Thanks Rae I have calmed down a bit more now, I am sorry to the other ladies in the waiting room who were going in after me, I think I must have worried tham too. Do you know if I still have to keep sending sickness certificates now? I have been put under work dept. and have to go to monthly meetings. I am having surgery next week and will be housebound for approx 3 months... how does this work out? Any idea how long till they refund? they owe me 40 weeks. xx

Hi I have just got home and I won, but I dont feel like I have won anything. It was horrible, I feel like they tore me to shreds. The judge says at the start they are independant, but after what I have just been subjected too, I very much doubt it. Will post some questions later but I just cant stop crying at the moment. thanks for your replies tho xx

I have been visiting the forum here for a little while and have just reg. Well, today I have my ESA appeal hearing. I was turned down last May and appealed immediatly and finally got a date 3 weeks ago. I have been seeing a lady from the CAB who is going to represent me today, but I am so frightened about it. I am going into hospital next week for major surgery to my foot so my emotions are running sky high at the moment. I originally scored 12 points when I was turned down but alot of my problems were missed completly off the scoring and the Medic didnt even ask me. I have sent off extra evidence and letters from my GP and consultant, but I am still so worried. I dont deal very well with stressfull situations since I became ill last feb, before that I was a hi flying manager who wasnt frightened of anything... but now I just cant think straight. Can anyone offer me some tips of how to cope now, during and after as I am sure I wont win. K