Do I or don’t I??

[Gulfstream_Maggie]

Reading about all your negative experiences is putting me off even considering applying for PIP.

I’ve had fibromyalgia, I think for several years, only formally diagnosed by Dr in autumn 2020. I own my house, bought from divorce settlement. A previous owner has already installed handrails and banisters both sides on the stairs. Both have benefited me greatly with mobility and lack of balance.

I’m not at the “sticks” stage but can see that on the horizon.

I’m constantly stiff, exhausted, suffering with poor balance, lacking in strength and spatial awareness. If downstairs and needing to head upstairs for some reason you can quite often find me stuff at the bottom, a hand on each rail and looking up that long wooden drag trying to gather myself for the climb! I daren’t leave toileting till I’m desperate. ……….

Throw in the eye condition, which may or may not improve with surgery and I’m feeling that the Assessors are not going to be empathetic let alone sympathetic. Particularly if they know that I’m due a vitrectomy for my eye.

Up until beginning of last month I’ve been home-working full-time. My ‘employer’ terminating said employment at probation end. I think mainly due to the fibromyalgia (which they were fully aware of when employment offered) and the fact that the eye condition required surgery with 12 post op recovery period.

Eye condition just manifested, no warning, shortly after commencement. No trigger and no cause just age and deterioration.

TBF the lack of stress from not working has helped my general health although the exhaustion and fatigue are still there. I’m so worried about money now, I can’t apply for any other jobs as no employer will take me with surgery hanging over me. NHS keeps dragging its heels with dates and I’m left in limbo.

Not sure what to do. My partner does all of the cooking, I can manage a sandwich, toast, that sort of thing and to make myself a cuppa but that’s about it. House renovations are going at a snails pace because of health.

I’m at a loss with what to do and if I should even make a claim

[Pixix]

um…don’t you need a different kind of benefit? You’re still working age, so shouldn’t you get a benefit as you’re sick & can’t work? Perhaps call the citizens advice bureau. PIP…I didn’t get it when I just had fibromyalgia…it wasn’t until I had 6 named, diagnosed complaints that itwas available to me, & it was still a struggle!!