Old Stager.

[Cameraboy]

I'm 70 years old and had RA for 10 years. I was recovering from Lung Cancer surgery when the RA surfaced. I'm a really lucky boy. I'm 11 years on from the cancer, one of the few to survive. I've still got too many health issues so won't bore anyone with 'em, I'm sure many of you have the same. Biggest problem with RA IS THE DAMN DWP and their constant attempts to NOT help you.

[Gigi71]

Welcome Cameraboy, glad to hear of your recovery from cancer, not much fun with RD and other health issues, hopefully controlled as much as possible. There are many post on here with regard to PIP and peoples struggles, they can be accessed on the right hand side. I am on DLA and due to my age it hasn't changed. According to the news it's meant to be easier to access payments in the future. You could also contact NRAS on their helpline for advice. All the best. X

[Mmrr]

Welcome. Yes @#$%^& DWP is the bain of many peoples lives.

[sjhewitt42]

Welcome,

I hope that you find the support that you need both on here and with the stupid DWP. Congratulations on your remission too, you must be a fighter. Sarah x

[GranAmie]

i thought they didn't touch us oldies [i'm 76] in n ireland i was told that over 60s kept their DLA etc.. but well done you survivor, you xx

[Cameraboy in reply to GranAmie]

Hi, I just got caught in the PIP changeover, I'm 70 this year. My assessment robbed me of the high rate Mobility component but I still get £87 per week which helps a lot. I've been for a MRI scan today for spine and lumbar regions, I've been reduced to shuffling instead of walking so they are having a look. I've got to go for an Ultrasound kidney scan as well, just in case. I'm thankful for small mercy's these days. PIP wasn't brought in to do us any favours, only to rob us.

[Gigi71 in reply to Cameraboy]

Hi Cameraboy, just wondered how long you have been on prednisone, you advised on another post you took this. I had an MRI on my spine last October and have severe canal stenosis with the vertebra on L4 fallen on L5 it's very painful with nerve pain also down my right leg. I do have Osteoporosis from steroids, my rheumy and the neurosurgeon believe the root cause of my back problems are long term steroid use.

X

[Cameraboy in reply to Gigi71]

Hi Gigi71, When my pain started in 2009/10 the Rheumatoid indicator was hard to find and as my pain was severe I had a year on prednisone [25mg daily] Once the RA was verified I had to slowly reduce the steroids over a long period until the Methotrexate and Tramadol started to help. I still need 5mg daily of prednisone to keep things calm. I was warned that the preds would cause probs later on. Hence, my current spinal problems.

[Gigi71]

Thanks for your reply CB, even though I am on a bio med, I decided to keep taking pred and am now paying for it. Had erosive RD for 33 years. I would find it very hard to walk any distance, I now have a rollater which helps, I go this Wednesday to see the neurosurgeon after further tests. I hope you are able to appeal your PIP decision. All the best. X