Esa

[Klmitch]

Hi there im currently on levothyroxine hve no gland it was removed for cancer, im also diagnosed with ME, and i also hve spina bifida occulta i am now in chrinic pain struggle walkin on a daily basis i hve a esa assessment soon wondering if anyone knows if i qualify for the support group? And also high rate pip?

[Skeeter1956]

Hi kilmitch

There is a website called Benefit and work that gives advice on benefit claims . Might be worth a look .Also citizens advice can help .

Regards Skeeter .

[shaws Administrator]

I'm sorry I cannot help you with regard to ESA or PIP. Hopefully the comment from Skeeter1956 is helpful.

We can give you support on here for your Thyroid dysfunction because if you are finally on a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones, your other symptoms of ME etc will improve. Most of all if your doctor can add T3 to your T4 as you have no thyroid gland whatsoever would be very helpful, I feel sure.

When I was on levothyroxine alone, and I did have a thyroid gland, I had widespread muscle/joint pain I could barely move. To step onto a pavement was awful.

Now, I am painfree and feel well and you can get there when your doctor treats your symptoms first and only use the blood test as a guide. He/she shouldn't keep you at the top of the range, i.e. TSH should be 1 or lower.

We have to become knowledgeable as it would appear that, on this forum, the doctors know the least.

You also have the complication of Spina Bifida occulta which will also add to your symptoms.

"I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions"