Where do I start ? no point going on !

RoCas

Thanks for updating us, CGS. Sorry to hear you've been ill, though it's not that surprising since you've been under so much stress. Hope you manage to feel better soon. ((((((((((hugs))))))))))

WesternExpress

Don't worry about not upadating us, just concentrate on getting yourself better. Glad to see your husband is back, things are usually easier to face together I find. Hang on in there and I'm certain that you will succeed.

Storm

Hi CGS,

I've been reading the forums for a while, but having read through your story I had to go register!

My brother has epilepsy too, so as a family we've done a load of research into what's out there in terms of additional support, though as most of it is dependant on how many seizures you have etc I don't know if this info is going to be any use to you.

Firstly, my brother has found that even though he hates doing it, ticking the box to say that he considers himself disabled has opened up many more doors for him - especially with the Disability Discrimination Act now being in force. Don't know if this would help at all with the council people (esp the Ice Queen) but it's something you may want to consider. BTW - I'm not advocating trying to get around the system, my bro is often fine, but when he has a seizure he's unable to do much for the rest of the day, plus his drugs make him shaky!

Epilepsy Action have recently been running a campaign to raise awareness of the additional difficulties that a parent with epilepsy faces - it may be worth asking them if they will support you in your application to the council. Their website is https://www.epilepsy.org.uk

Finally as people with epilepsy are not able to drive, our local council has given my bro a bus pass for half price fares - I know it's another thing at the moment, but as you said you live in an isolated village I figured the bus fares were probably extortionate, so it may be worth asking if they run a similar scheme - in our council its under the Health & Social Care directorate.

I wish you every luck with your situation & count me in for the letter writing campaign.

Storm

Tiff_2

Hi CGS and the whole Gang! :j
So good to hear from you angel - priorities often change by the day and right now recovery is your priority. I hope you feel better soon CGS. Now don't shout at me,;) but I just want to remind you that you're not Superwoman - although you do come a close second! lol We're all here for you and willing to do whatever it takes but we will bill you for time,advice,computer time and caffeine used!!!:D Just joking hun - y'know that I hope.;)
The DLA application is a valuable benefit - when you're well go to DIAL or CAB and get help filling it in. I posted the phone number previously; it's a long, repetitive form and looks easy but it isn't and these experts can make a difference. And to anyone who's applied already on their own, appeal QUICKLY (short time limit applies) against the decision and take the forms to the experts. I will tell you all though that it does take weeks to get a response bu if you're granted it, your payments are backdated to the date ON THE FORM - not when you became ill. If in doubt apply! Mental ill heath alone can be extremely disabling.
In my area, bus travel has now been made free to disabled people. However, the jacuzzi I requested hasn't arrived, neither has Orlando Bloom and they don't accept passes in taxis! :rotfl: Although some areas if you have certain benefits you can get tokens for taxi journeys.
Try anything to get the help you so obviously need hun.
Thank you - & everyone else - for your kind words regarding my letter.
If you like it, direct DH towards the printer, get him to print it off, you sign it, stuff it in an envelope and launch DH in direction of their office or the Post Office!
And tell them, they'd better not make me reach for my pen again!:mad:
Much love to everyone. xxx
PS - I've got a pen and I'm not afraid to use it! GROWL!

dancingfairy

Just wanted to say hi, thinking of you and hope things are slwoly getting better for you.

Keep strong, we're all still here for you.

Hugs

Brassic

Just stumbled over this thread and although sadly I can't offer any advice, just wanted to say am thinking of you, and think you are an amazingly strong person. Hope your bronchitis is feeling better soon, and you are able to get some more positive answers.

RoCas

Still thinking of you, GCS, and hope you're feeling better.

mrslawrence2003

sounds like you're having a tough time but you are certainly strong enough to come through it with your family in tact. i was rather ill earlier in the year and lost my job because of it which put is in a terrible position financially. but i was told -it'll be ok cos you'll be able to apply for all of these benefits etc etc. unfortunately, the only benefit i was eligible for was incapacity benefit - thus reducing my income fm £1600 + a month down to approx £220 :eek: :eek: needless to say this put immense strain on us incl severe stress. luckily i am now (nearly) healthy and back in work and things are back on track but i had many dark days and nights - awake all night worrying and worrying and finding no answers and no help. but it can get better - even when everything seems at it's darkest and that there is no hope - there is always hope and when it gets that bad you just have to take each minute as it comes. just survive it and get through the first minute, and then the next minute and so on until you can catch sight of that glimmer of hope.

also - what helped immensely was getting medication fm the doctor (not anti-depressants - evil things imo (well for me anyway)) that allowed me a break fm the stress to get a clear perspective on the situation and see my way through.

big huggles hun - you'll get there!

Tiff_2

:hello: Hi CGS, HI GUYS,
Hope you're feeling better CGS! How are you angel? If you need some kind words, huge hugs or a Tiff letter;) , just let us know.
We're all still thinking about you & I know you'll keep us posted when you have time. How are the children settling in back at school? Hopefully this will allow you a little more freedom to sort things a little & some recovery time.
We're all very proud of you & we miss you :A angel!
Much Love - Tiff x

Can't_Get_Straight

Hi Everyone, I'm back (but not for long !)

What a nightmare !

OK, still feeling a bit.............well, not right, but marching on !

Thanks for all the well wishes, advice, links and hugs, all greatly received, beleive me, I need you lot, just so I don't feel alone, THANK YOU. (I have Angels afterall !)

I have a few answers.

1. Monty Pythons Flying Circus will house us temp in B & B whilst they investigate.
2. Still no news on the appeal for top up of rent, so being housed depends on that basically !!!
3. My Epilepsy is not deemed serious enough to warrant changing the application.
4. MP has gone on long holiday !!! (Apparently he's not due back for over a month !!! (hopefully on his return his feet won't be a problem !)
5. STILL NO letter from Landlady for notice of eviction or intention to sell, even though house sale is in full swing and I now know that she needs to give me 2 months notice in writing (although I'm sure she thinks that if the house gets sold, it will be the new owners' problem !) Silly woman ! I have told her time again to send a letter, but she won't listen.

and to top it all ...(very amusing really !)

A friends' sister was in the same position as me but was told 6 weeks ago about her house going up for sale. She did everything I did and had the same problem with top up. This is still being investigated like mine. She HAS had a letter from her Landlord for eviction date and gave it to Monty Python's lot, and today she got a phone call from them offering her a house when she has to move out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNREAL !

The only difference is, she lives about 2 miles away from me, which falls into the next County Council jurisdiction, which apparently has different rules !

I will fight on, and I will get a result (trying to sound very optimistic !)

However, I borrow my neighbours laptop overnight and return it in the morning (for a tiny fee), which somehow works on their wireless system (fantastic technology, I don't understand how it works from my house to 2 doors away, but it does !) and unfortunately, they will no longer have it after the weekend, so I won't be on for a fair while, until I can afford to sort something out.

If I cannot get access for a while, please, please, be assured, that you have all been such fantastic people, so supportive, so welcoming and friendly, and so caring and loyal, I am truly humbled beyond belief.

I will try to gain access (somehow) and report back on any progress I make.

Is there some way I can email or someone else can email this whole topic to me, so that my neighbour can print it off for me for reference, so that I have everything word for word in case I need it ??? I don't know how to !

I am feeling a litte more positive and hoping and praying that my positive attitude at the moment will somehow reflect on the changes that need to be made to get out of this hole.

Thank you all so much and I will keep battling, no matter how hard it is some days.

To my loyal carers (you know who you are ; those with the invaluable advice, those in the 'know', those with great links, those with caring, supportive messages, those with extraordinary offers of help, and those with deadly pens.....thank you all and I love you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx