Well that's that then!

[osdset]

I saw my thoracic specialist today, (I have COPD) I told him I had failed the ATOS assessment, he seemed fairly uninterested. I told him I had been living in a damp mould ridden flat for the last three years, even less interested, I mentioned sleep apnea, the fact I wake up breathless after two hours sleep every night, and can't get back to sleep again, he prescribed anti depressants, I told him I was still getting bouts of involuntary unconsciousness, totally disinterested, the guy's an anti smoking fanatic, anyone that smokes or used to deserves all they get in his eyes, so no back up for my appeal there then.

 

I use a medical centre so I never get the same GP twice in a row, they know I failed the WCA, the DWP informed them, will they back me up with medical evidence for the tribunal? It's looking unlikely, despite finding me unfit for work in the first place.

End of the road for me then, I'm going back to work as a carpenter, I have no choice, if my health suffers as a result, so be it, I have at least a 50/50 chance of winning at appeal, and I thought I might get some support, it seems that I was wrong, I've put myself through nine months of worry and misery living on a pittance for nothing.

[padja]

ahhhh your one of those Scroungers The Sun is on about today then?........Seriously I despair of this country under The Tories, unfortunately this is what they want the sick, poor and vulnerable worked to death, I hope you get some help soon.....a civilised country is only judged by how it treats its poorest and most vulnerable.....if thats the case the UK is certainly uncivilised now

[Nystagmite]

Sorry to hear that. It should be possible for a report from your GP to be made - any GP (within reason, of course) can access your notes.

[frank_begbie]

We're going back to life in the jungle.

 

Its survival of the unfittest I'm afraid.

[sadone]

I'm so sorry to hear this, but do you know that sleep apnea can be really dangerous. I have a friend who had this and at night his body wasn't getting enough oxygen to such a degree it started to damage his heart.

 

It wasn't until he collapsed one day and got admitted to hospital and that tests were finally done. He now has to wear breathing apparatus when he goes to bed at night.

 

You should push your GP to send you to a sleep disorder clinic and get them to do tests. If he won't I'd try changing doctors as you can't let that kind of thing just carry on, especially It's already effecting your sleep at night.

[45002]

Hello osdset

 

Sorry to hear of your problems

 

Don't give up,there are people on this forum who will want to help you and advice you..

[RaeUK]

I saw my thoracic specialist today, (I have COPD) ... the guy's an anti smoking fanatic, anyone that smokes or used to deserves all they get in his eyes ...

 

Sorry to hear about your problems, osdet. It sounds like your 'specialist' is a complete and utter plonker. To put it mildly. Welcome to the COPD club, by the way. I have Severe Chronic Bronchitis (Stage three). Yes I used to smoke but hot dippity dog! So what? Smoking doesn't help COPD that's for sure but it is by no means the only cause. COPD in it's various guises has been around since the start of the industrial revolution. To class it as a 'smokers disease' is to show complete ignorance. It is caused by pollution. Industrial pollution, vehicle pollution, dust, mould, some smoke particles etc etc etc. It was rife in Victorian times. As I often say to people, the best - and quickest - explanation of how COPD occurs is the animated sequence at the beginning of Have I Got News For You. The one where the oriental chap is working in the fresh air of the paddy field. Then along comes housing. He gives a thumbs up. Then along comes factories belching pollution and he's doubled over coughing. And not a cigarette in sight! Depending on what precisely is wrong with you and at what level, I would caution you not to go back to carpentry. That sawdust is going to play havoc...

[insyder]

I think you should exercise your right to a second opinion from another GP other than the medical centre you are using - they will all be reading the notes from previous visits and, probably, inadvertently following the same line.