Rachel

[Rachyrach47]

Hello just sent pip form off really worried about it x so many people complaining about delays getting flare up thinking about it. Would like to chat with someone like me about rheumatoid arthritis .

[3LittleBirds2]

Hello. Applying for PIP is a stressful business I know but please be assured that the application process has been improved a lot and if you look at some of the posts on here the turnaround for applying has become much quicker! 😊. Good luck and try not to worry!

[oldtimer]

Contact the help line at NRAS? They may be able to find you someone who has similar problems. I can remember feeling very isolated when I was younger because everyone else had what seemed to be trivial illnesses that they complained about a lot!

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Rachel & welcome. You have plenty here you can "speak" to about RD (I swap the A for a D for disease, it's understood better by those who don't know what we have) so you needn't feel quite so alone any more. Alternatively if you actually want to speak with someone there is the NRAS helpline who can arrange for you to speak to someone, the freephone number is 0800 298 7650.

Many of us here have applied & also come through the other end & received PIP, myself included, so if you would like to hear any experiences of the assessment ask away, I'm sure you'll receive honest replies. Whilst it's true it's not a quick process receiving the result following assessment does seem to be quicker. I received mine 15 days after my asssessment & that was over the Christmas holidays.

I hope you enjoy being here, it's really helpful being amongst those who know just what it's like at times.

[Rachyrach47]

Many thanks x

[brealey6]

Hello i have got primary biliary cirrhosis and rheumatoid arthritis and i put in a claim for pip and i was turned down last year. I have recently been in touch with rheumy nurse because i have recently been having pins and needles in both hands but the left one was really hurting at night and she said that it sounds like carpel tunnel and get in touch with gp so i am not sure if i should apply for it again and so soon

[jasper2014oscar in reply to brealey6]

Hi Brealey6,

The PIP assessment i went to was a joke. I need a full/joint replacement due to osteoarthritis i also RA. I hardly do any walking because the cartilege in my has completely sheared off. I was asked by the health care assistant how far could i walk ? I told her approx 12-15 metres on a good day approx from my front to across the road where my car is parked outside a neighbours. She wrote in her report that i can manage to walk back and forth to my neighbours every day. That was with ATHOS but they no longer work for the DWP.

I had mine re-examined and they changed my award to the higher rate daily living and higher rate mobility.

They are much better now.

Good luck with everything.

K.

PS show them your having a really bad when they see you next time.

[lainee]

Hi welcome I am just starting to fill in form for pip, keep putting it off as I can't concentrate ! I wish you luck with yours and hope you will keep in touch and post if you need help x

[jlmack]

I found the best way to fill mine in was to have it open and available all the time in the kitchen so that when I was having difficulties I would write it down. Yes, my form looked a little messy but it was very readable and showed my daily struggles eg husband cutting up food, not being able to lift pans etc. I also printed out the NRAS leaflet and filled in the diary which I also put in. Hope ive been a little helpful...I was successful, I heard on Saturday

[Rachyrach47 in reply to jlmack]

I'm so pleased for you x I made an appointment with the cab they filled it in on my behalf arthritis and writing is my nightmare xx

[jasper2014oscar in reply to Rachyrach47]

Hi rachyrach47,

I know exactly what you mean. I am having that problem myself at present. My dexterity is ebbing away. I can no longer write very well. When i do write it has to be in capital letters. Its a pain in the proverbial A**E ! Usually i write the xmas cards out each year but i think i wont be doing it this year.

Sometimes when i pick the kettle up it feels like my wrist is sprained.

Good luck with your PIP claim.

K