Back problems/arthritis

HopeAndDriftWood

Hello,
Im currently on JSA, income based.
However, over the last few weeks my spinal pains have got even worse. Ive had it for several years, but it has never been officially diagnosed, just 'suggested' that it was Rheumatoid arthritis. I had different types of scans, but never heard back.
Some time last year i stopped going for weekly physiotherapy because i simply couldnt afford the train anymore.
I was attending a childrens hospital, who tried to refer me to my local hospital when i was 16. The local hospital refused to touch me, claiming that they didnt want to make the problem worse, and said they would have to 'diagnose me and stop fobbing me off with physio' before they'd look after me.

Im 18 now, and the childrens hospital wont see me, but neither will the local, apart from giving me insoles for very flat feet.

My question is, if the pains continue to get as bad as they have been some days recently, i find it very painful to walk, and sometimes cannot get out of bed. Should i be claiming something else?

I looked at disability allowance, but i can walk, and feed myself, etc, so i dont know if id actually be better off?

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks x

PS applied for a community care grant in the last week of Jan, and recieved a letter last week saying i dont qualify. Have responded stating why i do, with the help of CAB, last week. Anyone know when i should recieve the money? Sleeping on the floor really, really upsets my joints. Thanks

max2009

You need to see a specialist.What kind of pain do you get ?

krisskross

I thought rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed on a blood test?

McKneff

A simple blood test will tell whether you have RA or not.
Who on earth told you to sleep on the floor, its the worst thing you should be doing. You need to sleep on a mattress that supports all the bends and bits of your body.
Go back to your doctor first of all, ask for a blood test and tell him the problems you are having. Ask to be referred to a specialist.Probably a big part of your spinal problems will probably be to do with your flat feet affecting your posture. Buy some proper insoles with lifts for the arches and take time to get used to them.
For the moment stop mithering about money and concentrate on you and dealing with your health problems. I have had RA for over 20 years now and no amount of money helps with the pain. Time and effort will

Nigella_2

To claim JSA you have to be available / actively seeking work unless excused as below:

During short term periods of sickness you may continue to be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance. Two periods of sickness in a jobseeking period or in each successive 12 months where the jobseeking period lasts over a year may be permitted. Each period of sickness can last up to two weeks.

If you feel your sickness is going to last for some time (and your GP will give you a sick note) then you need to claim ESA.

You could ask to see a Disability Employment Adviser in your Job Centre for advice or ring Benefit Enquiry Line Freephone 0800 882 200.

Nigella_2

What group of people did you apply under??


Community Care Grant What is a Community Care Grant?

This is a tax-free sum of money that you do not have to pay back. A Community Care Grant can help people to cope with special difficulties.
What is it for?

A Community Care Grant could help you:

• return to the community after being in care
• stay in your home rather than go into care
• set up home in the community after having an unsettled way of life (as part of a planned programme to resettle you)
• care for a prisoner or young offender when they leave prison on temporary licence
• ease exceptional pressures on you and your family, or
• pay for certain travel expenses like going to a family funeral or visiting someone who is ill.

The application form you fill in will help you to give all the right information.
Can I get a Community Care Grant?

You may be able to get a Community Care Grant if you are getting:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• payment on account of one of these benefits, or
• if you are due to leave care within the next 6 weeks and are likely to get one of these benefits when you leave

How much can I get?

We will pay what we think is right for the things you apply for and we may check costs with you if they seem too much.
We cannot pay a grant of less than £30 unless it is for travel costs.

max2009

You need get this sorted ASAP.I cannot understand why they have not given you a MRI scan within those two years.Flat feet can cause Morton's Neuroma (swollen trapped nerve) or Lumbo sacral pain(lower back pain).It will also imbalance your spine.

McKneff

Do you live with your parents, are they supportive of you.
Do they give you any encouragement about seeing your GP

sarah_smurf

If Rheumatoid arthritis is suspected then why have they not took a blood test and looking for increased inflammation or the Rheumatoid factor and x-rays before now.

I'd go to your gp and explain your symptoms, voice your concerns and ask for a blood test to check your inflammation levels or referral to a Rheumatologist. I have the type you mention and it was 6 months before I was referred to the hospital as my gp was only ever looking at the inflammation showing in blood tests thinking it was an injured cartlidge joint in my knee.

viktory

Perhaps the fact that a simple blood test will diagnose RA is why the OP's not had one :rolleyes:

Forgive my cynicism but if I were in such discomfort I would be camped out on the Doctors doorstep.

HopeAndDriftWood

viktory wrote: »

Perhaps the fact that a simple blood test will diagnose RA is why the OP's not had one :rolleyes:

Forgive my cynicism but if I were in such discomfort I would be camped out on the Doctors doorstep.

I have had 4 bloodtests, 2 of which not enough blood was taken, and 2 were inconclusive.

As i said, i am now stuck between hospitals, with the childrens hospital saying im too old, and the adult hospital not wanting to take me on without a diagnosis. My GP is pretty useless.

My god.

Oh, and thank you, everyone else who responded. Ill go and demand a blood test.