Can I claim disability

[Ari3]

Hi there I have hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid Hashimotos despite my all bloods are good I still feel like a crap Iam on Ndt . Iam suffering from multiply symptoms including anxiety depression tinnitus low mood suicidal thoughts hair fall joint and muscle pain stress insomnia Heinrich daily headaches brain fog constipation food sensitivities rash memory issues Iam literally suffering from so much I can not continue to work anymore and must leave my job I hardly can cook for myself Iam in so much pain on daily basis .Anyone can give me any advice if I can apply for disability and how ? Does this class as disability ?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

You may be able to claim PIP personal independence payments

gov.uk/pip/eligibility

As the difficulties you are describing sounds as if they would meet the criteria.

Eligibility: A physical or mental health condition or disability where you:

* have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months

* expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months

You will need to name a GP / specialist or other medical professional who can be contacted to support you with your claim (confirm your difficulties). The name of the condition or how is would be “classified” is not what’s assessed, its how you manage daily which is taken into account.

The form asks you to describes the difficulties you have with daily living. It ask specific examples.

Claims can take a long time to process. (My childs’ disability living allowance DLA transfer to PIP took 6 months to process. A further 2 months until PIP payments began) & you often need to attend a meeting for a formal assessment.

While you look into claiming please don’t accept your health can’t be improved.

What are your latest results? EG TSH, FT4, FT3, Antibodies & nutrients (and ranges)

What hormone replacement dose do you take?

Do you have other health conditions, take any other medications?

What supplements do you take?

[Ari3 in reply to PurpleNails]

Just wanted to ask you as Iam on ndt and my t4 is lower side and TSh and t3 on top of range (tsh suppressed) as ndt does it .Could low t4 make me feel symptomatic or people who use ndt its normal to see t4 suppressed ?

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Ari3]

From what I read yes low FT4 can cause issues.

Many say its FT3 alone which affects their symptoms and low FT4 doesn’t affect them provided FT3 is top third of range. Low TSH, FT4 & higher FT3 is normal when taking NDT.

There are others that are considerably affected by low FT4.

You have many previous posts, could you put a history in your profile might help summarise things

In some of your posts say you struggled previously with levo alone, allergies & conversion issues?

Often those on levo alone can have high FT4 and low FT3 due to poor conversion. Good nutrients (vit D, folate, ferritin & B12) usually ensure conversion is sufficient but you previously posted you have DIO2 gene so conversion still an issue?

Is there any form of levo you have been able to tolerate? You could reduce NDT by a fraction and take a low dose of Levo. This could help balance out the FT4 & FT3.

You mention on the days you take 2 grains you are “shaky runny stools and foggy brain” do you think this might be over medication?

Do you take dose in one go? Ive read splitting the dose is helpful, but consistently taking the same dose is important.

I’ve only taken carbimazole as I need anti thyroid otherwise I’m hyper so I have no personal experience of this.

[endomad]

This has been discussed quite often on this forum. Hypothyroidism is not considered a disability as it is a treatable illness. My thyroid was removed and for 5 years i was very ill house bound but I continued to work part time from home. I was not entitled to any benefits as my husband worked and despite my career as an engineer ended I could still do consultation work from home. Do a search on here many have tried, I have a friend who broke her back and walks on crutches and she doesnt get disability, those who are hypo with brain fog would struggle even to fill in all the forms. My mum is 89 with parkinsons and gets low level care component as she is physically unable to shower without help, eating is tricky when shaking episode and taking her meds, the money is directed to her carers that come in 4 times a day to help with basic tasks. It is very hard to pass the threshold for disability. x

[Barb1949]

I agree it is almost impossible to get disability benefit on symptoms alone. As already stated Thyroid disease is considered treatable. The decision makers for PIP do.look for certain named conditions and not just symptomsDespite your doctors telling you your treatment is OK, your symptoms suggest you are very much not OK. You need to get a full blood screen with free T4 and Free T3 and post the results here. GP's and many endos have no idea about treating .