DWP Assessment

[Estellemac]

The person was so empathetic and considerate. I felt it went well. She understood fully effects of PMR and all my related conditions. I felt at ease and able to express myself explaining fully how everything affects me daily on a really bad day. She was a qualified physiotherapist and trained in assessing various conditions. Let’s see what the outcome is?

[Hidden]

I had mine about a year ago and pip awarded so wish you well. Only difference was it's 3 years rather than indefinite. Keeping fingers crossed for you. The woman I saw was nice too.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good,

let’s hope the outcome is successful! I couldn’t get anything when I had GCA, but that was under the old scheme, and never had an appointment just a letter of rejection, which I challenged but still no go!

Hopefully the illnesses are better understood now, or at least in some places.

[Estellemac in reply to DorsetLady]

Hiya

I am feeling stronger all round now and went in ready for an argument. But she spoiled that by being nice. If they choose to annoy me further I have lots of time to torment them back in phone calls writing and any other media as I have far too much time on my hands now (could even do a part time job). NOT!!!

I can get out and drive a bit so my mental state has improved and positivity is shining through.

[violetsnowdrop]

Good! Just hope she writes it up as well as mine did.

No, I won't say it. (tongue in cheek!)

[Zebedee44]

Hello Estellemac, i hope your report will reflect the assessment. My HCP was also a very pleasant young physiotherapist, and appeared to understand my condition, now I find she recorded it as a musculoskeletal problem!!!

I read back through the ESA50 form which I completed way back in March 2017 and it's clear she hadn't read it, although I assumed she had and therefore thought, silly me, that she understood about my fatigue, bain fog and depression. I was honest and genuine in my interview, I'm not sure she was.

Fingers crossed for the outcome, Chrissie

[Estellemac in reply to Zebedee44]

Hi Chrissie

I am feeling good at the moment on 5mg of Pred. My hip is very slowly improving and mentally I am looking on the brighter side. I did the interview and spoke about what it is like on a very bad day pre Pred. I do have the additional Hip Surgery issue that’s taking longer to heal and osteoporosis caused by Pred to be considered as well. I am sceptical about any assessment as their primary aim is to get you off benefits . That’s seems to be regardless of age and a 40 year work history with no prior sick record. Thing is it’s only ESA contribution based so why not leave me alone?? It’s bad enough loosing a job you loved having no social life and feeling useless. But what ever the outcome I will put a smile on my face and fight any negativity or inconsideration they throw at me.

Von

[S4ndy]

That's just it, you have to keep a positive mental attitude.

I assumed that neither the pip or ESA assessor had read anything me or my doctors had written.

The nurse I had for pip didn't appear to have read it but was very kind and sympathetic and wrote the report how it was more or less

The doctor I had for the ESA WCA assessment had clearly read everything and fully understood my conditions. He appeared to be going through the motions for the DWP but kept reassuring me and my hubby that he could see how things were for us and that he was reflecting this. I got both awards.

I think its the process we have to go through that's so stressful, knowing that this is constantly going to go on as the DWP want everyone off benefits and in work. Thing is no one would employ me before my illnesses so I was self employed then and certainly no one would employ me now!

Just gotta "just keep swimming" as Dory says xxx

[Zebedee44]

I was interviewed for Jobseekers Allowance today and the lady was very kind. She advised me to waste no time in requesting a mandatory reconsideration and proceeding to an appeal if that fails.

I had a panic attack in anticipation of this meeting and ended up having an emergency appointment at my doctors surgery before attending. It wasn't my usual doctor (who had told me they didn't do letters in support of benefit claims) and I left with a letter of support and a sick note, feeling slightly stronger. That was short lived, the latter was rejected at the Jobcentre because my claim hadn't officially started!

The doctor prescribed propanalol as a quick stress reducer. I took some on my way to the Jobcentre and felt very pre-medded during the interview. Now I somehow have to get my addled brain round a comprehensive response to the DWP report. But not tonight, I'm absolutely drained!

Really hoping you get a better result, Estellemac, fingers crossed,

Chrissie x

[Estellemac in reply to Zebedee44]

Thanks Chrissie I am fortunate to have my Parker resolve panic attacks and anxiety when it get to me. He also analyses all the reports as I get so stressed I only read half of it get mad and go off on one. I will update you on my results.

[Zebedee44 in reply to Estellemac]

Yes, you are indeed lucky to have your Parker. I live alone and my grown up children are now overseas so I have to handle everything on my own. It's taking its toll on my health.

I look forward to hearing good news, Chrissie.