Good morning, sorry been in a rut for last couple of days, still am. Sitting here, looking into space, can't get myself moving.!!!!!!!

[maisiemoo14]

The last couple of days I've been on a downer, just can't get myself moving. Can't get docs letter until 30th April to give to DWP for my ESA reconsideration, next week its the dreaded job centre, when I go, I end up having a meltdown because they are so nasty to me. They know about my Emphysema, scoliosis, depression etc but still what me to apply for jobs that are unsuitable for me. They know I'm waiting for my reconsideration, its on the computer in black and white. I found out by letter that they wanted to sanction my JSA for 4weeks and ended up sanctioning my JSA for 2weeks, that was overturned by the decision maker so I don't think they were very happy.

My daughter said she will come with me next week as she knows I'm dreading it but all this has been going on since January and I haven't the energy to fight it anymore, I've lost over a stone in weight, I'm not eating or sleeping properly etc. I just want to see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!!! I thought I was doing so well but I don't know anymore.

[bepete]

Hey masie.

What happened to the person I spoke to the other day ?.

The one who was loving the weather , and was out in the garden ?

Sorry to hear your having problems with the job centre, ,,, ive got that to come in the future!!!.

I admit to getting uptight about it sometimes.

Its an awful feeling, not knowing what comes next.

Im sure things will work out though,, and you will have help from your daughter.

Try to have a decent easter.

REGARDS.

pete

[Hidden]

Hi

Glad to see you back again and sorry you have been feeling down - I have too and haven't written much, don't worry about it, we all have times when we don't feel like writing on the site.

You say they want you to apply for unsuitable jobs - I presume you mean that physically you would not be able to manage them? Firstly, have you talked with them about how your disability affects what you can do - also can you get a letter from a specialist saying what things you are able and not able to do. The other thing is that you might go for interviews and then talk with the employer about your difficulty in doing the parts of the job you cannot do, they might turn you down or be able to offer you something else (presuming you do want to work). That might be the less stressful option, if you don't get the jobs then you will not be doing them.

I do hope it helps your daughter being there, but ultimately they will want medical evidence of your incapacities other wise you COULD be making them up - though I am not suggesting you are!

Suexx

[maisiemoo14 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Sue, problem with me was I believed them when they said that they would contact my doctor and specialist that I see for my Emphysema. They asked if I had put the details down, which I had. So I thought the time delay was them contacting the doc and specialist, only for me to get told that they don't contacted the doc or specialist anymore, that it is up to me.

I would love a part time job but it would have to be suitable for my Emphysema and also I would have to get over my fear of strangers and stranger places.

[Hidden in reply to maisiemoo14]

Hi, oh how annoying for you that you thought they would do that. Now have you contacted your specialist - I hope YOU don't have to pay for a letter from him, maybe your GP can let you have a photocopy of any report she has had from the specialist? I do hope it gets sorted out soon for you. Suex

[maisiemoo14 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sue, sorry to hear about your poorly ribs, hopefully they will mend quickly for you.!!!!!

Been out in garden this afternoon, took it easy as I am suffering with my back. When I was last out in garden, something went in my back, so I've upped my painkillers.

My doctor is charging me £20 for the letter, he is also going to put in the letter about my Emphysema as well as all my other illnesses.

[Hidden in reply to maisiemoo14]

Thanks for your good wishes, I hope your back eases too. Suexx

[Photogeek]

Hi Maisie sorry to hear of your trouble with the Job Centre. . Unfortunately in these cases it is up to you or the person In question to prove to them that you are. Not

Medically fit to do the job. They assume At first that you are and you will have to

Provide all the medical reports to back that up.

I agree with Sue about going for the interview and the. Ask them what the

Job entails, you can then say what you can and cannot do. That way you will be

Seen as making an effort, it's great that your daughter is supportive.

What age group are you in and would you have worked recently. Look after yourself

And not eating is the wrong way to go about things, so start to eat properly.

Stay calm and just wait it out, if you really are not capable of working, then I'm

Sure you will be fine.

Hannah

[Stilltrying_]

Maisie I am so sorry to hear about your problems with Job Centre. Unfortunately this is the way things are going; it makes me SO ANGRY that in many cases they are making people worse by forcing them to go for jobs for which they are unsuitable. Bear in mind they are not thinking of you; they have targets of numbers to get into work and they don't care what kind of work or whether you can do it or whether you can stick at it, just that you are off their numbers of people to get through.

I agree with Sue if you have to go along with these things they make you do then do at least point out at interview all the difficulties you have and the aspects of the job which you feel you could not cope with and request if they have another more suitable position or can make adjustments. If there was genuine help available then one would not mind so much but this is just a numbers game to them. You have to then look out for number one and make sure you don't put yourself in a position wherein you are basically forced into something which you are unable to do and which will worsen your physical and/or mental health. I hope they manage to sort your ESA soon ; having to provide evidence is yet another thing you would expect them to look into if they were genuinely trying to help. Another thing I would make a point of telling your doctor how ill this is making you; yes stress of this kind is WELL KNOWN to increase not decrease both our mental and physical health problems. Don't be ashamed of that as it is a normal response to such pressure but do make sure you tell your doctor about it even to the point of it going into your notes. Gemma X

[maisiemoo14 in reply to Stilltrying_]

Thank you Gemma, I wish had someone like you living by me as you talk so much sense. Since January I have lost over a stone in weight because every time I think things are going OK something else goes wrong.

Hopefully, once I send the results of my mental health test to them as well as the letter from the doctor, things will start getting better.

If my back is OK, I will be back in the garden tomorrow (If the weather is nice) more heat treatment.

How's things with you Gemma???

[Stilltrying_]

Yes, I'm ok thanks. Just about managing the bank holiday weekend so far. Fingers crossed and many thanks for asking. I've made plans for all the days so I should be ok hopefully x

[Hidden]

Hi maisie I am on Jobseekers Allowance as well. I have lung problems, a bad back and depression. It is very hard isn't it? What jobs did you put on your JSA agreement? They can't make you go for ones which are not on there. I got a letter from my doctor saying I could not work more than 30 hours a week. Is it possible to get one from your doctor stating the maximum hours you are able to work. Get one. Now as well as signing on I used to work for them and this is my advice for what it is worth. Staff will get funny with you and sanction you if you argue with them (though nasty is not nice). They are following instructions from the Government and they are told what they have to say to you. It is rubbish I know but play the game. They DON'T make the rules, they just have to apply them so arguing with them gets you nowhere. Whatever they say to you say yes and smile. Apply for the jobs they have told you to (check your JSA agreement first). You can make it (but not obviously so) that you don't even get an interview or if you do you can fail it. Just do what they say and DON'T argue. This gives them no excuse to get funny with you or to sanction you. It is much easier than disagreeing with them and they will leave you alone. There are other things I can tell you which I don't want to put in a public forum so pm me if you want to. Ok? x