My Story - Simon -V- The (SH)Abbey ***WON***

[Simon7685]

Simon - Battling ‘V’ Abbey & other stories

This is a long one but I hope anyone who takes the time to read it finds it worthwhile. I felt inspired by others stories on here, so thought I would have a go at my own! I apologise in advance for anything that offends anyone but I do have a strange sense of humour.

It all began back in 1966, when I realised what a pain in the butt life was gonna be. So I wrapped my umbilical cord 3 times round my neck and tried to end it before it began! Obviously I failed cos here I am! I did warn of my sense of humour!!!

At the age of 16 I had my first Kidney Stone, now I can build a complete rockery from my collection. Seriously my consultant says if I have anymore X Rays I am going to glow in the dark!

In October 2005 I got a urine infection, nothing strange for me there, except this one wouldn’t go away. In August last year I had a booked holiday to Egypt to go on, for me it was the trip of a lifetime. (It was already booked and paid before being ill.) My doctor was really unsure if I should go as I wasn’t well, No Way, I’m off I decided the sun would do me good.

While we were there I used all my pain relief and antibiotics and just kept getting iller by the day. I went to local doctor and he got me more of the same drugs from the hospital, nice man, well he would be at a cost of 80 odd quid sterling. I deteriorated further they didn’t work. I did however pass a kidney stone in Cairo – what a claim to fame!

Eventually the 2 weeks was up and we flew home, well to Gatwick anyway, I had never felt so ill (seems like a walk in the park now!) and had to drive all the way home to Scarborough – not far then. My GP was going to see me as soon as I got back. She took one look and dispatched me to hospital. They sent me home inside 48 hours stating a urine infection. 2 days later I was rushed back in, they changed my antibiotics and home I came. Following week back in again, sent home, went back in and so this went on until mid September, when they found a blockage in my waterworks.

They operated removed the blockage, I spent 10 days in hospital on drips and god knows what else and was sent home, yippee got my life back – not! I lasted 5 days, ambulance back in for 2 days, antibiotics changed sent home. Same procedure the following week.

By this time I was in a mess, nothing worked no tablets no nothing I was in total agony 24/7. I was rushed back in 16th October, yet still they didn’t know what was wrong, until they found the Septicaemia on a routine blood test, by this time I was on deaths door, I do not remember much only the nasty things I could see, which were coming to get me (Hallucinations) my temp was running about 43/44+ degrees my pulse was over 200. They told me afterwards I was around 20 minutes from death, when for whatever reason I responded to treatment. By now it was the 19th October, the worst day of my life to date (but could yet be beaten). A consultant came to see me and the head of microbiology, they had found out through cultures etc that I had a multi resistant E Coli infection which they had never seen before, OK fair do’s what happens next? I didn’t realise then…….

There is no miracle cure no antibiotics that worked against it just kept mutating and was resistant to every bloody drug in the hospital! I was in isolation for 10 days, which happens every time I go in, all I need is a bell around my neck…..unclean…..unclean… ….

Anyway, it seemed to go just like that so home I came, well for a week anyway. Since October I have had numerous procedures, they are trying to find the source of the infection. I have been admitted
to hospital 9 times I think it is now. I am there so much I even pay council tax. My health is just in a downhill spiral, they can’t cure me just treat the symptoms and the pain, god the pain is horrendous.

I have to carry on, I have a family, a little girl who is only 6. In February this year the wonderful Abbey had graciously allowed me an overdraft up to £1150. I hadn’t been able to work since before going to Egypt last year. I was self employed so had no sick pay and thought I could have no benefits either, so we sold anything and everything of value bit by bit (not that there was much), we had our tax credits still coming, I couldn’t tell them I wasn’t working or we would have nothing. I was in such a mess every month my money went in and brought me within my od by a few quid but we still needed to survive the month, so I paid everything by cheque (guaranteed), so each one cost me £35 on top.

I remember we had nothing in (I was actually at home for once), so I spent £7.34 on bread, milk, spuds, the basics and the b*****d’s charged me £35. It just snowballs, once you’re in you can’t get out. I kept all this to myself, my wife had enough on her plate worrying about me. Anyway all of a sudden the car went bang, snapped cambelt, no money, £1300 bill. The bank were on my back sending threatening letters, they didn’t care about my situation, just there money. I asked for a loan to clear my od over 5 years, they have my money before I do each month, they wouldn’t help me, no job, no money, no sympathy, bog off!

I just could not handle it!!!!!! My health was going down and down, my body is ravaged by this debilitating infection. I could feel myself going over the edge, I couldn’t stop it, I couldn’t fight anymore. I ended up having a breakdown. I do not give in, I am not that sort of person but I just couldn’t fight I was so tired.

Dr. put me on anti d’s, then more and after about 3 weeks I slowly started to come back from the abyss of my depression. In between all this I had a few more days in hospital (well you have to get your moneys worth, although I refute all claims that I am responsible for the NHS deficit), and my mother who is 76 paid my garage bill and gave me £1000 in the bank. That put me inside my od and gave a couple of hundred to last the month. It did but I still keep slipping over it now and again, phone bill, car again, clothes for my little un etc.

I was just beginning to see some hope on the horizon, OK I have a debilitating condition and no sign of any cure, but it could be worse.

It was at Easter I ended up in CCU, chest pains, blah, blah, blah, you know the score………heart disease here we come! Stopping only once at angina station. Could it be worse???

Well to sum up, I am 40 years old with now two different E Coli infections, which keep mutating and are resistant to all antibiotics.
Slowly they continue to debilitate my body, I have Angina, Asthma, can not sleep laid flat due to pain and take presently 34 different medications each day, yippee,!!!! oh I forgot my prostate is playing up as well…….drip, drip, drip little April Showers, lah, lah, lah I can only walk about 40 feet before I’m knackered, we have 2 flights of stairs to get into our home, it can take me 5 minutes to get up them on an average day (24 stairs). I only manage to go out for doctors or hospital apps really. My neighbour at the bottom has a disability scooter which he lets me borrow, so I go into town maybe once a week. I went to school to get my Emma on it and she thought it was brill!!!!!!! I was a bit ashamed to be honest! Funny looks etc.
We get about £100 a week to live on, the bloody electric in winter is £40 a week! My little Emma wants for nothing though I may never see her grow up so I spoil her I have to admit. I have applied for and been turned down for Disability Living Allowance, I appealed they said get stuffed - if I could afford the paxo I would!!!!!!

Now for the ‘coup de gras’. In about September 06 a paramedic accidentally knocked out one of my front teeth…….whoops! So 2 weeks ago I was at the dentist getting some treatment on it (long waiting times here. 2 NHS dentists and 34000 people, tends not to work very well – can’t imagine why, can you???? She asked how long had I had these sores in my mouth? I said 1 for at least 3 months wasn’t sure about the rest. She said use mouthwash and keep an eye on them, OK will do. Last week back again for more treatment and she said I do not like these sores I am going to refer you to the hospital. For god’s sake how much time in that bloody hospital!!!!
Anyway I went back on Friday and asked for a copy of the referral for my GP. I should stress I have a number of these sores in my mouth. I can only eat v.soft foods it’s like trying to swallow past a brick or something in my throat. The taste from them is putrid, my mouth goes dry and my mouth is very sore!!!!

Anyway she gave ME the copy to take to the GP. Well you can’t help it can you? Well I can’t (wish I could). I am referred for urgent appointment within 2 weeks………..suspected cancer! So that’s about it I think, nothing works properly anymore, not even little willy – bless him. Oh I nearly forgot all the skin on my face keeps falling of, strange one, they don’t know why that is either!

My claim with Abbey is with the DJ waiting for a date, Abbey have offered nothing. By the time it comes it should just cover the funeral cost, no cups of tea or bun fight after though, unless you bring your own! My timeline is:

1. 23/03/07 Letter to Abbey with Schedule of charges.
(14 days to reply).

I am lucky here as I have all my statements.

2. 28/03/07 Reply from Abbey, standard crap!

3. 29/03/07 LBA letter (14 days to reply).

4. 12/04/07 Telephone call to Abbey to advise proceeding with court action if no response. Told Abbey deal in date order and it would be at least 2 more weeks wait.

5. 13/04/07 Claim filed with MCOL. Giving Abbey till 02/05/07 to respond.

6. 24/04/07 Claim confirmed, now got 28 days to defend.

7. 25/04/07 Letter from Abbey saying still looking into my claim, need more time will write again in 4 weeks – never heard another thing from them!

8. 10/05/07Copy of Abbey defence received from Abbey

9. 16/05/07 Notice of transfer and Banks defence received from the court.

10. Visit to Abbey Tower with holdall and semtex – whoops didn’t mean to say semtex, silly me!

So there you have it if you haven’t fallen asleep, my story, my battles, my life to date and 34 tablets every day, yum, yum!!!

All the time I been ill I have desperately tried to hold onto basic Sky TV (15 a month). Mainly for the kids content. I may be ill, whatever, but her things are the last to be affected. I pay by cash and they have been taking me for £4 a month cos I won’t pay by DD, well not no more. Battle has commenced please have a look.

http://www.consumeractiongroup.c o.uk/forum/general-consumer-issues/98698-sky-tv-penalty-charge.html

I know I could not have come through what I have over the last nearly 2 years without the support of my wife, my family my adorable baby girl......she may be 6 but she's still my baby and a real true friend I have. Please do not think I am looking for sympathy on here. In life you are dealt your cards and have to accept what you get.

I am also gratefull to the hospital, doctors and most of all my 'angels' on the ward who are brilliant and support you all the way despite getting crap money for such a hard proffession.


I welcome any posts, good, or bad. If you need help ask me, I will try my very best for everyone here. I am no fountain of knowledge but I will always try. Thankyou for reading this and just maybe somebody somewhere will take something from it and that will make my day.

Simon in warm wet Scarborough

[ohoh4312]

Hi Simon

Oh my God, what a story - seriously brought tears to my eyes.

Read your Sky thread too - can't really comment on the legalities because I know nothing about them, but it looks to me like you are definately forcing them to crack.

And after all you have been through, and still going through, you have the kindness to offer to help others.

My heart goes out to you, and I sincerely hope you whip their a***s!

Lotsa Luv

Jo xx

[abroadgirl]

wow my heart goes out tyo you i did have tears hugs

[Ladidi]

Hi Simon

I read your story and could not believe what I was reading and how you are being hit by a stone wall all the time you try and get somewhere.

I hope for your sakes and your families that you get your money back from the Abbey. I can relate to how cold and uncaring they are when it comes to getting your own money back off them but when the boot is on their foot they never stop threatening till they get what they want. I am in the process of taking them to court because I am so sick of their lies and yet their own staff agree us customers are being ripped off blind.

I also hope you are going to take further advice on claiming DLA. I think from what you have said on here I believe you are entitled to this and you should be paid.

Considering your ill health have you approached the Department for work and pensions to see what you are entitled to there?
Is there a support worker in your area who knows about this sort of thing that could possibly meet you at your home and discuss all of this with you? With your wife having to take care of you, what about attendance allowance? I honestly believe there has to be some other benefit you should be getting considering how long you have been ill and the fact there is little anyone can do for you.

I hope I have been of some help to you although I dont know it all but I do believe there has to be something else you and your family should have to help you all financially.

Good luck to you Simon and you wife and daughter too, she sounds like she is a real daddy's girl. I know I have one of those too even though she is all grown up she still comes back her dad when she wants something

Ladidi * Diane*

[Ladidi]

Hi Simon

I read your story and could not believe what I was reading and how you are being hit by a stone wall all the time you try and get somewhere.

I hope for your sakes and your families that you get your money back from the Abbey. I can relate to how cold and uncaring they are when it comes to getting your own money back off them but when the boot is on their foot they never stop threatening till they get what they want. I am in the process of taking them to court because I am so sick of their lies and yet their own staff agree us customers are being ripped off blind.

I also hope you are going to take further advice on claiming DLA. I think from what you have said on here I believe you are entitled to this and you should be paid.

Considering your ill health have you approached the Department for work and pensions to see what you are entitled to there?
Is there a support worker in your area who knows about this sort of thing that could possibly meet you at your home and discuss all of this with you? With your wife having to take care of you, what about attendance allowance? I honestly believe there has to be some other benefit you should be getting considering how long you have been ill and the fact there is little anyone can do for you.

I hope I have been of some help to you although I dont know it all but I do believe there has to be something else you and your family should have to help you all financially.

Good luck to you Simon and you wife and daughter too, she sounds like she is a real daddy's girl. I know I have one of those too even though she is all grown up she still comes back her dad when she wants something

Ladidi * Diane*

[Ladidi]

Hi Simon

I read your story and could not believe what I was reading and how you are being hit by a stone wall all the time you try and get somewhere.

I hope for your sakes and your families that you get your money back from the Abbey. I can relate to how cold and uncaring they are when it comes to getting your own money back off them but when the boot is on their foot they never stop threatening till they get what they want. I am in the process of taking them to court because I am so sick of their lies and yet their own staff agree us customers are being ripped off blind.

I also hope you are going to take further advice on claiming DLA. I think from what you have said on here I believe you are entitled to this and you should be paid.

Considering your ill health have you approached the Department for work and pensions to see what you are entitled to there?
Is there a support worker in your area who knows about this sort of thing that could possibly meet you at your home and discuss all of this with you? With your wife having to take care of you, what about attendance allowance? I honestly believe there has to be some other benefit you should be getting considering how long you have been ill and the fact there is little anyone can do for you.

I hope I have been of some help to you although I dont know it all but I do believe there has to be something else you and your family should have to help you all financially.

Good luck to you Simon and you wife and daughter too, she sounds like she is a real daddy's girl. I know I have one of those too even though she is all grown up she still comes back her dad when she wants something

Ladidi * Diane*

[Ladidi]

Hi Simon

I read your story and could not believe what I was reading and how you are being hit by a stone wall all the time you try and get somewhere.

I hope for your sakes and your families that you get your money back from the Abbey. I can relate to how cold and uncaring they are when it comes to getting your own money back off them but when the boot is on their foot they never stop threatening till they get what they want. I am in the process of taking them to court because I am so sick of their lies and yet their own staff agree us customers are being ripped off blind.

I also hope you are going to take further advice on claiming DLA. I think from what you have said on here I believe you are entitled to this and you should be paid.

Considering your ill health have you approached the Department for work and pensions to see what you are entitled to there?
Is there a support worker in your area who knows about this sort of thing that could possibly meet you at your home and discuss all of this with you? With your wife having to take care of you, what about attendance allowance? I honestly believe there has to be some other benefit you should be getting considering how long you have been ill and the fact there is little anyone can do for you.

I hope I have been of some help to you although I dont know it all but I do believe there has to be something else you and your family should have to help you all financially.

Good luck to you Simon and you wife and daughter too, she sounds like she is a real daddy's girl. I know I have one of those too even though she is all grown up she still comes back her dad when she wants something

Ladidi * Diane*

[Ladidi]

WOW, So sorry there guys I dont know what happened, My computer went weird so I logged out came back and I find I have posted 4 times

Well I hope one of the MODS can remove 3 of them

I also hope I raised with Simon and his wife, He must thought he was seeing things with the same message posted 4 times..hahah

[clarion48]

Simon luv.......you laugh, you cry...all at the same time. Bless you....what a time you've had.!!

You'll find heaps of people on here who will help you, support you and offer whatever advice they can. Most of them are the 'salt of the earth'...
because most of them, like you & I, have their own story to tell.

I really do wish you every success......Abbey WILL pay up.....no doubt about that. You hang in there.....it won't be long now.

[petcat]

simon, whilst i sympathise with your situation id like to say you have a real talent for writing,interesting, witty and very engaging. good luck to you and your family.

[deedee1310]

Hi Simon.

My fellow Abbey buddy. Your story is inspiring. I DO get your sense of humour .

Long term illness can be depressing but you have managed to keep a good sense of humour about you. I was unaware of how ill you are until I read this thread.

shAbbey are awful and I can't wait for the day for your thread to change to My Story - Simon -V- The (SH)Abbey****WON****.

We will all celebrate with you in CAG land.

Remember we are all here to help and keep inspiring us with your "warped" humourous posts.

deedee xxx

[barbs26]

hi simon,

What a inspiration, to us all you are, all them knocks and still you keep getting up and fighting.

And as for your sense of humour,loved it. Keep us informed and hopefully soon you'll have the last laugh with the "SHABBY"

Babrs26

[Simon7685]

Originally Posted by ohoh4312

Hi Simon

Oh my God, what a story - seriously brought tears to my eyes.

Lotsa Luv

Jo xx

Thank you for taking the time to read it. I hope your case is going well and if you need any help, please ask.

Simon