Am I disabled? Am I entitled to badge/benefits??

Tanya, from what you have posted here, it doesn't sound likely that you are entitled to any benefits. As your illnesses come and go it would be difficult to prove a long term need of benefit. Have you spoken to your endocrinologist regarding your thyroid/diabetic problems-have they just stated there is nothing that can be done to improve your resillience ie vitamins etc? Is your husband managing to hold down a job? Maybe you could go to a welfare advisor to discuss whether there is anything you haven't thought of?

thanks guys!! I have had the diabetes and hypothyroid most of my life and am on the right levels of medication etc, but the effects on the body still exist and makes me more prone to being run down and catching bugs.... the hypospenism is newly diagnosed but has the same effect!! My endochronologist / GP / haematologist all confirm this. but i have no extra care needs, nor does my husband... yet!! it's just frustrating that I can be off sick for a week or 2 every month with a cold / chest infection which quickly turns to pneumonia if not not treated and rested.

My son also has problems with his chest - infections seem to come out of nowhere and can be quite severe 9including pneumonia). It might be possible for your GP or consultant to prescribe a low dose antiobiotic that you take every day, even when you are well. This can help to prevent infections taking hold.

You should also consider self help. I give my son chest physio and he has a contraption from the hospital (I think it is called an exhalator - you blow into it and this makes a ball rise. You have to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. It helps to dislodge phlegm).

Steam inhalations can help, as can lymphatic massage to loosen mucus and prevent it settling in the lungs.

My son is now twelve, and hasn't had a hospital admission (except for planned surgery) since he was six weeks old. Even when he had pneumonia, he stayed at home. His chest consultant and his paediatrician and surgeon are amazed that he isn't hospitalised every winter, as he has so many chest infections and is high risk. Trying to prevent major infections (and I do all of the above for him) are part of my son's care needs - he can't do them himself. Cold weather is horrendous for him, and I often get very little sleep as much of his care takes palce overnight (and I defintely can't sleep when he is coughing). The above methods help to some extent thoguh, and anything is worth a try.

gwynevere wrote: »

I am really confused by the governments information regarding whether or not one has a disability.

Having a disability doesn't automatically entitle you to disability benefits.