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DLA to PIP

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6 years 7 months ago #194786 by lorraine d
Replied by lorraine d on topic DLA to PIP
Thank you for your help. I am so worried about this. I have read so much on the forums that I have almost convinced myself that I am going to get nil points anyway. I think I could have filled in the form better and given better extra information if I had known then what I have discovered since joining B & W.

It seems that the assessors are only interested in specific activities so they can tick the box. i.e. Should I say I can shower by myself but not wash my own feet - even with a long handled brush I cannot reach my feet. I cannot stand on one leg because of balance issues.
On the extra information I just put that I use the aid and that I need someone there in case I fall stepping out of the shower. I did this 4 months ago, my knee gave way.

Sorry if this seems a bit garbled

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6 years 7 months ago #194790 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic DLA to PIP
lorraine

In my experience trying to second guess the assessment is a waste of time all you can do is answer the questions honestly based on your limitations.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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6 years 7 months ago #194806 by lorraine d
Replied by lorraine d on topic DLA to PIP
Thank you Gordon. You are right. I am spending far too much time worrying about this, I have lost a whole day today just by worrying. Since I got the invitation to apply for PIP from DLA my focus has been centred on this process, to the detriment of everything else.

I know how I am, how I cope with my loss of mobility, pain and fatigue. I find it humiliating to have to prove this to a stranger and then for that person to judge me on a brief meeting.

The way I feel now is to say just forget it and let them stop my DLA - at least I would be able to get on with my life. It would be very difficult financially to buy a car and run it. We are not in a position to get a bank loan or anything but it would have to be done somehow, I can't use public transport so my life would be even more limited than it is now.

I got a life sentance at 42 years old when I started with this arthritis, no cure, a chronic lifetime condition and I did not expect at the age of 67 to have to jump through hoops just to have some sort of support to help with the extra costs of disability.

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6 years 7 months ago #194850 by David
Replied by David on topic DLA to PIP
You have done all you can for now, worrying about it will change nothing.We mostly only hear of bad assessments but by far most are carried out professionaly and sympathetically..All you need to do is be yourself but without your coping mechanisms
Using a wheel chair makes much sense rather than struggle, as you are over retirement age the mobility element is more important
best of luck

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6 years 7 months ago #194869 by lorraine d
Replied by lorraine d on topic DLA to PIP
Thank you David. 'be yourself without your coping mechanisms' what does this mean.

The mobility part is important to me. I am aware that this is my only opportunity with PIP due to my age and if I don't get it this time then I would not be able to apply again even when my condition gets worse, which it will as I get older.

My first replacement knee is 15 years old and the second one 12 years old - the surgeon at the time told me that these would have to be replaced when they wore out due to my relatively young age when I had them done. I don't suppose that ATOS or the DWP will even consider this though.

I am sorry I sound a bit down, its all too much really.

Another question I have is that I have Psoriatic Arthritis which is similar in almost every respect to Rheutmatoid arthritis - yet because not many people have heard of PA they seem to dismiss this as not as serious a condition. Would it be worth mentioning this to the assessor - I believe they have to get the input of a Medical Doctor on RA and PA. I know they are not concerned with what is wrong with you only the effect it has on your daily life but in my opinion it is my normal daily life now - I would not know what my life would be like if I had not got this illness and all the other illnesses I have.

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6 years 7 months ago #194878 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic DLA to PIP
lorraine

It may help to take a short overview of PA with you to the assessment, if you do make sure it includes the address for the information.

I'm afraid I'm not aware of any requirement for an assessor to refer to a doctor for RA or the equivalent.

Gordon

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