I have received a questionnaire to fill in for ATOS..

[jamg3916]

I feel sick and just want it all to go away. I am thinking about going to GP to explain how anxious etc I feel..try to avoid going as don't feel any good ever comes of visits! I have Lupus and Fibromyalgia and currently awaiting decision on ill health retirement from teaching. I have a very small pension which means i have to claim benefits to get by. I feel very down a lot of the time, but all GP wants to do is give me anti-depressants...which don't address the real problem which is illness and financial worry. Would others recommend asking CAB to help with form they have been excellent help with PIP...just find sitting there going over it all so exhausting and debilitating. How have others fared?

[Tonkawoman69]

Hi,

Im a teacher to about to loose my job due to ill health . No decision has been made but sometimes I need a wheelchair. I am still awaiting my DLA claim and also claiming ESA and had to fill in the ATOS form. I have just had the ATOS doctor out from ATOS to report to DLA. I still waiting for decisions. I feel like you . I have days when I cant get out of bed. Only recently I spent 2/3 days in bed and slept most of day. I have been in so much pain and cant walk. It gets you down and Im waiting a change in tablets. But have to wait for consultants to write to GP. As you know takes for ages to get answers. I went to CAB and they were brill . Have told me once I have got decision or if I need help with appeals our support then I am to go and see them. So definatly go see them to help you fill in the forms. Also I have applied for help with a plus bus. If you are claiming pips or DLA or have a blue badge you can use the service. There will be something in your area maybe not called plus bus but that helps with getting about if cant drive. I also applied for a blue badge at my local council and was agreed one without even getting DLA approval so if you havnt got a blue badge and you need one because of walking then try and get the help to make your life easier and make yourself more independent.

Hope that helps.

Andrea

[SickNotWorkShy]

I to have lupus and fibromyalgia so do understand how you feel. I would consider the anti depressants as they are the recommended way of treating fibromyalgia. With fibromyalgia it is suggested that you have low levels of serotonin and SSRI anti depressants help increase these levels. If you are feeling a touch better you may feel that you can cope with your situation better.

I have just had my ATOS assessment and have been put in the WRAG , so like you are going through hell. I have been to CAB and have my appointment booked for 17/10 so already feel more in control. I saw my GP today who is writing me ANOTHER support letter at £25 per time. I have given her all the information and draft letters I found on the Black Triangle website. I personally feel better, my future is uncertain as if I am not moved to Support I will be destitute as in no position to attend work meetings let alone go out to work. DWP may be in control of the decision making however, we are in control in how we deal with the situation. Yes, we can roll over and let them walk all over us, but if you stand up and fight, it will cost them money and this farce of WCT will hopefully end. Good luck with your claim.

[lynzard]

Good morning

I have also been forced to put in request for early ill health retirement from my job as children and families social worker. Always looked forward to retiring but being forced into this with no choice at all. Very scary as like you my pension is very small. We are having to move from our (rented) home in London to our caravan on the south coast until wecan find a little place we can afford. The most painful thing for me is that we will no longer be living close to my grandchildren and son. We are their main support and I worry so much about how they will cope and I will miss them so much. I hate the impact that fibro and lupus are having on my life despite working hard at staying positive. Good luck with your own pension application. x

[permanentgrowingpain in reply to lynzard]

i know things are crap in london re renting but have you tried getting housing benefit sorry if this has been tried and not got but no one should have to leave there home if they are ill

go to cab and get them to write a letter on your behalf there are little know laws that the council have to pay for your home and debts that can be inplimented if done in the right legal way if you dont ask for you dont get please look into it also look at the charities website turn to us fill in the form or phone and see what help they can get you there are charities for all sorts of jobs that people have done in the past and also in relation to where you were born etc so its worth looking into that avenue

[lynzard in reply to permanentgrowingpain]

aw thanks for that. isn't it lovely having this 'site'? i guess i wasn't thinking about housing benefit cos my partner works and no doubt as housing benefit is means tested we wouldn't be eligible. so lovely to get this support.

[permanentgrowingpain in reply to lynzard]

its all worth a try

im 60 totally nackered by connective tissue issues that may be lupus or fybromyalgia or something else all i know is i ache and i am at my wits end with it

waitin to see reumatogist

find people dont get it

i say i feel like ive done an exercise class all the time or have flu l the time

it restricts my life never mind not being able to work

this goverment would have us doown the coal mines illness or not

im weary but still fighting

im walking like john wayne today heheh

pubic bones are so sore i dont want to put my legs together and hips and knees awful

shoulders have joined in the melee tonight so its going to be crap night oh well theres always never enders to watch

thats how exciting my life is

hehe

hope your keeping sane and remember theres loads of us out there

[anbuma]

hi there

like you I have fibromyalgia and thyroid and lupus symptoms which drs aren't recognizing and don't feel I get anywhere with my DR.I went to my GP as soon as I received my Atos Questionaire and he agreed to support me with my claim at cost of £26.00 for a letter.