ESA50 Questionnaire

Just read the forum on the Fluctuation conditions - My husband is in a very similar boat - he has;

Ankylosing Spondylitis/ Psyriotic Arthritis - of almost all his joints - very bad in his feet, he cant walk without the aid of sticks. He needs to stop every few yards, gets exhausted very quickly and is in general chronic pain all the time and gets repeated odeames, he has Hypermobility syndrome, Chronic Asthma, Iritis, a liver function problem, stomach problems, suffers blackouts, and was diagnosed with throat cancer 2 yrs ago, of which the treament has left him with poor speach ability.

He is in pain all the time and suffers mental health problems, he wont leave the house without me - a virtual recluse

He is very scared indeed they will find him fit for work, even though all his doctors say it cant happen, and should not happen, he needs care all the time, cant feed, dress nor take care of his personal needs for the majority of the time - he is clinically depressed.

The DWP have told him ATOS do NOT do home visits in cases like his, is this true and can anyone point me in the right direction please?

Thank you, he does spend a considerable amount of time housebound.

I did forget to mention he was written off by the DWP IB Medical Exemt over 12 years ago and his condition is far worse now than then.

The problem with the medical is that we never know how he will be from one day to the next, though in fairness when he is bound for a chronic AS flare-up he can normally tell a cpl of days prior to it.

His problem is the odeamas they can just suddenly flare within an hr or so.

I will though contact his doctors, specialists and cancer consultant etc for up-to-date evidence, ty )

Hi Mayflower
Thanks for your detailed response - it's much appreciated.
Got the dreaded call from D.W.P. this morning stating that the Questionnaire should be with me in about 2-3 weeks! Oh joy!
Have made an appointment to see the C.A.B. on Tuesday & will also see my G.P. In the next few weeks.
I can feel my stress levels rising already, the whole scenario's making me feel so anxious.
Did you send any supporting evidence with your claim? Or did you just provide them with more details when answering the questions?
Regards
Twinkle

Hi Twinkle
Pleased you found the posts helpful. I didn't include any additional supporting evidence but gave lots of information to each of the descriptors including some quotes from the FC Report & the DWP guide to the WCA - all in all amounting to 40+ typed pages!
I was careful to distinguish between my 'relatively' better, less good & worse days & how often they occur over a week/fortnight. Also, think about all the scenarios over a 24/7 & 365 day period eg time of year, weather, day/night time that may have an effect on how your illness/ disablity affects you.
As well as using the excellent B & W guides for physical & mental health, I also used the online guide for claiming ESA at Action for ME www.actionforme.org.uk & the ME Association www.meassociation.org.uk guide for ESA which is not free on line but can be ordered from them for about £3.00.
Best wishes
mayflower

Hi Mayflower
40+ pages! I am impressed! I fear I have my work cut out for me!
Hope that I get some sound assistance from the C.A.B. On Tuesday.
Not having the best of days today, so will sign off for now.
Wishing you a good weekend.
Regards
Twinkle