Anyone receiving PIP or the old one DLA

[Lottieonline]

I was told many years ago I was suffering from Fibromyalgia, UC plus depression etc and received DLA on the highest level.

Do I call the Department of Health and inform them my diagnosis has changed once I've seen the consultant but I was wondering if anyone on here receives DLA or PIP?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Lottieonline,

I did apply for DLA a few years ago, but was declined it. At that time they didn't seem very interested in my lack of mobility or lack of sight, but seemed more interested in my mental state.

As you already receive it, and depression has been mentioned you may be more successful, but I don't think they regard PMR per se as a reason to award it.

Good luck anyway.

[lesley2015]

I have PRM and GCA and was declined.

[Rose54]

Hi

If you are on DLA you will be called at some point to apply for PIP which is replacing DLA .

It does state any changes to your condition you do by law have to inform DWP.

Fibro is untreatable as you are aware ,PMR is treatable however reading previous post you do have a variety of medical condition that would still entitle you to benefits .

PIP is much harder to get the awarded of high rate care or mobility and many have to go to appeal to receive even the lower rate.

I would say its down to your principles if you make that call

If you do please get help to complete the application form for PIP from CAB or welfare rights advisor ,Care Manager if you have on .And if possible request they or someone attend assessment with you.

Best Wishes

Rose

[Lottieonline]

Thank you Rose.

Firstly I wouldn't ever lie.

If my condition has definitely changed I will tell them, but I'm so unsure.

Still cannot walk, stand, move have social adult services help me with disability products for my bed, in & out of bath etc.

So I think nothing has changed except do I want to start steroids

Thanks for your reply

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lottieonline]

If your diagnosis hasn't changed you aren't yet lying. In the meantime - I imagine you were awarded them on the basis of your disability level, not the diagnosis, since there are plenty of fibro patients who don't receive these benefits. Until you start steroids you won't know whether the problem is fibro or PMR - or even whether the pred will help enough to change your disability level. If you don't respond to the pred nothing has changed. If you do, then the assessment will be different. And it is perfectly possible to have both fibro and PMR and the same time - they are not the same disease or cause.

[Rose54]

Hi

If I was you I would wait until you where sure if you have PMR or Fibro it may be and I hope not that you have both.

As for steroids none ever wants to start them

but if its quality of life I would opt for quality and take the steroids

without them I was unable to do anything for 2 months and was totally miserable and in pain thought my working days had ended.

8 months on I am back at work and things are so much better.

If you have Social Services involved at least you can put all the aids you have down if you decide to make the call .

However as I say wait till you are 100% sure of your diagnose.

Best Wishes

Rose