I survived the ESA appeal....

[fibrosam]

So. I'm not going to lie to you... It was rough. An hour of gruelling questions... And the doctor deliberately trying to make me trip over myself, but I stayed with the truth and told it how it is. And I'm happy to say they found in my favour. This means I am now back to receiving ESA finally, for up to 6 months before reassessment. However... It's going to take DWP 6-8weeks to process apparently. Ugh!

But focus on the positives Samuel! I won! In your face ATOS! Now if you'll all excuse me... I have to sleep for like 36 hours straight. I've never been as stressed out as I have been today. I thought I was actually going to spontaneously combust at one point.

On a more important, and slightly separate note, I really think I may be on to something with my fibro journey. I've found positive attitude and healthy eating is helping me to cope better. It's not making it easy - but it's making it better. If that's of any helper inspiration... I'd like to encourage you to give it a try. Honestly.

Xxx

[paula1967]

Well done xxx

[fibrosam]

Thank you Paula. Xxx

[Celticmoon]

So very pleased for you ~ every good wish. xx

[Hidden]

Well done Samuel, I'm glad you got your ESA, I think though that one day 'one of my good days', you are feeling positive and full of energy and zap, but it falls apart the next day and you're tired stiff and sore to say the least, just my observation, have a nice week xxxx

[coco68]

Well done

[julieevh]

Well done Sam, you did good.

You have hit the nail on the head about keeping a positive attitude .... and that in itself is an accomplishment considering all Fibro throws at us.

Julie xx

[Hidden]

Im so so pleased for you.another good story.

Ive got mine weds.

So im crapping it.now sleep.x

[bbstport in reply to Hidden]

good luck x

[fairycazzie]

Hi there, really happy you got Esa not everyone does.

We are just applying at minute so fingers crossed.

Well it was on advise to do so xxxx

[barnsleysar]

well done xx

[Hidden]

Oh congratulations so very happy for you.. what a weight of your shoulders ~ I agree positivity in any from does indeed help... not easy when suffering as we are, but it does help as along with nutrition and of course adequate rest and less stress.

Love to all x x

[sisterbadcrab]

well done you , one in the eye for ATOS !!! i am appealing so keep fingers crossed, as i have mine crossed for all those out there who have yet to go for a medical right through to the ones like me appealling ! Good Luck to you all!!xx

[SparkyMark]

Hi Sam and well done on the ESA Work Capability Assessment! Can I ask if you asked for a recorded assessment? If not, make sure you ask for one the next time you have one. Not only will this mean that you have a better "bedside manner" from the "healthcare professional" but you will have a record of what questions were asked and how you answered them for future assessments. Now we all know that if we are completely honest on the day, (which may be a good day) that we can do more than usual, but if you answer honestly on that day, you will not score the 15 points needed to pass the assessment. The organisation I volunteer for has been holding some workshops with the local Law Centre about the benefits reform, plus they also do a role play showing an assessment and how the "healthcare proffessional" assess you and tries to find small things that are not consistant in your answers. They even assess how you walk in, whether you are carrying a bag and how you put it down and how you sit throughout the assessment. For us in constant pain, they would expect you to keep adjusting your position in the chair, but if you use both hands to do it, you will not score any points for manual dexterity!!!

The reason I put "healthcare proffessional" in " " is because my first assessment was carried out by a Midwife. Now I know the amount of nursing training she must have had to become a Midwife, but how the hell can she possibly understand Fibromyalgia? She stated from the start that if my ESA was declined due to the assessment that it wasn't ATOS' fault as they were only following DWP guidelines. I knew from this point that I would not pass the assessment....

[Gessy]

Well done ,Sam......I hear a soya diet is good but not for me....I've cut out white bread,corn,& anything to sweet...I'm still learning what I'm happy to eat,but smaller portains...I'm thinking of my ibs here.

[Kimmycupcake]

Congratulations Sam! ive got mine on 1st Oct, really stressing, any tips to help all us stressed out fibromartians? thats my term for us (all allienated from the rest of human kind )Well done again love Kimmy xx

[donna67]

Well done Sam good ot stay positive x

[hobbbllliiingaround]

Well done you , I am just filling in my second lot of forms, failed my tribunal last month. I was however rather under the weather the first round but the gloves are on for this time. I will take my time and make sure I list every little thing this time........Totally agree on the good attitude and healthy eating too, I find I cannot take the medications that are usually used. I have stomach problems and some depression issues so I get horrendous side effects. All I take is paracetamol and vitamins CoQ10 and A>C>E . It is a nightmare when I flare but in general I am feeling so much more in control now that I have the doctor on side with less medication and more physio....Pacing life very carefully at the moment...xx