PIP Rheumatoid Arthritis

[stupidra]

Hi everyone I’m new to this forum I was diagnosed with RA when I was 17 back in 1979 but have coped really well until 2009 when osteoarthritis combined with the RA started to wear me down. I have been on Rituximab since 2011 which brings my flares under control after a few months but now my immobility is really hindering me. I have continued to work but don’t feel I can do so without reducing my hours so have decided to apply for Pip but because my flares are over a year apart don’t believe I would qualify what are other people’s experiences please?

[KittyJ]

If you put PIP into the search box and filter for NRAS then lots of posts about it will come up.

NRAS also have good information on their website about applying 😊

[B3ntl3y in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks

[Hidden]

Pip process is difficult but you sound like you more than qualify. I claim it as too had to reduce my working hours. Make sure you get as many letters of support from your medics/ physio etc before you apply as there is a limited time to apply once you make the phone call. Always answer as your WORST DAY. Do not say sometimes or good days. It’s time you slowed down this disease isn’t going to go away.NRAS have a section on benefits.

[stupidra in reply to Hidden]

Thanks everyone for your responses my concerns are around frequency of flares which are just over a year apart between treatments my flares last between 4-6 months and affect me all over but at the moment it’s more osteoarthritis and I am not able to walk even short distances so do I mention the issues that I have when flaring or not?

[B3ntl3y in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much

[Pippy25]

In addition to the good advice already given, should you apply keep copies of everything you send and also get either proof of postage or better still send it signed for. If you can get an organisation such as Welfare Rights, CAB or if you have a local based organisation who deal with supporting people in applying for PIP, ESA etc to help you with your application. Sending my best wishes x

[Hidden]

Morning. PIP is awarded on FUNCTIONALITY, and MAJORITY OF THE TIME (read 60%+). Focus on what you CANNOT do; stating when you need help from another person/ an aid / an adaptation.

I am always honest. I can do things some days. But the majority of the time 5/7, I cannot. I break it down into days per week, but you may be better off breaking it down into months…

Go through each activity. Explain your difficulties. Back up each ‘activity’ with medical evidence. Be very clear. Good Luck.

Benefits & Work and/or Fightback are worth the fees. I personally would also gather evidence/ do a draft application, before phoning DWP for the form. As soon as you phone them, a 28 day countdown clock starts, and it will be AT LEAST a week before the form arrives.

[Typsey]

Hi and welcome. Please go for it as I’m like you. I was diagnosed aged 25 in 1985 and had always worked but had to reduce hours due to pain and fatigue. Last year I was made redundant so made the decision to retire early as my body was telling me I couldn’t go on struggling. I think we just learn to deal with the pain and everything that is associated with R.A. and OA we just get on with it . Like the previous responses write everything down concentrating on your worst days and what you struggle to do on a daily basis. What help you need, even if you don’t get that help and all the medication you have to take. Don’t miss anything out. Even the smallest of things . I qualified for ESA in the support group and got PIP low rate for personal care which I’m happy with. Get your reports from your doctor for the last 5years. You can request these from your doctor and include any letters from specialists etc. Good luck with it. It does take time but hopefully you’ll get a positive response. Stay safe hun

[B3ntl3y in reply to Typsey]

Thanks very much

[Plumcrumble]

Hi, I would definitely try for it, I see no reason why you shouldn't receive it, I to was diagnosed with RA in 1979 when I was 17 😊 confirmed in 1980 it took so long, and how the meds have changed, best wishes Sarah 💕

[mattcass]

Hi Stupidra. I don't start Ritixumab till 6th July where I get a 6 month infusion. Can I communicate with you if I have any questions about it. Matt

[stupidra in reply to mattcass]

Hi mattcass yes no problem 👍

[Neonkittie17]

Hi, I think it’s sounding very much like your previous joint erosion and damage is causing the osteo pain. Sorry it’s impacting on your working life. I’m on Rituximab since early 2014 and it’s stopped all rheumatoid disease activity returning 6 weeks after starting it and hasn’t shown CRP above 5 so it’s stopped the horrible RA pains.. but what it can’t do is stop the pain of the previous joint damage/OA.

I have PIP too and was reviewed/changed from DLA to PIP in spring 2019 with a ftf assessment. Even if Rtx is working well to hold back RA you are still likely to have the side effects of exhaustion when your B cells are depleted and it affects your immunity very much so you are likely to pick up infections. Take all that into account. Also the damage of your joints too causing you this constant daily pain. We often think .. I’m ok and not that bad .. when we are! I’m a prime example of all that as I worked with disabled people so thought of myself as better off mobility wise than a lot of them so I must be ok.. my rheumy told me off for that and said .. you have severe RA!

Yes do try for PIP and as others say, answer for your worst day scenario. They’ll know you’re not given Rtx for nothing. That’s exactly what my assessor said. Luckily I got a very helpful decent one and I hope you do too. Do the form in draft/make notes as you’ll want to amend/keep adding and if you can’t photocopy it then take photos of it on your phone. The one thing I was told by the assessor after my appointment is that they want to see your verbal answers match what you’ve written. Not word for word but that you are aware of all you’ve informed them of. Good luck. x

[B3ntl3y]

Hi I applied x2 to PIP and was denied

Weirdly said I would go to tribunal

Then got a random phone call from PIP saying if they would give it to me would I stop the tribunal

I said yes and I got it thought it was most odd and felt blackmailed

[Hidden in reply to B3ntl3y]

disabilitynewsservice.com/d... Read this.

Await your decision letter. Ask for a copy of the ‘Health Professional’ report. Do an MR even though you have been offered ‘something’ if it is not the award you think you should get.

Join ‘Benefits and Work’ (£20). Also Fightback to help you.

It’s annoying that we have to pay for help, but it is worth it x

Good Luck!

[stupidra in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that I applied in early July but I haven’t heard anything back as yet but will do as you suggest 👍

[julie1908 in reply to stupidra]

Hi, I am interested to know how your claim for PIP went as i am just about to start the process myself.

[Hidden]

Hi Stupidra. (Good name) Pip is non-taxable and you can receive it while working. Forms focus on daily activities: washing, eating, meeting people, travel. You can add a personal statement from someone who helps you and add medical evidence such as a photocopy of your prescription. They also want a note of your GP, hospital appointments eg rheumatology. I agree with J1707, when filling in the form, think of your worst day and even mention things you can do but point out they take longer/ you have to pace yourself/rest a lot (I'd imagine) Fatigue seems a major problem, even on your good/acceptable days (or less bad days)...

Once you get PIP you'll be able to think about the way ahead and whether you realistically can work for much longer to allow you to focus on your health.

There is then also Employment Support Allowance if you decide to leave your work . Sending you good wishes.