Hi Is Lupus classed as a disability? I work but j... - LUPUS UK
Hi Is Lupus classed as a disability? I work but just lately have had a run of illness + tiredness. I live in uk and begrudge paying for pres
The definition of disability within the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) defines disability as:
'A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out day-to-day activities.'
Hence yes Lupus can be classed as a disability as for most people with SLE the symptoms have an adverse effect on the ability to carry out day to day activities
Re prescriptions having Lupus usually does not come under the exemptions for paying prescriptions ( unless you can show continuing physical disability that prevents the person from going out without help from another person)
For more details re exemptions and how to get a pre payment card (that in long run makes your prescriptions cost less if you have many items on prescription) try this link -
nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcos...
Hi thank you so much for this
When my work place finished me, I printed off this gobblydegook from directgov to show my union man. Lupus is classed as a progressive disease that can fluctuate and flare. It didn't help my case as I can no longer work outside.
I am on 6 different medications and pay 10.40 a month, otherwise it would be 44.40. Thats on a pre payment card. You can set it up on the net.
Yes it will be much cheaper. Thank you.
Yes - prepayment is the way to go. Here is the link for the online form - put the start date on the form as the day when you apply and you can get a refund on any charges you have to pay before your card arrives:
Thanks.
Hi, as with Lupus and all the associated problems with it are not deemed to be a good enough reason for being given free meds the only way to go is the prepayment card. I have carrier bags filled with meds each month, it would cost a fortune for me without the card, infact id be unable to have meds without it. Even having a transplant and needing meds to keep this going and me alive and off dialysis isn't good enough reason for the government to award free prescriptions. Think the system is wrong somehow!
I agree it is wrong when you have a chronic illness. I have many meds for lupus but I have had a thyroidectomy, so I am exempt from paying. You made me think of my brother who has had 5 kidney transplants. Sadly all have failed and he lives on dialysis. He has had a triple heart by pass, and is now going to need an amputation of his whole leg. Despite a life of illness, he had to pay for his meds. It wasn't until they found his thyroid was underactive, that he finally was made exempt. There are not a lot of conditions on the list that qualify for exemption. A pre payment card is the best. My husband only has two meds a month, but it is good if he needs anything else during the year. (My brother does not have lupus. Don't want to scare anyone, and he can no longer work, so is also exempt now anyway.)
Come and live in Scotland , NO prescription charges here.
Hi go 34
I totally agree that it is appalling that we have to pay for our prescriptions. I pay for a prepayment card like most people have stated which saves me a fortune. For the sake of a direct debit of £10.40 a month for two carrier bags of prescriptions which would cost the earth I would definitely opt for the prepayment card.
I think that the health secretary needs to change the ruling to extend to more conditions to be exempt from prescription charges. In case of patients with sle what makes us less deserving of free prescriptions? After all if we don't take put medications it puts our health at risk and could also cause fatalities if medication is not take !
There is very little understanding of how serious sle can be I think the government need educating lol.
I think a poll should be taken and handed to the health secretary and parliament to change the current policy - if an MP had to live with sle bet they would change get it then - oh no forgot they would class it as expenses lol.
Lupie hugs
Esky x
Hi thanks for your thoughts, I even wrote to House of Commons as suggested by Lupus campaign to get free prescriptions due to the Lupus, what a waste of time, I had a nice reply in a fancy house of commons envelope, but was alas a waste of time, I was only told what I already knew about pre-payment card etc. I feel at times you are just left to get on with the condition, I don't feel I want to keep running to Rheumy or G.P as soon as I have a slightly different symptom, even if you try it's so hard to get appointment and then by then symptoms are subsided, having fatigue at moment, also dry mouth and eyes and not sleeping so good but carry on!
Hi gco. Thanks for your reply. I cannot believe that the house of commons could be so callous - actually yes I can. They are all sanctimonious, lying, scheming, thieving scum lol. Don't have a high opinion of politicians! I think they thrive off other people's misery. And to think we as voters put these people in charge of our country lol. I know exactly what u mean though. I feel like I am constantly back and forth from gp to consultant as I am always ill. I hope eventually we will get some form of support from the "system". I hope u feel better hun, sound like me just have to keep battling on. U take care all my thoughts and lots of lupie hugs Esky xx
