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New here- ESA f2f coming up
- Diddles
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6 years 9 months ago #191706 by Diddles
New here- ESA f2f coming up was created by Diddles
Hi, I wonder if I can get some advice.
I'm being reassessed for ESA, been in support group for years.
I have severe ME/CFS which has declined recently. I also have major depression, thyroid disorders and a prosthetic femur which has dislocated around 18 times. I've had bone cancer and breast cancer and am awaiting a brain MRI as I sleep 20 hours a day ( up to 31 hours) . Also awaiting genetic cancer testing
Anyway, my ME consultant provided a letter saying he thought a f2f would be detrimental to my physical and mental health but I'm still having to have one.
I use a wheelchair, can they make me get up and try to walk when I'm too exhausted? I have high rate PIP awarded ( very recently) re walking 20m. I could do it once but not without extreme exhaustion and pain hours later which the assessor won't get to see.
Also, will they take into account the fact that for 20 hrs a day I'm asleep and can't wake up? They won't see that part of me, just the tiredness of needing to sleep.
At home I can't sit for thirty minutes without needing to put my legs up or lie down, I put this on my form but they won't let me lie down will they?
I've provided so much evidence, letters of support from ME consultant, from my oncologist (re my femur), my GP called as she filled in my form and fully supports I can't work. I can't function for the four hours a day I have, I've sent actigraph reports showing my sleep, medical diagnosis lists from my drs, just so much, but it doesn't seem enough.
I have another letter from ME consultant coming tomorrow stating my significant deterioration and need for brain scan, his opinion that a f2f will cause significant decline in my physical and mental health, also I will send my PIP award, and medical records showing moderately severe depression has developed since this assessment.
So sorry it's long, my conditions are complex, I am so worried, I don't know how much more evidence they can ask for.
I'm being reassessed for ESA, been in support group for years.
I have severe ME/CFS which has declined recently. I also have major depression, thyroid disorders and a prosthetic femur which has dislocated around 18 times. I've had bone cancer and breast cancer and am awaiting a brain MRI as I sleep 20 hours a day ( up to 31 hours) . Also awaiting genetic cancer testing
Anyway, my ME consultant provided a letter saying he thought a f2f would be detrimental to my physical and mental health but I'm still having to have one.
I use a wheelchair, can they make me get up and try to walk when I'm too exhausted? I have high rate PIP awarded ( very recently) re walking 20m. I could do it once but not without extreme exhaustion and pain hours later which the assessor won't get to see.
Also, will they take into account the fact that for 20 hrs a day I'm asleep and can't wake up? They won't see that part of me, just the tiredness of needing to sleep.
At home I can't sit for thirty minutes without needing to put my legs up or lie down, I put this on my form but they won't let me lie down will they?
I've provided so much evidence, letters of support from ME consultant, from my oncologist (re my femur), my GP called as she filled in my form and fully supports I can't work. I can't function for the four hours a day I have, I've sent actigraph reports showing my sleep, medical diagnosis lists from my drs, just so much, but it doesn't seem enough.
I have another letter from ME consultant coming tomorrow stating my significant deterioration and need for brain scan, his opinion that a f2f will cause significant decline in my physical and mental health, also I will send my PIP award, and medical records showing moderately severe depression has developed since this assessment.
So sorry it's long, my conditions are complex, I am so worried, I don't know how much more evidence they can ask for.
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- Gordon
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6 years 9 months ago #191722 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic New here- ESA f2f coming up
Diddles
Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is
Welcome to Benefits and Work
Although you have been in the SG for some time, remember that awards are made because a claimant meets the criteria, it's not your conditions that are being assessed but the effect that they have on your daily activities.
You mention using a wheelchair, be careful of this as the ESA Descriptors allow your ability to self-propel to be substituted for your ability to walk, you may have explained your problems in doing this in the form, but if you haven't then those assessing you will assume you have no problems unless you tell them differently.
If you are asked to walk and doing so will cause you significant discomfort or breathlessness then you can refuse, just make sure that you make it clear why you are doing so.
ME/CFS is poorly understood even though assessors have training on it and they are likely to underestimate the amount of sleep that you require so you need to be explicit about the impact that reduced sleep has on you. you also need to make it clear that even after sleep your energy levels are very low.
If you are looking for a home assessment then I think that you will need the support of your GP to explain why you can attend at Maximus's offices.
If you have further questions then please reply to this post and we will do our best to help.
Gordon
Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is
Welcome to Benefits and Work
Although you have been in the SG for some time, remember that awards are made because a claimant meets the criteria, it's not your conditions that are being assessed but the effect that they have on your daily activities.
You mention using a wheelchair, be careful of this as the ESA Descriptors allow your ability to self-propel to be substituted for your ability to walk, you may have explained your problems in doing this in the form, but if you haven't then those assessing you will assume you have no problems unless you tell them differently.
If you are asked to walk and doing so will cause you significant discomfort or breathlessness then you can refuse, just make sure that you make it clear why you are doing so.
ME/CFS is poorly understood even though assessors have training on it and they are likely to underestimate the amount of sleep that you require so you need to be explicit about the impact that reduced sleep has on you. you also need to make it clear that even after sleep your energy levels are very low.
If you are looking for a home assessment then I think that you will need the support of your GP to explain why you can attend at Maximus's offices.
If you have further questions then please reply to this post and we will do our best to help.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Diddles
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6 years 9 months ago #191733 by Diddles
Replied by Diddles on topic New here- ESA f2f coming up
Gordon, thank you very much indeed for your advice. I can't propel a wheelchair for any length of time, my husband cares for me and he helps me get around for the time I'm awake, whether out or at home.
As for sitting, I usually need to lie down or put my feet up- I guess I'll just have to make that clear verbally?
Anyway, thank you again. Much appreciated.
As for sitting, I usually need to lie down or put my feet up- I guess I'll just have to make that clear verbally?
Anyway, thank you again. Much appreciated.
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