MOVING AROUND

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone can throw some light on following.

My poor friend has been suffering from back problems for some years to the extent it has effected her mobility etc and she had to give up her job last week as she just could not endure pain.

Today she went to see specialist for report on MRI scan and was told that she has "cervical and lumbar spondylosis".

To keep this short, specialist said this was due to "ware and tear".

She wants to apply for ESA, can anyone out there who has or had this problem advise on their experience, in general,is it worth her while appplying as she is in absolute agony and does not want to go through this if it going to cause her more pain and misery.

Radhika

As always, it is the limitations that are important rather than the diagnosis. Don't forget that 2 people with identical looking MRI/XRays etc can experience very different symptoms. If your friend is deemed to score enough points she will be awarded ESA. Perhaps it would be helpful for her to look through the descriptors and point scores herself and see what she thinks?

Thanks Mrs H.

I thought the same and am glad you pointed that out.

According to the descriptors and how her mobility effects her functioning, she shoulg get S/G status.

However, like you rightfully pointed out that identical MRI/XRays can experience different symptoms, i think the same could be said of D/M's when they evaluate peoples ESA forms.LOL

I will relay this to her, as she too is a member on this great site, but due to agonising pain, has not been able to log on.

Radhika.

i also suffer from lumbar spondylosis, and damaged disks on the neck, I started on the WRAG then 6 months later after a medical moved to the support group, make sure and detail everything and pain levels from morning to nigh time on the ESA50 form, get a printout of the MRI scan as well, good luck

Mrs H and Gordon,

When she fills out her ESA form with regards to mobility and what she can and cannot do,will it be to her advantage to also add in the three "magic words" repeatedly, reliably and safely where relevant???

Presently, she is painfuly able to walk a few yards with her walking stick, but would be in so much pain that she could not immediately get up and around!!!!

Radhika.

Thank you Sarahjane,

Your reply has been really encouraging.:)Looks like there is some hope!!!

Not sure if she can get copy of MRI scan as she is not going to see specialist for 6 months, however, specialist said he will be sending detailed report of each disc etc to GP, as he has suggested a referal to a Pain Clinic in the first instance.

Will copy of letter do for ESA???

Radhika.