ME/CFS review

I thought I’d share my journey in the hope that it gives others the strength to persevere with this heartless and soul destroying process. Today I learnt that my award remains unchanged and I won’t be reviewed until 2034

I have been ill since 1998 and have had the delight of being assessed under incapacity benefit, transition to ESA (where they just didn’t want anyone in the support group so contribution based payments stopped after a year), disability living allowance, transition to PIP and two reviews. My condition has not changed for over 20 years. During that time I have had one tribunal and two mandatory reconsiderations. Unsurprisingly the process has had a hugely negative effect on my health. My review this time was paper based (a huge relief in itself).

I’m feeling very overwhelmed and emotional knowing that I don’t have to have yet another assessment. I’ve spent so many years with this worry hanging over me. I’ll be 71 at my next review unless they find a treatment/cure in the meantime.

Stay strong and be kind to yourself - don’t let the buggers get you down.