Upset - no bus pass

[net2012]

Applied for a bus pass today and forwarded to my GP. Applied through disability or injury to legs. Just had a phone call from surgery to say can't support as last letter on file says I am in RA remission. Don't know what to say to this... Yes I am very luckily in drug remission but have had damage and this is what I am applying for . I can't walk long distances. I can't weight bear ie carry anything remotely heavy as it affects my foot. I wanted to go swimming and do this for exercise for my feet and legs because I don't think they are up to using running machine or cycle, and everytime I use a bus it is £4.20 so a lot to lay out when you only have a £100 monthly ill health retirement pension. My hubby supports me financially as I don't claim benefits.... just sad. I have an appt with a GP Monday so we can discuss. Maybe explaining it in person it will come across better than what is on paper. Just bit peeved that they can say you are refused because in Remission. Maybe my ulnar drift on hand will not become a problem to be anymore in that case.

[popsmith1874]

Just because your meds are in remission doesn't mean your better and surely they realise this is an incurable disease, you just wonder sometimes what planet their on, tell him straight at your appointment hope you get your pass xxx

[Amy65]

Ner2012 that dosent sound fair I got 1 for disability .perhaps u could think about applauding for pip u might get mobility to help u get around .amy

[Birthdaygirl]

The GP has lost the plot. Remission does not mean cure or that all early RD damage has been reversed.

It may be that the NRAS help desk can give you some advice on how to deal with your GP. Perhaps they have some booklets? I think it might be worth a quick chat with them.

Let us know how you get on. Wish you well.

[sylvi]

See another dr and explain to them about why you want the bus pass.xxxx

[kt11]

You should see another GP, good luck xx

[Ruth12345]

I agree with all the above and really hope face to face explanation will help. Drs can prescribe exercise on prescription iefree access to gym for a period of time...i think 3 months but not sure . I would think as this is to improve your physical and dont forget mental health surely that must help. I wish you all the best. Let us know.

[calamityjane1971]

I would appeal the decision. Have you got any evidence that you have damage to your legs, for example a physio report, X-ray report something like that confirms you have damage? The fact that you can’t weigh-bear would mean that you literally can’t put one foot in front of the other as you need support to be able to walk. Do you use a stick or crutch or a frame? All this evidence would help your application.

[Hidden]

Everything I've read on PIP says it is awarded for effects of disability on your life not the disease itself, surely bus pass is the same as they are still glaringly obvious in your case. 'Remission' is such a loaded term, I wish they wouldn't use it for RD: not cured are you? Damage is already done and it's a chronic, progressive illness. So sorry that's happened, good luck with appeal x

[opalfree]

Hi net2012, hope your appointment with GP on Monday goes well...Maybe, GP doesn’t understand that although you might be in remission, doesn’t mean you’re cured!!!

In preparation for your appointment time any walks with distances and make any notes on symptoms experienced (breathlessness, pain and exhaustion) and take this with you to your appointment. Wish you all the best x

[net2012]

Hi thank you for all your kind replies. I did ring the helpline. I queried the reference to being refused on remission,. I have looked at the equality law, and yes they have to rule out what affect drugs have on your condition, it is the condition itself and what the impact has on your life, so I am gong to download that and take a copy with me.

I am on Humira so an expensive drug to keep someone on if they are in remission or no longer have RA lol.

I have had in both feet nodules round the toes (walking on marbles) and steroid shot for that. Have had long term pain in right ankle and then in 2015 I developed posterior tibial tenosynovitis in left ankle (it floored me) Had x rays, ultrasound, MRI, physio appt, podiatry appt did say it was RA. I had thickening of the tendon, synovitis, and osteoarthritis in several places . Could have done an operation to clear it out but was advised because of the medication I was on not advisable. It took a year to heal!!

I am taking aids that I use for support with me to the appt, not my gloves, splints or anything like as it is well documented on records from Occ Therapy. These are kitchen aids I use to open a bottle of milk, and I am going to say I use a bus as support for my foot. I have photo's on my phone of the swelling I suffered through the year and actually a photo my leg from Aug 2017 of swelling of lower leg (during the time I was suffering from the tendon the swelling went all the way up my lower leg and I had to wear a stocking supplied from physio dept). So I am sure that showing that recent photo should show I am still suffering from damage.

I will let you all know how appt goes on Monday x