PIP Review Help, Advice and to say Hello

Good morning B&W members,

I signed up yesterday as I was advised that this was the best site to receive advice and support for PIP.

A little bit of background on myself. I’m late 50’s but had to retire from nursing over 20 years ago because of Rheumatoid/Psoriatic Arthritis and the way in which it had affected/damaged my body and spine.

It was only a couple of years ago that I applied for PIP as my mobility had deteriorated.

I received higher rate care and lower rate mobility, apparently because I didn’t go out much, in March 2021 ongoing until February 2024.

On Thursday I received my brown envelope to say that I need to complete my review within the next 2 weeks! Eek!! this seems very soon and can they assess before my end date of February 2024?

Since my initial application where I stated how my Rheumatiod & Psoriatic Arthritis and Pustular Psorisis affected meI have been diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis and claudication (literally my spinal cord is strangulated). According to my Neurologist it’s up to me whether or not I have the operation as it is very, very risky and would involve the ‘complicated surgery team’. Due to my condition I am quite often neutropenic and heal very badly so I’m reluctant to have the operation. My GP feels that it will only get worse but I think that some life is better than no life if it goes wrong. My mobility leaves me housebound some days but not everyday, I try to be independent but with my arthritis I’m very often in pain and have brain fog. I now have a blue badge (although have to be driven due to the immobility of my spine) I now have greater freedom than I did a few years ago.

I get incredibly tired and overwhelmed with the information and I’m not sure where to start as far as filling in the forms! Last time I typed everything up as it was easier than writing. I have a copy of the points I was allocated. Although I am worse than when first applying I’m not looking to increase my points but I’m panicking that I might lose my Blue Badge as I also get an bus pass and this had been a lifeline, although this is all in my head.

Can someone with more knowledge than me please advise where I can find information on the site to help fill in the forms?

My husband is worried that because I try to be independent I shouldn’t apply again although he doesn’t dispute the help I need he feels we can manage without the money on our pensions. For me it’s the fact that on a bad day the Blue Badge is my life saver!

Also because I’m reluctant to have the operation when health professionals think it might slow/stop the deterioration, will this go against me on the form?

Thank you to anyone who reads this , it’s much appreciated as I’m getting myself in a state.


Ally

Thank You Chris, I feel totally overwhelmed and want to make the best application so I’m glad that I joined the forum

Thank you BIS, I’m just wondering if I need to submit all the evidence I used in my first application or just new information. I’m sure that the guides will explain it but I thought that you might know.
I’m trying to get my ahead around around explaining new/ongoing symptoms.

Ally