My ESA Medical

[upsetnanny]

Hi Guys.

Thank God I have found people who are in the same boat as me, I am really, really worried, I am actually beginning to get quite upset. Is it true these people from atos are quite rude and abnoxious? You see I have poor eyesight approximately 20/150. I have explained in my questionnaire everything like I need help outside, cooking, cleaning and that I have difficulty reading, so imagine the screen size as I type and read replies. What do people need to do to get what they are entitled to, we are all genuine cases and yet we are all put through this, why is the world such a cruel place.

 

Can anyone enlighten me about the medical, what happens, has anybody just sent back their questionnaire and not had to go for a medical, and also how long did you wait for results. Sorry but I really need help.

 

I originally was on JSA but was told to come off it because I could not do the 30 hour a week program because of my sight and was told to apply for ESA. I am currently on basic rate, so please guys help. It would be very much appreciated.

[RaeUK]

Hi upsetnanny. The first thing to do, of course, is to relax. Take a deep breath. And remember this is just a process. It's not negative of me to say 'expect to fail' for the simple reason anything else is a bonus.

The Doctor I saw wasn't rude per se, just not interested. Clearly he'd been told to fill in the computerised questionairre and that was all his job involved. A glorified data input clerk. Except, naturally, that the data is skewed against the claimant.

There have been one or two people posting on here who have either not had to go for an assessment - it ain't no medical! - or have scored 15 point. But these are the minority. That said, there is no reason for anyone to predict you won't be one of them.

All you can do is attend and be honest. Then, should the worst occur, you will have all the support and advice here to get you through.

One bridge at a time hunni and my best wishes to you.

Rae

[RaeUK]

Wow that was spooky! I'd quite forgotten I'd answered your post on another thread 24 hours ago. Glad to see my advice is about the same. [And to cap it all, I've just finished watching the last episode of Doctor Who! (Those who have seen it will know what I mean!) ]

Best wishes

Rae

[debt4get]

all i can say is for the last 4 years every time i have filled in the form i have received a letter stating i have enough points not to have to attend one of these so called 'medicals' so dont give up hope yet...i have just filled another one in a week ago and am awaiting result of that....i am wondering also whether age is a factor in this....

[largemarge]

Hi, I went for my assesment last sunday afternoon(nice to see the dwp are saving pennies by working the drs on a sunday!)

I had gone well prepared, my husband came with me, and recorded the whole thing on his mobile, as well as take notes, (for my benefit, im forgetful due to my medication).

the Dr (and he was ) was really nice, chatty, met me in the waiting room( i know he was looking at me for mobility etc). He asked me what i did for a job, and when i told him i was a nurse, and knew my consultant etc. He did a small examination, and did seem genuinely interested, pointing out things that i didnt mention, such as swollen feet, creaking knees etc.At the end he said it was nice to meet someone with a genuine need, and as far as he was concerned, i should have no problems getting the 15 points. we chatted briefly about atos, and all the poor publicity etc, he knew there were a lot of problems with it.

Now im under no illusion that i could get a totally different outcome, and all his niceness was a smokescreen, but, his body language etc was all positive.

I just wanted to say that the experience i had was pleasant, not at all like i was expecting, and hoped it may reassure others.

Best wishes, Michelle.

[RaeUK]

Cool. It makes a pleasant change to see some people getting to where they should be.

Best wishes

Rae

[upsetnanny]

Oh my God, you actually mean these guys do assessments at the weekend, still it is better to get it over with. I am glad to see that some people are getting there quickly and getting what they deserve, i e the fifteen points to get the financial help and support needed. I hope I get a letter to tell me I have got enough points. Still, I am a bit calmer now I have found this forum because any anxieties I have I can come here and I promise I will keep you updated, from now until things are resolved and beyond.

[upsetnanny]

Hi Guys

My ESA Medical will be on Tuesday 20 July at 1350 hrs. Please think about me. I will give you all a detailed account when I get back as to what happens so please keep posted.

[upsetnanny]

Hi I hope my Dr is as nice as yours was, it would be a wonderful example of how atos should operate.

[maestro451]

They will ask you to describe a normal day, I would say you really need to describe a bad day because from expereince if you say anything positive they put that down and just ignore everything else.

 

Also ive found that they sometimes want to lead you in your answer, I suffer from anxiety related to me illness and I remember him him wanting me to say that i felt confortable in some new places but just stick by your guns, dont agree just to be polite.

 

Also dont want for them to ask you about any aspects of mental health, its nto a questionaire, if you dont specifically mention something they wont put it down.

 

Its all a big fiddle, it honestly is, I feel sorry for people as its dauting, I tend not to worry so much now, ive made myself ill with worry too many times.

[cbbc]

Hi Guys

My ESA Medical will be on Tuesday 20 July at 1350 hrs. Please think about me. I will give you all a detailed account when I get back as to what happens so please keep posted.

 

Hi,Good luck, I will think of you.

When I had my medical I knew nothing about ATOS and never in a million years thought that they would tell actual lies but they do.

You really have to tell them how you are on your very worse day.

I have a physical illness and had doctors and consultants letters to back me up but they didn't check with my doctor.

I got 6 points but was lucky enough to win my appeal.

I was on crutches for my medical but the report said that I had no trouble walking so that gives you some idea of what you are up against.

You have the benefit of knowing what to expect so have your answers ready.

Good luck and keep us informed.

[upsetnanny]

Hi Guys

 

Thank You So Much Everybody for your kind words and thoughts, they really are a great comfort to me. My gran is coming with me, so I won't be going alone. I bet they don't even check with my Eye Surgeon at the hospital, he would be able to fill them in on everything, but as you all say they look at you on the day and I am rehearsing my answers as much as I can. Do you guys know that the atos health care handbook is on the web, I will try and get a link to you as soon as I can for you to check it out, it is all there but they don't really stick to it do they? Where for example has anyone found these people to be friendly and put you at ease. Take Care and hopefully be back soon with that link.

Bye for now

Upsetnanny.

 

ps please keep advice and thoughts coming, and don't worry I will be keeping you all well informed.

[upsetnanny]

Hi Guys

 

Here it is, the link the all important atos esa medical handbook. Happy reading.

 

http://www.disabilityalliance.org/esahandbook.pdf

 

Cheers For Now

 

Upsetnanny

[cbbc]

The doctor I had was lovely, he did put me at ease and gave me tissues when I got tearful and gave me advice on how to cope with depression.

I came out feeling as if everything was fine as he was so nice and so when I got my results which contained LIES a month later I actually thought they had sent me someone elses results by mistake.

dont get taken in.

[upsetnanny]

Hi Guys

 

I Got my confirmation letter in today regarding my medical appointment. Wait till you read this. I told them I am unable to travel on public transport and what do they send me a table detailing how to get to Ayr by Bus and Train. I know from you wonderful people that this is purely to catch me out and try to tell me my mobility is fine if I stick to this plan, I also have to take all of my medication to the medical my eye drops and my insulin, identification, my birth certificate, oh God I am beginning to feel quite giddy but it is only two weeks away I wish it was over.

Upsetnanny.

[COUNTMEIN]

Hi Guys

 

I Got my confirmation letter in today regarding my medical appointment. Wait till you read this. I told them I am unable to travel on public transport and what do they send me a table detailing how to get to Ayr by Bus and Train. I know from you wonderful people that this is purely to catch me out and try to tell me my mobility is fine if I stick to this plan, I also have to take all of my medication to the medical my eye drops and my insulin, identification, my birth certificate, oh God I am beginning to feel quite giddy but it is only two weeks away I wish it was over.

Upsetnanny.

 

Hello upsetnanny

 

 

please-PLEASE TAKE MY ADVICE get in touch A.S.A.P (TOMORROW) WITH vision support and or RNIB FOR advice and help BEFORE YOU GO FOR THE ASSESMENT!!...THEY ARE HAPPY TO HELP and go along with ANYONE who has VISUAL/EYE PROBLEMS , ... PLEASE REQUEST AND ASK THEM TO GO WITH YOU TO THE ASSESMENT, I CANT STRESS THS ENOUGH TO YOU...

I HAVE MANY PROBLEMS AND ON-GOING CONDITIONS WITH MY EYES, RESULTING IN VERY POOR VISION ...BUT I STILL FAILED THE ATOS ASSESMENT AND WAS DEEMED 'FIT FOR WORK'????...

 

THE RBIB ARE NOW HELPING ME WITH MY APPEAL, ... BUT THE FIRST THING THEY SAID WHEN I CONTACTED THEM FOR ADVICE WITH MY APPPEAL WAS...

 

IT IS A PITY YOU DIDN'T CONTACT US BEFORE YOU WENT FOR THE MEDICAL AS WE WOULD HAVE COME WITH YOU...

GOOD LUCK HUN I WISH YOU WELL I DONT WANT TO CAUSE YOU ANY EXTRA ANXIETY, BUT IF I HAD MY OPPURTUNITY AGAIN, I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THEM FOR ADVICE...BEFOREHAND

 

COUNTMEIN X

[upsetnanny]

hi guys

sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you, my eyes has been really sore during the past few days. Hey, guess what, I PASSED MY MEDICAL!!!!!!!!!!! I have been allocated to the work group and I have my first work focused interview on Wednesday, what are these like, are the okay? I got a phone call from a very nice lady to tell me that they are very informal, but I must go or I lose money, no fear, I am going. The doctor I had at my medical was very, very nice, she understood immediately that I had very poor sight, I did not go alone though, which made it easier. If any of you are feeling down about the medical, please take from me, there are nice doctors out there who know what they are doing, just be honest and go in there, my best advice is this, don't give any mor information than you need to, I gave simple yes no ansers and someone else in the forum told me that when they are typing or writing, typing in my case don't speak, I took that advice and it worked. and one or thing, don't go by yourself, taking someone with you really helps. Look guys, maybe I am sorted now and I have got my claim through, but I am mindful of the fact that others are struggling and may need help so this thread will remain open and if anyone wants to ask me anything or get advice I am always going to be here. I ama christian and I want everyone else to get their medicals passed as well. I have been there like many others, so you all know where I am if you need help or advice, no matter what the question I will try to answer it. Take care and hope this gives some encouragement.:):):):)

[RaeUK]

Yay! That's great news upsetnanny

The WFI - like so much in the benefits system these days - seems to vary from area to area. Mine are great and I look forward to them. Other people find them a chore and of little benefit. So just go and see how it pans out.

As for the ATOS 'professionals', I can only say my experience. I've now had two WCA's, both held by a genuine Doctor. The first was a neolithic prat and the second, well he seemed v.nice but I'll wait to see what the result is...

Best wishes

Rae

[happyhamr]

congratulations upsetnanny:)

 

"TERRIFIC" NEWS:)

 

Big:):):)

s m i l es

happyhamr:D

[upsetnanny]

hi guys

Thank you so much for that, I hope things go well for you RAe, keep us all informed will you. let you all know how the WFI goes.

best wishes

[ErikaPNP]

Fabulous news - I am so glad that you got a good result.

[debt4get]

had my letter this morning i have the magical 15 points so do not have to attend 'medical' next review august next year.....a result!! so dont give up everyone miracles can and do happen

[RaeUK]

Well done debt4get, always like to read the good news ...!

[honeybee13]

Well done you, I'm so pleased.

 

HBx

[ErikaPNP]

had my letter this morning i have the magical 15 points so do not have to attend 'medical' next review august next year.....a result!! so dont give up everyone miracles can and do happen

 

Fabulous!!!