Just to let you all know that my Appeal was allowed. I can claim my disability allowance from DWP again and will not be reassessed for the next year. The decision was made by a Judge, Doctors and a Jury. What a waste of money by the Government.
I just feel that it so important to thank all of here on this site for your constant support and encouragement. And of course to Melissa who was incredible with her help and encouragement.
Feeling quite emotional with all the uphill struggles to get this far. Love znd best wishes to you all. 😊😊😊😂😂😂😊😊😊xxx
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morrison
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Congratulations. Great result. Will give heart to others facing the same fight. One has to be involved and proactive nowadays. You accomplished much and accomplished also for others. Super job.
That is such a weight off for you, I hope you can relax a little more now, you deserve to.
My sister is going through the same for another illness, as you say it costs such a lot of public money and it seems the one's who really need it have to go to hell and back because they are genuinely too ill to fight it. xx
I've seen your reply and I know exactly what you mean, every step of the way as I've been through the same process with hubby. It nearly killed me, and I wasn't ill then but I was so determined, he was getting the higher rate of DLA at the time and they just took it all away - no reason - nothing given , needless to say we appealed and did get it overturned but we'd already gone through the awful awful process of application in the first instance - it beggars belief what goes on in their minds, think they have a target of 'getting rid'. If you recall I said I had gone through the process, at the time of your appeal, but that was I unable to afford the time, as looking after hubby, but any hints and tips I was happy to share - and I felt bad about that but I had to be realistic about what I could do - that is why I am soo pleased you got the right result. I also understand you can't appreciate that at the moment.
I have to say the stress it causes is an illness in itself and something you cannot always fully pull back from. I absolutely HATE the benefit system, not what we were brought up with, always worked, then bam you're wiped off your feet for something that was not your fault but ruins your life as it was, my hubby never worked again after his accident and I always say he never got over going back to teaching, his pupils loved him and some still keep in touch, how lovely is that.. He was voted the best teacher for successive years - makes me want to cry when I think what we lost but hey ho life goes on...at least I've still got him!
I completely understand how you are feeling at the moment re your job, hubby has, after 25 years, just about let go, he ALWAYS thought he was going to get back to normal, I knew, his doctors knew, but he didn't, and we didn't ever dissuade him from that thought at that time, but it made him depressed in the end and he had to accept the state of play. You know you are one of the lucky ones, getting this result, which I know is how you are feeling right now but you can't feel sorry for the rest I'm afraid, just sympathetic is all you can be.
If you can't get back to work you can do your photography as a hobby....try to look forward now and put it behind you for your own sanity - it's gone now.
Yes great news. But what worries me is that a lot of people couldn't go through an appeal with the way they feel. I nearly didn't but with help on this site I carried on. I wonder how many don't carry on. This has taken the wind out of my sails for this year. No one should feel like that with this disease. That's why I don't feel elated. Just exhausted with the whole process. Could have put me back to square one. But my determination wouldn't let me. But others might not have that. What to do now DL. I think know a lot of this also is that I do want to work and really miss my photography job. But can't do it. So my brain is on over ride. Why can't you. No I can't mode. Makes me upset abd angry. So might feel better tomorrow . I try and question myself that I don't feel elated with my result. Because I want my old life back. Sad. But I must make the best of this one. Xx
You are quite right that people shouldn’t have to go through what you’ve been through, it’s bad enough when you’re fit, but when you are ill it’s just too much. You were/are very brave to have the strength to do it, and sometimes we have to.
I went through a similar process during my GCA journey, won’t go into details, my husband was ill and didn’t want me to, but my son supported me, and eventually after about 18 months we got the result we wanted, but there were times when I nearly threw the towel in! It’s not easy fighting the system, but sometimes it has to be done for your own peace of mind if nothing else.
As for returning to photography, I’m sure one day you will, maybe not in the next few months, but one day you will be strong enough to. For now, just put the past behind you, no point in being angry, it’s gone, you’ve come through it with the right result......and remember tomorrow is another day....and tomorrow is going to be better than today!
My sister at 53 feels the same, she has RA and has to fight every two years for benefits, some days can`t hardly walk., I see the stress she goes through when it comes round......she looks back at her working days, I tell her not to torture herself...…..
She looks forward to a 3 year old grandson visiting every week....but is in bed that day by 7!.....
Hello Morrison - I'm very pleased to hear the news about winning your Appeal. But, as you say, there is no joy in the "victory" as yet because if common sense had prevailed you wouldn't have had to go through such an ordeal.
I had several of these type of battles over the years in relation to my ME and they really do leave you feeling exhausted. But gradually a sense of satisfaction will emerge and you will be pleased with yourself for finding the strength to fight for what you are entitled to.
Needed a judge? Gosh. Excessive, isn't it. All I needed (NZ Disability Allowance) was a form filled by my doctor stating how many years it's for and tick from an extensive list of options of what should be granted. I only wanted help with lawn mowing but she added doctor and pharmacy visits. Duly granted and payment started with next superannuation.
Congratulations! I am just filling in a 12 page review form for PIP. Taken me a week so far as it hurts to write. There's no online option. Nearly done, got three pages left.
I do get PIP but only £55 per week which is definitely not enough to replace work is it? It just about pays for my dog walkers which is something I suppose! I am very lucky in that we can manage on my husband's salary because I am having to retire myself now as I can't keep going in my work even though it is not strenuous physically and I have kept it going for the 6 years I have had PMR. The problem is I am now burnt out trying to manage it for this long and have no enthusiasm for it. I am self-employed so have no sick pay etc.
As you are describing your sense of loss, I have been through that too- the loss of all our expectations, sense of purpose, direction etc. and we get to "what now?". I have learnt that the answer to that is to get well first and then see where I am after that!
Good luck on your continuing journey and, hopefully, the PMR/GCA will also improve now the stress has lessened?
My son was self employed and is now - after a 6 month delay receiving ESA - which you can claim if you are self employed. It is a bit more difficult if you a company director but it is possible............if you want to P M me for more specific info then pleas feel free.
Fantastic news - what a relief for you - finally! You will be able to move on now without the weight of that burden on your shoulders! Delighted for you xx
Really well done Morrison! I’m thrilled for you. The system is awful, stressful & degrading. I’ve been going through the same with the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme for the last 5 years and it still goes on. It made me feel like a beggar asking for charity and all you want is justice. I’m sure the stress of it all was one of the triggers for my PMR and it certainly can’t have helped your health. I’d just had government costs awarded against me (albeit reduced because the judge could see the iniquity of it all) when my PMR started. I hope things get better for you now and you can enjoy the summer with less stress. Once again really well done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😀
I know exactly how you feel. As I too had to go through this process (?). The first hearing was cancelled as they could not make up a panel. The next when we went in they introduced themselves then said that they were adjourning as they needed more medical evidence. The next hearing was cancelled due to the snow. The next day I received a call from the DWP asking how it went in court yesterday !!! They then proceeded to tell me that the medical evidence was overwhelming and I was being awarded the higher level PIP.
What a blooming performance and not surprising that Esther McVey is being castigated for her departments poor performance. I did email her, but never got a reply. However my MP wrote to her and got a rather jumbled response. So it would seem that she is a nice woman, but totally out of her depth.
So pleased for you as this is one less thing to have to worry about. However please don't fret about your photography just yet. You need time for this to sink in and to recover from the stress you have been through. There are new developments all the time with regards to technology and you never know what you may be able to do with lightweight equipment and an improvement in your health. Sending you love and gentle hugs Janet xx
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....and I AM well!
What a year! 
what a difference a year makes
Jaw MRI result, “compromised” miniscus
A bit of a GCA flare...not bad
