Into the lion's den........

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Marian Posted: 06-08-2011 3:15 PM

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After once again being put back on antibiotics and steroids again, 2nd time in the past 4 weeks, I am tomorrow attending a medical with regard to my claim for DLA & Mobility. I'm now at the point of being unable to 'gird my loins any tighter' and am just going to take it as it comes. I really must adit that after 15 months of dealing with the dicky ticker and the clapped out lungs, the terrible bouts of depression, I'm now clinging onto the thought of what will be will be.

Apparently  a report has been requested from my doctor, completed and returned to them. All I can do is go and see what happens. I really am fed up still with all this and if I've end up having to appeal then I'll just have to do that. I'm doing my own head in worrying about all this, which in turn is no good for me in the long run.

On a more positive note, I return to see the Heart doctor, the Respiratory doctor and a Psychiatric nurse who I see, all in the last two weeks of this month so hopefully I will get some answers and better still, some help that works. It's true to say that just about now, my patience is running low but I know that I must attend this inquisition, sorry medical, and so I enter the lions den tomorrow afternoon.......PLEASE wish me luck

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wheezyjohn replied on 06-08-2011 3:34 PM

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go to your meeting as Daniel. 

good luck John

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CarrieMe replied on 06-08-2011 3:54 PM

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Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more ...

Hope everything goes well tomorrow!

Carrie

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Marian replied on 06-08-2011 5:08 PM

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Think I'll need to be David as well as Daniel! lol Either way, I've got to make a stand and at least try. The point has been reached and there is no turning back. I'm standing my ground and doing my best. Thank you for your best wishes and I'll let you know how I get on.

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Maria replied on 06-08-2011 5:27 PM

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very amusing analagies Marian, my medical team are more like a pussy cats with cheshire cat big smiles, but I know what mean, it can be daunting, good luck with it all

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Pollyanna replied on 06-08-2011 6:48 PM

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Good luck Marian

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rita replied on 06-08-2011 8:56 PM

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Fingers crossed for you Marian - are you taking someone with you for support??

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Marty replied on 06-08-2011 10:21 PM

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good luck maria it will go well

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Marian replied on 06-09-2011 11:47 AM

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I wish I had a medical team that were 'like pussy cats with Cheshire cat big smiles'. I'm sad to say that my experience so far bears no resemblance from that description I feel.....more's the pity    Anyway, I can but hope that one day......

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Marian replied on 06-09-2011 11:59 AM

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No Rita, I'm going in alone. I'm just about at the stage where I feel that 'get it over and done with'. I'll no doubt be reduced to a state of gasps and sobs but what the hell..... Sounds like every day for me. If I've got to go and be put through it then so be it. I'm passed the point of caring. Will just have to see what happens. 

I thought about others on here who's posts I have read and who have less lung capacity than I have and still manage to carry on but I am living in this body, not anyone else's. It's great to hear that they can do their work, good luck to them but I know how I am and I may be wallowing in self pity and feeling sorry for myself, perhaps I need to get a grip and sort myself out but at the moment it is just as hard as it has been since I found out. I apologise to you all for waffling on and I do appreciate your kind wishes. I just wish this ordeal were over and done with. Sorry once again for going on x

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wheezyjohn replied on 06-09-2011 12:42 PM

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Marian is it not possible to get them to come to yours? especially as you may not be up to the whole going out ordeal?

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Marian replied on 06-09-2011 12:53 PM

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Unfortunately my partner works nightshift and so he is in bed during the day. Without his sleep he cannot work his shift and without him working we have no money at all. He does enough for me without having to be deprived of his sleep as well. I've just got to go and do the best I can. Don't want to but I'm old enough to know if life there's lots of things that we don't want to do, that we have to. So like I said, I've just got to get on with it. 

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Marian replied on 06-09-2011 2:36 PM

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Have just received a call from the medical centre to say that my medical has had to be cancelled and will be re-arranged for another date......Lost for words

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ingrid replied on 06-09-2011 2:58 PM

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Well, that takes the biscuit!!! be a different story if you cancelled at the last minute. Wonder how long you will have to wait now.Might be better now to wait until you see the docs at the end of the month, you can then tell them how you feel withing yourself, and....get copies of everything while you are there, and a statement / letter saying you are definately unfit to work. This delay might work in your favour. You must have everything in writing, because if the medical is from Atos, then they are liars and are not on your side, but the side of the DWP and are employed to get people off DLA .You have to get the proof and beat them at their own game. I have been through it all and it makes my blood boil.

Try not to get too depressed, this just might work for you instead of against.

best wishes

ingrid

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CarrieMe replied on 06-09-2011 3:13 PM

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Hi Marian,

Make sure you make a note of the date and time they phoned you and put it with all your other notes.  That way you won't forget - it sounds better if you can quote dates and times accurately.

Carrie

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John replied on 06-09-2011 5:58 PM

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So dissapointing Marian,

That is terrible, what time in the afternoon was the appointment for ?

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JayKew replied on 06-09-2011 8:00 PM

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 I think they have a cunning plan.

Ive been applying for DLA for my COPD since April 2010 and Ive now got to the Tribunal Stage.

Had a letter in December to say that my Tribunal would not be before 11/4/11.

Thought I would give them a call on Monday last asking for an update.

"Cant give one, sorry. We just have no idea when we can get round to seeing you".

I believe I have a water tight case but who knows really.

Two points disturb me about these waits,

Firstly its on my records that my situation is now a lot worse than it was when I originally applied and if I applied now I wouldnt have any need for a Tribunal.

So if, when they eventually get round to Tribunalising me, if they say NO then Ive lost months and months and months of lost benefits ( from a fresh application) because of these delays.

And of course as Im now 63, any claim I make must be applied for before Im 65.

I wonder do they sneakily take this into account when setting Tribunal dates.

Seven months waiting for just a date for a Tribunal Hearing is truly shocking.

Still, we are just numbers not humans irregardless of what they say.

Give them both barrels Marian.

John

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John replied on 06-09-2011 8:55 PM

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no wonder you are using a flying fortress for an avatar Marian.......make sure you have them in your sights for your next  visit and bombs away, not goode enough after all you have endured....early diagnosis? why, what for ? for heavens sake and try to get somebody to go with you, for answers and moral support

johnny boy

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wheezyjohn replied on 06-09-2011 9:37 PM

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Hi John and Marian, yes it's a funny old world, I' m in the position of having a 2-5 Ticket upon being diagnosed with IPF but I have to keep working till I can no longer pull myself out of bed and for what? it's not like I am going to get to draw my old age pension as I am only 59 so why should I have to spend my last days with my nose to the grind ? I think they have a nerve and I know none of them could look me in the eye and spout there regulations, criteria.

I do enjoy a good grumble though

John

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rita replied on 06-09-2011 10:02 PM

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To all of you waiting for your DLA outcomes/ for interviews it's all bad and is such a shame the whole system is crumbling because some undeserving people (see Saints & Scroungers - BBC), have been fleecing it for years.

It is a disgrace that you are having to suffer the indignity, what the h... we can do about it I do not know apart from getting on the nerves of every MP in the country.  You have every right to have a good grumble and if it turns us all into Grumpy old Men and Women - so be it !!!!!!!!!! 

Gggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr to the lot of them

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wheezyjohn replied on 06-09-2011 11:28 PM

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Hahahahaha, Rita, your a top notch grumbler, in fact you are a grumblers grumbler.

 You have inspired me to go away and think about my next grumble

John the grumbler (It's almost Biblical........old testy-ment )

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Marian replied on 06-10-2011 1:16 PM

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My appointment was for 15:45, John. They kindly sent me a plan of  the journey if I were using public transport. I must admit that at the first stage of my journey  it would have been on foot to a local bus stop. I found it amusing that they had printed that it 'would' take me 7 minutes to walk to.....Er, wrong! Try 15 to 20 mins with numerous stops along the way.....Give me the shoes that will make me walk that fast and I will wear them! lol (As you can see, today is a day for me being flippant! )

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Marian replied on 06-10-2011 1:39 PM

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Early diagnosis? 'Fraid not as it came to light last March when I stopped smoking and was told by the smoking cessation nurse that it was the best thing that I could have done with me being previously diagnosed with COPD, (Which I later discovered was diagnosed 6 years previous according to my records!) After speaking to the BLF h/desk I was advised to ask to be seen by a specialist, which I did and it was then that I discovered, after tests & CT scan, that I have 40% lung capacity and have moderate Emphysema. It's now been 15 months that I stopped smoking and unfortunately since then, I discovered that I also have Angina. All in all it has been a continuing struggle which has now, understandably taken its toll and I now suffer with depression.

As for my Flying Fortress, I have to admit to having a passion for Lancaster Bombers and the 1940s and wear the clothes from this time as often as I could. Needless to say though that what with all this hassle going on in my life at present, even the enjoyment of something as simple as that has lots its appeal. I love the music too but like with everything, my enjoyment of the things I love a short lived sadly. I want the 'original' Marian back but I now know that she cannot come back the way she was. I guess one day when all this struggle has been dealt with or I just throw in the towel and give up, I may have accepted the 'new yet not so improved' me. That day is hard enough to reach without all the hurdles that a lot of us are seemingly having to battle and endure with.

I must admit that everyone is so kind and say that I shouldn't worry about moaning on but it does grind you down and I don't like being in this tunnel. I do so love the sunshine,,,,sometime soon I hope

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Dave replied on 06-10-2011 4:17 PM

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Hi Marian

Never give up. Keep fighting, it's worth it. I've put a link in music that I think you'll enjoy.

http://forum.lunguk.org/forums/p/3409/21181.aspx#21181

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John replied on 06-10-2011 5:03 PM

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thats the spirit Marian, wear the 40's gear for johnny b goode measure
we shall fight on the landing grounds,
we shall fight in the fields and in the streets,
we shall fight in the hills;
sending route maps then cancelling an hour before you are taxi-ing up the runway

remember that churchillian salute ? never before.......... etc.

goode luck with it all and bring on the Marian you used to be, or always have been

Johnny b

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Maria replied on 06-11-2011 10:28 PM

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Hi Marian,

did they not give you another date for a rescheduled appointment straight away ?

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Marian replied on 06-12-2011 8:30 PM

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Unfortunately all I got told Maria, is that it would be within the next two weeks....

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David M replied on 07-02-2011 7:08 PM

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keep on fighting Marian we are all doing the same as you

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maureen replied on 07-20-2011 11:32 AM

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Hi everyone

After reading your stories about DLA i count myself as being incredibly lucky in one way because i had no problem getting teh higher rate DLA on first application and that was 2 years ago. I filled in an online application and it took ages to fill in, it was like writing a book. I found a lot of the questions were repetitive (wondered if they were trying to catch me out). I answered everything truthfully and i was awarded my DLA backdated for 2 months and i've had it ecer since Feb 2009. Unlucky in as much as I had to apply for it in the first place though.

Maureen [:D

Has Marian had her appointment yet?

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Marian replied on 07-20-2011 1:59 PM

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Unfortunately I'm still waiting for a decision to be made, Maureen. I was told that they had tried to get information from my consultants but when I contacted their secretaries, I was informed that no information had been requested ? 

It also turns out that the ATOS assessment that I attended was not for my DLA/Mobility claim but for my NI Contributions. I am sorry to have to say that they have said that I do not qualify, as the result from the assessment says that I am fit for work. I am in total despair.

I saw my respiratory consultant the week before and I was informed that it is not moderate Emphysema that I have but severe and that I will never work again. Two days later I saw my cardiac consultant and he explained to me that my recent regular usage of my GTN spray was being caused by stress.  7 days later and I'm told by the DWP that I am fit to work! Words fail me and to top it all I now have to see a counselling psychologist as well as my psychiatric nurse. If I had a magic wand this would all disappear. It is becoming unbearable.

I know I have to appeal and I did ring the CAB representative who helped fill in my forms, she gave me her number to ring if I was turned down and had to appeal. Unfortunately she wasn't available and I was later contacted by someone else who advised me that I would have to make another appointment with the CAB. I now have to wait 2 weeks for an appointment and I am appalled to receive a copy of the ATOS assessment and I cannot believe what has been said in it. 

Avoid stress I was told. I'd avoid the whole bloody lot of them if I had my way. Sorry for swearing but I really am becoming war weary but I know that I have to battle on........

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Amazing Grace replied on 07-20-2011 2:19 PM

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Marion I not answering this cos I got anything useful to say but just to offer solidarity.  I remember reading your earlier posts and now reading this its just so bloody AWFul that you have to go through this.

I wish EYE had a magic wand.  Try above all not to stress.  It will only make you worse.  Restup and then make a bloody nuisance of yourself from your home.  Make THEm come to you.  Call the ambos and call the police. Call the bloody PAPers.

Sorry I raving.  But its a disgrace, isnt it?

Love

S.

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maureen replied on 07-20-2011 4:26 PM

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Sorry to say this but half the time I think they drag it out because they are hoping we expire before they hand out anything! It doesn't seem to matter that we worked all our lives and contributed towards everything, then when we need help they aint forthcoming. Oh it gets my blood boiling! I NEVER wanted to give up work but i had no option, it doesnt look good a nurse going to work on a mobility scooter with a portable oxygen cylinder in tow.

Hang on in there Marian dont let the barstewards get you down

Maureen xx

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rita replied on 07-20-2011 9:09 PM

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Marian

How awful for you and just shows what an absolue shambles this whole ATOS thing is.  My understanding was that at each interview/assessment there would be a "medical" person in attendance and by the sounds of it is if they are then it is from the previous century but not from 20th or 21st.  You must appeal if you can possibly bear it and I would also be inclined write to your MP.

How can you possibly be able to work - it is beyond belief  (((()))) - sending you loads of hugs and warmth.

rita

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David replied on 07-23-2011 12:56 AM

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Hi John

Just picked this old thread up,

Firstly its on my records that my situation is now a lot worse than it was when I originally applied and if I applied now I wouldnt have any need for a Tribunal.

The answer to that i'am afraid is it dosn't matter how you are now but when you made the claim( don't let it get to you)

All you have to do is remember your worst day when you made the claim and then state that your condition has got worse.( they will tell you that it when you made the claim that counts BUT they will heed it)

As for your other query About time for tribunal~### Dont worry if your appeal is upheld ALL benefits are backdated to the date of claim

I know as i have just WON an appeal for ESA backdated to last year (over 52weeks) and was paid backdated benifit and cold wheather payment for last year, Dont give up STATE your case and have referance to hand when you get a date.

The Tribunale has Nothing to do with any Benifit Agency and is seperate from the rules that they use, but have the right to overrule them so keep at it

Hope this helps

D

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JayKew replied on 07-23-2011 12:41 PM

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Hi David

Oddly enough I had my tribunal on thursday.

Won LRC and HRM backdated for 17 months.

I was a little worried by rumours that people were having  their awards taken away from them but my medical evidence was overwhelming and satisfied them.

I was actually feeling a lot better than I normally feel, I was hoping I was in  my usually awful mode.

Its the days when I feel ok that I think I shouldnt have the award.... bit of a guilty conscience at times.

John

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maureen replied on 07-23-2011 6:27 PM

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I used to feel guilty as well but when i sat down and thought about it i dont feel that way now! I worked all my life in the NHS my husband worked all his life and both my kids have always worked and my parents and none of us have ever claimed anything from the state! So now i need help I will take everything i can get, i want the time i have left to be as comforatble as it can be. Congratulations at winning your appeal

Maureen

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Lorien replied on 07-23-2011 7:16 PM

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Well said, Maureen.  Same here too. 

I worked since I was fifteen in dogsbody jobs, put myself through uni, brought two kids up on my own without a penny from anywhere and eventually earned myself a better wage and lifestyle.   I worked every Christmas day for over a decade and had my first job which came with holiday pay only after thirty working years!  I finally asked for help when I'd been too tired, ill and breathless to climb the stairs to bed after work  for over a year - only to come in here and have a (now ex-) moderator say that I was winging it in order to claim disability!

The stupidity of someone to suggest a person would swap a job that brought in over £500 a week after stoppages for 'fiddling' £65 a week out of the state still leaves me gasping (!) a year later.

I have an appeal hearing next month and just feel scared to death of more fighting and struggling.  Would we really go through all this because we can't be bothered to work?

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Eva replied on 07-24-2011 5:43 PM

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were you self employed lorien just wondering what jobs pay so good

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SheilaS replied on 07-24-2011 5:56 PM

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Were you a pub landlady Lorien, to work every Christmas Day for over 10 years?

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Lorien replied on 07-24-2011 6:19 PM

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Catering and pub trades, Sheila, then teacher in recent years.