you get on. Remember, if they say no, they're wrong so appeal xx 🥰
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