really need help filling in esa50 form only have a few days to return it

[hollowman]

im due a review by atos ,

but im really confused by the new form ,

ive left it as long as I can but I cant put into words correctly what I need to .

 

I asked the local CAB but they don't have the resources to help .

 

my wife refuses to help at all she's dyslexic and just doesn't want to know .

 

my condition is the same ,worsens over time as it has been the last 12+ years except for the last 6 months

ive been having conscious seizures ,nearly everyday . my head is so confused ,

like my brain has been wired up wrong , the questions make no sense to me at all .

 

is there someone who I can pay to help me fill in this form in the correct way .

 

I feel like just writing " shove it " on the form and posting it back

[unipede]

Where do you live? That might help getting someone who lives near

[hollowman]

Doncaster

[Michael Browne]

This guide may help:

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?316210-ESA50-Guide

[hollowman]

ive already read that and tbh it did really help last year .

but the questions are so confusing now ,

 

some to the common man like me make no sense whatso ever .

 

example the one to do with sitting and standing at a work station ,

how would i know ?

i never sit at a work station .

 

maybe at my computer for 20 mins or so but then it asks about moving around ,

 

i have to use a crutch all the time or hop on my good leg around the house ,

 

i used to be able to hop upstairs etc .

 

these days i can't ,my left knee cant take it anymore .

[mr_mastiff]

writing shove it will not help. First what is your diagnosis? is it epilepsy? if it is what type? What medication are you on.

 

Do you lose conciousness? If you do how often does it happen? Or do have petit mals were you do not lose conciousness but become unresponsive.

 

We can help you but you need to give us more detail.

 

ive already read that and tbh it did really help last year .but the questions are so confusing now ,some to the common man like me make no sense whatso ever . example the one to do with sitting and standing at a work station ,how would i know ? i never sit at a work station . maybe at my computer for 20 mins or so but then it asks about moving around , i have to use a crutch all the time or hop on my good leg around the house , i used to be able to hop upstairs etc . these days i can't ,my left knee cant take it anymore .

 

So you need to put that you have difficulty climbing stairs. do you have hand rails in the house to help you mobilise. If you do put that.

 

you then need to state why you have difficulty is your knee painful or can you not bend it. state the reasons why. For example you may have have a serious injury or you may have osteoarthritis.

 

What treatment are you on for this condition for example pain killers or anti inflammatories.

 

What side effects have these medications. do they make you feel sleepy or forgetful

 

Does your knee cause you problems with dressing or washing if it does what are the problems and who helps you. do you need help getting your shirt/trousers on etc.

 

Break each part of your day into little parts everything from getting out of bed to making a cup of tea and describe how your conditions effect you.

 

Do you need someone with you due to your episodes of loss of conciousness. why do you need someone there.

 

Build a picture of your conditions and how they effect you. Giving examples of your condition at its best and at its worst.

[hollowman]

okay 12 years ago i feel over the side of a quarry ,

i fell over 100ft and survived ,

multiple injuries

,broken ribs

damaged spine

collapsed lung,

right broken leg in 5 places ,

compound fracture of ankle ,

some mental damage resulting in memory loss and blackouts. t

 

he blackouts cleared over time but i was left with confusion?

 

i have to walk with a crutch ,

sciatica ,

back problems due to nerve damage ,

plus the urge to pee every 5 mins (damaged nerves)

 

medication daily ,

cant sit for long and

have to stand on one leg like a stalk .

 

the suspected epilepsy is recent within 6 months ,

 

i saw a locum doctor who forgot to add it to my notes ,

 

i left it at first due to side effects from meds and to be honest been scared i was mentally losing it ,

 

went back to the doctors told her the symptoms ,

 

im still conscious when it happens but can't move at all can't speak or aknowledge anyone ,

if im holding a cup it just drops to one side or falls ,

people say my eyes roll and my head tilts to the side

,this happens daily multiple times (didn't at first)

i can hear people still ,

but when i come out of it ,

i cannot talk at first

then when i do my words come out jumbled as if ive just been reset.

 

the doctor put me up for an appointment with a neurologist there

and then told me under no circumstances to drive

and said it seems like you have a form of epilepsy . I

am still awaiting an appointment time ,

waiting times are seven weeks ,

 

i was instructed by the doctor to phone the surgery weekly to see if they could speed things up

,this was 3 weeks ago .

Edited October 2, 2013 by hollowman

[mr_mastiff]

By the look of it you may have petit mal epilepsy (get your doctor to confirm this) State that you have been told not to carry out complex tasks (ie driving) because you are unsafe. You could be a danger to yourself or others.

 

For example you should have a special cup to prevent you from burning yourself if you have an episode whilst drinking an hot drink.

 

You will need watching whilst in the bath or shower at the present time because your epilepsy is not been confirmed and is at this point uncontrolled. you could injure yourself very easily.

 

It would cause you problems cooking or lifting anything, just put down how it effects you. As it ever caused you to fall/ drop something or have an accident if it has give examples.

 

What happens if you have an episode outside of the house. Could it cause you to be run over or fall over on the road. Do you take someone with you.

 

Memory loss and confusion is very common after these episodes and would place you in danger.

 

Simply state that you are waiting for a appointment to see a neurologist for further tests.

Edited October 2, 2013 by mr_mastiff

[hollowman]

forgot that doctor said don't take a bath alone ,

wife wont allow me in the kitchen ,

fell up steps last week ,

took a chunk out of my leg but nothing serious

. the siezures hac=ve left me with constant dull headache and confusion ,

 

i find it very hard atm to understand things with

,no attention span,

even kids making loud noise irritates me .

[mr_mastiff]

forgot that doctor said don't take a bath alone , wife wont allow me in the kitchen ,fell up steps last week ,took a chunk out of my leg but nothing serious . the siezures hac=ve left me with constant dull headache and confusion , i find it very hard atm to understand things with ,no attention span, even kids making loud noise irritates me .

 

These are the things that you need to be putting on the form. If you have not got enough room use a separate sheet of paper to add more. Make sure you put the question number and your name/national insurance number on each sheet of paper.

 

The most important thing at the moment is that your condition is undiagnosed and uncontrolled which places both yourself and others in danger.

 

Have you rang up the JPC is there a local advisor there that can help you fill out the form.

 

There are a number of issues with your nerve damage that need to be put down. You state that you feel the need to urinate every five minutes how doe this effect your day to day life. does it cause you problems when you travel/leave the house etc.

 

When you see the neurologist as him if you have a neurogenic bladder.

 

How do your back problems/sciatica effect you for example do you have problems getting in/out of bed, can you get out of a chair does it cause problems if you sit/stand for long periods.

 

Hollowman, I must stop now my arms/hands are painful. I will come back in the morning and see if I can help you. Cheers for now.

[hollowman]

mr mastiff ,

 

thankyou for your help it is helping tremendolsly ,

 

i will definitely ask the neurologist that .

 

my wife has been filling in the form with the help of your questions back to me .

 

i have had the bladder problem for years and have taken hundreds of antibiotics for supposed uti's

 

i have noted that if i push myself and sit for too long ,

 

i can then if you like sense when it is coming on ,

 

it is such an uncomfortable feeling that lasts days to weeks but then can clear up for some time ,

 

i take amnitryptyline ? to help block it

 

. blocks all brain signals as well i think

[mr_mastiff]

Hi hollowman amnitryptyline is used for neuropathic pain it can cause drowsiness and problems with constipation and passing urine.

 

State how much you take in a day and how it effects you. There should be warnings on the packet. Unfortunately UTI,s are a common side effect if your bladder is effected.

 

You have stated that when you have your suspected epileptic episodes you have confusion following these events. How many episodes are you having a day. How long do they last.

 

After you have had your episodes. how long does your confusion last for. Does it last for 30 minutes or two hours or is it different every time. if it does simply state that this period of confusion can last from 30 minutes to 3 hours etc.

 

When you are confused are you able to understand instructions or remove yourself from danger. Does your wife or family need to stay with you to ensure your safety. What do they do. Have you had an episode whilst eating?

you could be in danger of having a blocked airway and your wife my need to stay with you to ensure your safety. As your wife noticed any difficulty with your breathing when you have these episodes. Does she need to put you in a recovery position. Just simply write what your wife does to help you.

 

With your back injury do your arms and legs ever feel numb, as your knee ever gave way and caused you to fall. Do you have problems picking objects up for example a kettle. do you use one crutch or two. this must make it very difficult to carry out tasks. Describe what difficulties you have? for example you would not be able to carry a cup of tea or lift even a light box because in reality you need at least one hand to control and use your crutch. Think about every day things about moving around the house or outside the house. For example can you get on and off a bus or do you have problems with escalators.

 

How important an aid is your crutch to you. If you did not have it how would it effect you. Would you have falls due to being unable to balance. Simply state what would happen if you did not have a crutch.

 

Are you on any other medications and what are you on them for.

 

Hollowman, what problems do you have getting in/out bath

 

What problems do you have dressing

 

Who looks after your medications. do you use a dosset box. Due to your confusion does your wife need to give you your tablets to ensure you are safe.

 

Why will your wife not let you in the kitchen. For example have you turned on a gas ring then had an epileptic episode and then not been able to light the gas. Explain why your wife thinks you unsafe. Have you dropped a pan of hot water. give examples.

 

Get back to me and I will try to help you word what you want to say

 

Hollowman sorry more questions, why is your wife helping you to fill in the form? due to your confusion at times are you finding it difficult to concentrate when you are reading or trying to write details down. If so how long can you concentrate for. At the back of the form is a space to give details of the person who helped you fill in the form.

 

Give an explanation why your wife helped you. Do the words become a blurred or do have difficulty spelling words or making sentences because of the effects of your condition.

 

You are on amnitryptyline. Have you ever been told that you have peripheral neuropathy . This does not just mean pain but it can also cause problems with fine motor skills. I.E do you have problems picking up small objects. For example can you easily pick up a one pound coin if you drop it. Do you have difficulty doing up buttons or holding a pen.

 

Keep a record of everything you put down in the form especially if your memory is poor. If ATOS/DWP ask questions keeping a record will help you in the future.

 

How well do you get on with your GP? do you think he would provide you with a short note explaining your current medical problems. It does not need to be sent with the form now. But you could send it later as further evidence.

 

Get back to me if you need any further help. Good luck and do not give up!

[hollowman]

hi , pointless opening yet a new thread , but i have justin the last week received a letter for an atos medical .

 

although i have not received an esa50 from to complete . i did however presume there were no more medicals for a period of 24 months .

 

i find it starnge that there is no esa 50 form at all or the confirmed phone call.

 

since my last medical (october2013) i have had more medical issues . confirmed as such (now under debate) epilepsy with 2 grandmal attacks . lots of siezures while awake and it has now progressed into what the consultant ,only a week ago stated as a coma state when it happens ,with periods of total unconciousness for around 2+hours ,were im jut in limp mode . plus a massive heart attack earlier in the year ,which with the help of the ambulance / paramedic staff nearly killed me due to incomptetence on their behalf.

 

im still having regular treatment ,still seeing consultants etc and on 14 different meds a day sread over either x2 or x4 times a day . there is that many i have no idea whats what my wife administers them.

 

i still find it strange to be having a ftf without filling in a esa50 form .

please advise on what to do next

[Nystagmite]

Have you phoned ATOS and asked why you've been called in without an ESA50?

[hollowman]

no my wife is tomorrow as i end up not been able to talk mid conversation ,like some one pressed the pause button.wil update with any info they give tomorrow

[hollowman]

My wife phoned the number on the letter today and spoke with someone , they said it is because of the back log of work they have . She explained that when i had my last assesment in october 2013 i had filled in n esa50 form AND had been in for a medical assesment ,the man replied with yes we know that its down here on computer , my wife did ask again why am i attending then yet another medical without the esa50 filled in first , same answer as above , he also said bring in any evidence of changes to your illness since the last medical .

 

 

where now ? do i get my wife to phone the dwp and ,if so what department do i ask for ,(anyone have a phone number for doncaster area). to ask them why ,as i have already attended the medical the asked for over 12 months ago . also how do i go about getting a full write up of my medical history since the changes ove the last year or so , as they are spread between neurology,epilepsy specialists,heart clinic(or whatever it would be called) and spine clinic as i have had needle in spine to help alleviate the pain due to the slipped disks and sciatica .

 

 

i need to get it all down in one letter if possible.

i cant explain it all to an atos medical person , i cant even remember the names of the consultants who i see .

[Nystagmite]

You need to speak to your GP.

[hollowman]

my usual gp , left and moved to canada only a few months ago . my new doctor doesn't know me and is new to the practice . so i dont know how he can put into a letter the personal problems i have and the information i shared with my previous gp .

do i have to see my gp directly as it usually takes around 3 week to get an appointment . would it be possible to speak to the receptionist and request a letter from the gp .

 

 

still strange i find to just have a FTF with no esa50

[Nystagmite]

Do you hav to see your usual GP? If I'm not fussy, I can get an apointment within 24-48 hours. You may be even able to have a phone consultation with the GP?

[hollowman]

no i dont have to see my usual gp ,its just that all the gp's that were at the surgery since i joined there have either left or retired ,all the doctors are new at the surgery , i can get an appointment but i dont know if it will do any good

[hollowman]

my wife had a right old time phoning the dwp today to explain no esa50 form ,and that how can they know all the new information if they havent read it beforehand , 3 people she spoke to said no need , 4th said yes you definately need to send a new esa50 form to atos . so thats what we will do , i have the previous one so dont have to completelty fill it all in , just add to it about my health deteriation ,doctors ,consultants im under , medication ,how my deteriation effects me etc .

[hollowman]

had my esa face to face medical yesterday .

 

 

i wouldnt have called it a medical to be quite honest .

after waitnf approx 40 mins to be seen ,

i was seen by a man.

my wife came with me as she has to anyway ,

 

 

most of the time he spent typing on the computer without asking anything except the odd question about the esa50 form my wife filled in and insisted they had to look at it before hand .

 

 

he must have browsed through it at some point s he knew i had,had a heart attack ,but didnt know what year although the date was clearly visible in the form .

 

 

he asked besides having to walk with a crutch and not been able to sit for long due to slipped disks and constant sciatica what other phisical disablities did i have ,to be honest i did quite understand what he meant by this , as the fact is i cant sit properly and comfortably for more than around 15mins , and when stood i have to stand on one leg to support my own weight as my other leg fails under the weight and pain.

 

the actual medical examinition consisted of him taking my blood pressure , a quick chest examination with a stethescope and then he lifted both my trouser legs to my knees ,had a quick look and that was that . (i know thats to do with muscle waste as its been done numerous times before .

 

i did ask him what his proffesion was ,his reply was a qualified disbility consultant .

then he asked if all the 15 medications im on are all still applicable ,which my with said yes .then he said ok thats it sort of words,esa will contact you within 4 weeks time. then he helped me out the door to the exit of the waiting room.

 

by that time i was white and did feel sick . the ride home in the car felt like a rollercoaster .

come home shattered ended up asleep for 5 and a half hours from exhaustion .

i would love to know what they are typing whilst seemingly not even acknowleging that youre actually there.