Health/work capability assessment tomorrow.

[Vespa27]

Hi guys, a few weeks ago I was ordered to have this assessment by my work coach..

Its tomorrow. I will go however, I am unwell, I have been in bed for 2 days with flu. My fella took me out for a surprise dinner, 3 days later, I have flu.....suppose with our conditions its possible lol.

I don't expect they will help me at all, tjey took benefits from my friend who is paralysed from the waist down and in a wheelchair. I filled the form out the best I could but nothing on the form was relative to systematic illness like mine/ours.

So I am just going to go along and see what questions they ask me ...because I don't really want to speak to them.

I am going back to see my consultant on the 28th and going to tell him to sign me fit to work part time hours only and a phased return back to work.

I don't have time for these people they have no interest in helping people, I don't trust them.

Any suggestions for tomorrow please xx Alley

[jemlola]

Hi Vespa27

As you are unwell, you could ring them to cancel. It is legitimate if you are too unwell to go and could demonstrate that your immune system is flawed. I would try to take someone with you if you can, for support, to prompt you and to also be there to remember what has been said.

I think it is easy to minimise the impact of pbc on your daily life. Tiredness, abdominal discomfort, itching, disturbed sleep, poor concentration and issues with memory can seem like they are manageable compared to other conditions. Remember PBC is defined as a chronic and progressive

disease.

I think you need to let them know how you feel on your bad days. So if you have days when you are exhausted and miss out on family or daily life tell them about that. If you have days when you feel like you are walking in treacle, when you are so physically and mentally tired you could cry let them know about that too. Let them know if you have time when you feel low and have no motivation or energy.

Give them details of your Consultant, and any medication that you are taking.I would also tell them that they can find out more about the condition from the pbc foundation.

If you are refused it they will send you a letter showing you what you scored against the descriptors. At this stage you can request a mandatory reconsideration if you disagree with the assessment. Your local CAB might be able to assist you with this.

It might be worth getting a sick note from your GP if you decide not to go, to as this would backup ypur reason for not attending.

bmj.com/content/345/bmj.e7004

I have attached a link from the British medical journal that tries to explain the tiredness experienced by pbc patients. That might be useful for you to read or quote at your assessment.

I hope the assessment goes ok

[Vespa27 in reply to jemlola]

Hi guys I am back from assessment. It went really well. The lady I saw was lovely. She had checked everything with my consultant and my gp ... she asked me lots of relevant questions, and she said that I had a lot going on...and has signed me as permanently unfit for work either full or part time. I think when I said that it was progressive and incurable plus she had researched .... she realised that I am a genuine case.. so now I have to speak to my employer and see what he has to say. I was only in with her about 20 minutes..so now what? Perhaps I will apply for disability living allowance. XX

[Hidden in reply to Vespa27]

Thanks for update. Im really pleased you got a fair response. It must be a great relief to you and encouragement to apply for what else you need without hesitating and without thinking "they" are all alike. Enjoy the rest of your day first! Best wishes.

[jemlola in reply to Vespa27]

Hi Vespa27

Sounds like your assessment went well. I have heard some horror stories. I don't think you will be able to apply for DLA as I think everyone now has to apply for personal independence payment. Good luck with applying for that.

At least you are clearer about where you stand with work.

You can relax now

[butterflyEi]

no that it is the same thing but it is dealing with the same sort of people, I applied for a disabled badge for my mother and had help from someone from a local community organisation and she said that you have to tell them the worst case scenario, to give them the information of your worst days. Hope you get it sorted. Good luck.