Numbness

Can you please give me some advice with regard to completing the ESA50, as I cannot decide which Descriptor is supposed to relate to one of my particular problems.

I suffer from multiple health problems, one of which is M.E. which, amongst its many symptoms, including concentration problems and confusion, also leaves me suffering from physical numbness, which means I am unaware of painful sensation. Therefore, I am in danger of injuring myself, for example by not moving away from sharp or burning objects.

This, I would have thought should be covered by the Physical Section. However, this section only appears to apply to sensory problems specific to hearing and seeing, and not to the sense of touch. Whereas, the Mental Section only refers to hazards in relation to cognitive awareness of a hazard or danger.

I dare not travel alone, as if I am not carefully supervised, I am liable to look down and discover that I am bleeding. This used to happen on numerous occasions, before I was forced to give up going out on my own. This occurred because whenever I would come into contact with something which was injurious to me, e.g. a sharp surface, I would be unable to feel it and would not have any reflex action to make me withdraw. Instead I would quite likely press against the object, with the obvious result that I could be seriously cut.

Please accept my apologies should this have been covered elsewhere. However, my M.E. also causes extreme fatigue and brain fog, made worse by pushing myself too hard. I am, with great trepidation, in the process of attempting to complete my ESA50, (which is causing me to push myself too hard), and would greatly appreciate any advice as to which question on the Form relates to my physical numbness.

Many thanks,
George