I have been released from the Bear Garden to come ask advise on ESA.

[loan_ranger]

Thanks honeybee, I said that there were too many good caggers to mention but I really meant to include you as a recommended and trustworthy adviser.

What I like best about you is that you read the new threads and with humility you will say "I'm not the expert, but wait a while and someone will come along with advice". Thanks, your support and empathy are priceless, keep up the good work and don't let any troll put you into turmoil.

 

I'll get back on how I think we should fight ESA, this is not a subject which I'm going to drop, my signature text says it.

 

Peace and love to all the wonderful and altruistic caggers,

Paul.

[honeybee13]

Well thank you, I'm blushing.. I really don't think I can be expert at everything and would rather say nothing than get it wrong. HB x

 

Peace, love, hash as we used to say. Will that be cagbotted?

 

Just now I had a signature, where's it gone?

[SOD'EM]

Thank you as well honeybee.

 

I think you can say hash as long as it has the word volcano in front of it.

 

As for the psychiatrist part. I have been referred by one of my GP's to a group called Inclusion Matters. I can't speak to them until the 26th (which is after my medical assessment). As far as I know, they have psychiatrists there. I hope they are not just a support group. If they are, I will still see if they can help but will ask my GP if I can see someone that specifically deals with problems like mine. Maybe if a proper psychiatrist said it was all in my mind, I may just go back to normal (somehow doubt that though, not straight away anyway), but I don't think I could get my heart back to it's normal size (even if they get the right medication to help with my blood pressure).

 

I haven't mentioned to my GP about the problems I have sleeping as I don't want to take sleeping pills. But some nights when I am falling asleep (it's just as I have nodded off), there is a black figure that gets hold of me in a bear hug from behind, and squeezes the life out of me. I have to really will myself to wake up to stop it. It won't even let me turn round enough to see it's face. I fear if I told that to anyone but yourselves I would be carted of by the men with the white coats, and that's the last thing I want.

 

I also have this constant feeling that a brick is about to come through the window, and I haven't got a clue what that's all about.

 

When I first seen a GP, she said I should not have left it all to build up to this and I should have made an appointment as soon as things appeared different. As I said though, I don't like going to doctors (I know I'm not the only one there).

 

I am not a big fan of tablets but I obviously take the blood pressure ones. But even when I take one of them. I have to sit down about half an hour later as I go dizzy and I can feel my heart skipping beats and trying to jump out of my chest.

 

I have been told to expect an appointment to have a monitor attatched to me for 24 hours as I go about my daily routine to see if there are particular times of the day when these things happen.

 

I beleive ATOS declared Elvis fit for work last week:D

[doktorjohn]

Sod'em I read your story and I'm glad that you are getting support here.

 

The people here are incredibly kind. I would be in bits without them.

[SOD'EM]

Sod'em I read your story and I'm glad that you are getting support here.

 

The people here are incredibly kind. I would be in bits without them.

 

 

I have been a member here for 2 and a half years and I really wish I had have spoken up to you lot sooner. I am in awe of the support on this particular forum (I know there is the odd loser who has nothing better to do than to try and put people down). I know myself I should have done something sooner. It's hard to get people to understand when you appear alright from the outside. People used to say "are you listening to me" ages ago, and I didn't even know they were talking:confused: I suppose things were going wrong back then.

 

I spend most of my time on other CAG forums but will make a point to pass any advise I learn from yourselves and pass it on to future Caggers.

[honeybee13]

It's possible you left it because you weren't ready to accept what has and is happening to you. My OH doesn't listen half the time anyway, but I don't think he has PTSD yet. Mental illness in my opinion is harder for anyone who hasn't studied it or experienced it to understand. Because it can't be x-rayed or measured, that seems to cause problems.

 

I have to say, and your GPs are probably lovely, that some of the advice sounds not far from 'pull yourself together', which is never helpful when one is in mental turmoil.

 

Don't rely on a support group, I agree. You want someone who will fight for you if necessary, and a proper diagnosis that you can wave at Atos should you need it.

 

My NHS psychiatrist was a tiger when it came to defending me, don't know what I'd have done without her. Well, in a way I do, I might not be on this forum now.

 

HB x

Edited May 13, 2010 by honeybee13
typo.

[speedfreek]

As for the psychiatrist part. I have been referred by one of my GP's to a group called Inclusion Matters. I can't speak to them until the 26th (which is after my medical assessment). As far as I know' date=' they have psychiatrists there. I hope they are not just a support group. If they are, I will still see if they can help but will ask my GP if I can see someone that specifically deals with problems like mine.[/quote']

 

Go with an open mind! Your GP passes you to these people for a more detailed diagnosis. They are the professionals who will assess you, help you and if needed will be able to direct you to the right specialist. It takes time for them to figure you out and you have to start being brutally honest with yourself and how it's really effecting you.

 

Your GP was right about going to see her and sleeping pills are frowned upon due to side effects and addiction. You'll most probably get a very mild anti depressant to take before bed.

 

Hey look on the bright side Your finally trying to get yourself fixed and all these doctors, their evidence and your own ESA knowledge will mean you'll breeze through the next round of ESA shenanigans if you have to 8-)

 

I'll be PMing you for help in the not to distant future if my ESA claim goes pear shaped over the next few months....

 

I beleive ATOS declared Elvis fit for work last week:D

I blame Kirsty MacColl for grassing him YouTube - Kirsty MacColl - There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis

[honeybee13]

Completely irrelevant, but this always cheers me up. With their accents it took me a few goes to get all the words, but I think they're great.

 

Oh to be on a boat off the coast of Florida or wherever they are.... Hic.

 

Alan Jackson;Jimmy Buffett - It's Five O' Clock Somewhere

 

HB

[loan_ranger]

http://loanranger.no-ip.org/penury/av/work-capability-assessment-review-addendum.pdf

[honeybee13]

Hi guys. I will read it in depth when I can, but banging the drum on behalf of those with depression and anxiety, there seems to be little or nothing dealing with the conditions I'd say we come across most here.

 

HB x

[Squeezyweezy1]

It's possible you left it because you weren't ready to accept what has and is happening to you. My OH doesn't listen half the time anyway, but I don't think he has PTSD yet. Mental illness in my opinion is harder for anyone who hasn't studied it or experienced it to understand. Because it can't be x-rayed or measured, that seems to cause problems.

 

Never a truer word said HB. I am campaigning to get people with mental health issues heard. The discrimination still surrounding mental health is just not acceptable in the 21st century, and we need more people to speak out about it. There is no shame in having mental health issues, 1 in 4 people at some point during their lives will experience some kind of mental illness, and if your lucky enough to be the other 3 that dont, chances are you will know of someone who has. Anyway, enough of my campaigner speak. I am following SOD'EMs case closely as I have a feeling I will be in exactly the same situation in a couple of weeks time once I get my results, so will be needing this fantastic forums help and support.

Behind you all the way SOD'EM, stay positive,

Squeezy xxx :grin:

[SOD'EM]

Hi guys,

 

I have had time to look through other threads and have browsed through some links and I'm afraid it is worrying me more than it was. I have no letters from my doctors to take with me, and I have not been into hospital yet to have the tests needed for my enlarged heart. So basically, I am going with nothing.

 

Of course I can pick up a pound coin and I can walk 100 metres unaided, so what chance do I have? I have not seen a psychiatrist yet so cannot get a verdict on that. I know I can appeal, but have read that any extra evidence submitted after the decision ie, Doctors letters, psychiatrist reports cannot be submitted in an appeal. I would have to go through this all again:(.

[doktorjohn]

You can gather evidence for the appeal and submit it. Who says you can't? If not I'm screwed as well. I'll come back to you asap.

 

dj

[SOD'EM]

I read it on this thread doktojohn. I hope I have read it wrong.

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/benefits-tax-credits-minimum/259576-esa-appeal-today.html

[doktorjohn]

You have a month from when you get your appeal papers to produce evidence.

 

"new rules introduced in November 2008 oblige you to do so within one month of the date on which the bundle was sent out".

 

Sometimes they accept them later than that with a reason for lateness.

 

I'm sure other people will tell you more.

 

So you do have time my friend.

 

dj

[doktorjohn]

Just like to add that I have only just started reading my papers and I'm trying to understand it all myself. It is very stressful and I really hate the whole thing.

 

dj

[RaeUK]

Not quite right. You have a month to apply for a review. Most apply straight for a tribunal as the DM will review the decision as part of this process. Include what you can by way of extra evidence.

Evidence only covers up to the time ESA was stopped.

At any time - up until two weeks before your actual tribunal - you can submit further supporting evidence direct to the tribunal service.

Don't worry. Plenty of time ...

Best wishes

Rae

[RaeUK]

SOD'EM,

Whilst waiting for your GP or other specialist consultants, why not have a browse here:

 

A-Z of medical conditions - DWP

 

This is the DWPs own guide and you'd have thought they'd take notice of it...

Best wishes

Rae

[doktorjohn]

You have a month from when you get your appeal papers to produce evidence.

 

"new rules introduced in November 2008 oblige you to do so within one month of the date on which the bundle was sent out".

 

Sometimes they accept them later than that with a reason for lateness.

 

I'm sure other people will tell you more.

 

So you do have time my friend.

 

dj

 

This is actually wrong and I'm shocked and glad it's wrong. I need time to get my Dr and previous employers to say I get very ill when I work.

 

I always used to work and I've tried working a few times in the last decade but always became worse.

[RaeUK]

I'm only posting the process I went through the first time - and suspect I'll be doing it a second time also ...

Best wishes

Rae

[doktorjohn]

Like a recurring nightmare?

[RaeUK]

Yep Dok it certainly seems like one! 18 long long months on the assessment rate so far ...

Best wishes

Rae

[SOD'EM]

I've just had to ask my GP to fit me in for an emergency appointment this morning as I nearly passed out after taking my meds. I then came round and hit my father in the face. He's 75 for God's sake.

 

I don't know what's going on with me. I'm sure it is the unessecary anxiety I am putting on myself worrying about this ATOS appointment on Monday. Luckily, my dad isn't hurt too bad. But I am, inside.

Edited May 22, 2010 by SOD'EM
typo

[loan_ranger]

Hello again SOD'EM, I've selected some weekend reading for you in order that you go prepared for ATOS on Monday. Factsheets c/o Disability Alliance:confused:

 

Employment and support allowance - the medical tests - Disability Alliance Factsheet F32

This factsheet explains the basic rules for the medical tests for employment and support allowance.

 

employment and support allowance activities,descriptors and points - Factsheet F33 (pdf format) Note: for pdf files you will need to download adobe acrobat reader. To convert the pdf to alternative formats or for more information on accessibility go to access adobe.

 

 

Apologies if I've already posted these links or you've already read these. F33 has all the complete set of physical and mental descriptors and points values used. During the exam remember to answer how you feel on your worst days because if you say you can perform these tasks and activities "occasionally" the "LiMA" software doesn't have the concept of "occasionally" in its vocabulary and "The Ghost in the Machine" will interpret this as a "yes can do".

 

 

Good luck for Monday and best regards,

Paul.

[doktorjohn]

Sod'em, I am sorry to hear you are suffering because of 'We don't give A'TOSS.

 

I am stressed too. We just have to prepare our cases as best we can and the rest is in the lap of the gods.

 

It's hard though and it all takes so long.