question re exemptions

hi im not quite sure where i stand on the one that says 'recognised and severe life threatening disease not controlled or reasonably controlled by medication'

ihave moderte copd(chronic bronchitis and emphysema) and in my eyes it isnt reasonably controlled by the meds im on as all lung function tests in the last few years show my lungs as being those of someone in their late 70s(im 46).so does that count as exemption and is emphysema itself an exemption.theres no proper list anywhere of what conditions are covered by this criteria.

migration wrote:

hi im not quite sure where i stand on the one that says 'recognised and severe life threatening disease not controlled or reasonably controlled by medication'

ihave moderte copd(chronic bronchitis and emphysema) and in my eyes it isnt reasonably controlled by the meds im on as all lung function tests in the last few years show my lungs as being those of someone in their late 70s(im 46).so does that count as exemption and is emphysema itself an exemption.theres no proper list anywhere of what conditions are covered by this criteria.

Hi M,

I think you would struggle here under the exemption that you mention.

Have you read the ESA guides in the orange MEMBERS ONLY box on the left.

The lung age that you mention is only one of the indicators used to diagnose severity of COPD, through spirometry.

The other important figures are FEV1, and PEFR (Peak Flow) you will also have been graded on the MRC breathlessness scale, grade 5 being the most severe.

I would suggest that you make an appointment to see your asthma or COPD PN, or your G.P., and ask them to explain these issues to you.

You could also obtain copies of your spirometry tests, and written overviews, you will find these most helpful.

Have a read up about COPD, and MRC scale on the internet.

See a link below for a chart on expected Peak Flow readings. :

www.peakflow.com/top_nav/normal_values/index.html

And COPD. :

www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40025262/

I feel that, for your condition to be classed as uncontrolled, you would have to be suffering regular exacerbations, as in respiratory infections, and hospital admissions.

Of course I do not profess to be an expert on the subject, but have a good lay knowledge due to my partner being a long time sufferer.

Hope this helps.

bro58

ah thanks for your help in explaining the situation more clearly

I am wondering if I fit that catagory. I have abdominal desmoid tumours, retractile mesenteritis & retroperitoneal fibrosis. They have all been deemed inoperable and the only medication I can take are strong painkillers & anti sickness medication. I suffer frequent painful & debilitating bowel obstruction & this cannot be cured or controlled. I have had to have TPN once when the obstruction took time to clear but usually so far it clears itself.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you

elainegem wrote:

I am wondering if I fit that catagory. I have abdominal desmoid tumours, retractile mesenteritis & retroperitoneal fibrosis. They have all been deemed inoperable and the only medication I can take are strong painkillers & anti sickness medication. I suffer frequent painful & debilitating bowel obstruction & this cannot be cured or controlled. I have had to have TPN once when the obstruction took time to clear but usually so far it clears itself.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you

Sorry E,

As you will understand we could not advise on whether your conditions would be relevant.

Ask your G.P. or Consultant, and have a good read of all the guides in the orange MEMBERS ONLY area.

cheers

bro58