Appeal Won and now ESA50 has arrived today

Thanks for that and also the prompt response.
You have explained it better than the bloke from DWP!
I will progress the matter now that I understand the position.

Update for info.
Asked the GP about the issue of a back-dated fit-note and was advised that they will not issue one unless they get a letter from DWP asking for it and at that point they will consider issuing one and only a "partner" can sign it as GP's who are not partners are not allowed by the Surgery to do so.

Gordon
I will try and get through to the GP and ask the question.
Thanks for your continuing advice. I will let you know how that goes.
Regards
R

It's been a while since I posted so the following may perhaps explain why. Shortly after my last post, we received a date for the appeal hearing which was set for 23 August. On 11 August my wife collapsed and was admitted to our local general hospital before being transferred to a specialist unit at King's College, London where she was detained for several weeks before being returned to our local hospital. A relatively rare infection had targeted her spinal chord which has also led to short term memory loss which I am told may or may not be permanent. She was treated with a bespoke antibiotic administered intravenously for several weeks before she returned home. At home, the intravenous treatment continued with District nurses visiting the house every day at 10:00 and 22:00 to do the needful. A few days ago, the microbiologists managed to convert the anti-biotics to tablet form so the intravenous treatment stopped although the deep vein Picc line which was used to administer the treatment has been left in her arm as a just in case measure. She has lost 10% of her body weight, is immobilised, house bound and cannot even stand unsupported.
I contacted the relevant authority when she was first admitted to hospital, explained the position and asked for a postponement of the appeal hearing which was granted. I will update them shortly .
We do not have a definite prognosis yet as she is still undergoing tests with MRI and CT scans etc so pursuing the ESA claim fell well down my priority list.
Now that we have established a form of routine, if it can be called that, I have been able to turn my mind to other matters.
This event is not connected to the health issues which were subject of the ESA claim which is going to appeal. It is a totally new and unforeseen development , the effects of which are much more devastating than the problems which were subject of the claim. Since we have no definite prognosis (although the cause has been identified) should I now lodge a fresh claim because of the changed circumstances? I don't think there will be any difficulty in obtaining a fit note from the doctor now but I haven't yet even asked about that.