The (not so old) Crocks Cafe -Part 2

Careful_with_that_Axe

formaldehyde_perfume wrote: »

So, an update.

I got my ESA decision last week. Massive fail. Got the letter stating how many points I got today, 0 points (Which, for many reasons I won't bore you with, is a farce) I have spoken to CAB and I have an appointment with 'Peters and Co' which I assume is a law firm, to discuss my appeal on friday the 17th.

However, much better news is that today I also received a decision as regards to my DLA claim; I have been awarded high rate mobility and mid rate care. I am overjoyed (although I might not sound it, pain, spoons etc). I was sickening myself with worry about what I was going to do without my ESA and how to stretch my remaining money out, but now I don't have to!

I can sit back, relax (sort of) and research what I'm going to spend it on. Backdated to the 17th of August woop! First on my list is 2 anabox weekly dispensers. Any suggestions of things I can spend my money on would be greatly appreciated.. Sensible, disability related suggestions obviously; although I will treat myself a little bit, some choccies and those really expensive 'healthy' ready meals I think

I had help from CAB to fill out my DLA form, but none for my ESA (stupid idiot for not asking) - it really shows what a difference they make.

Also, today I have felt well enough to bake a christmas cake as a present for my dad (well, sort of, mum had to come home and help as I got myself all in a fluster, but I did most of it for which I am proud of myself)


... Oh, I would like to ask also.. As I have said I am appealing my ESA decision, my mum has told me that we have had 2 separate times where cold weather payments have been triggered, when they acknowledge my appeal will they backdate them or will I have to tell them?

Chuffed to bits for you about the DLA! Well done! And well done on all you have achieved.

It's easy to get carried away buying expensive aids which you then find don't work for you. Have you asked for an OT assessment to sort out what they think you need?

When I got a little money, I treated myself to some really good quality sheets and pillow cases etc and a DAB radio alarm clock. Sleep a lot, so want to be comfortable in bed and bedroom.

Careful_with_that_Axe

sh1305 wrote: »

How do people deal with others staring at them? I was out today and had my guide cane with me. Because it was clear I was "scanning", many people moved out of their way for me, for which I am grateful for.

Anyway, got so far and went to cross the road. I have to look a few times before crossing. I then crossed the road and had a lady staring at me. However, I've no idea whether it was more "I was wondering if you wanted any help" or just plain rude staring.

I just smile and say hello!

Indie_Kid

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

I just smile and say hello!

:rotfl: Brilliant response!

juno

formaldehyde_perfume wrote: »

I can sit back, relax (sort of) and research what I'm going to spend it on. Backdated to the 17th of August woop! First on my list is 2 anabox weekly dispensers. Any suggestions of things I can spend my money on would be greatly appreciated.. Sensible, disability related suggestions obviously; although I will treat myself a little bit, some choccies and those really expensive 'healthy' ready meals I think

I want one of those slankets and a kettle tipper. But then I'd also need a new kettle.

Doom_and_Gloom

juno wrote: »

I want one of those slankets and a kettle tipper. But then I'd also need a new kettle.

I have one of those slanekets things (think mine is a snuggle/snuggie) and it is amazing. It's well worth the money in my opinion, okay I didn't buy mine myself but I would have if it hadn't been bought for me.

SingleSue

What would I get?

A new bed with a memory foam mattress to help my aching joints.
A tipper kettle
A new computer chair with proper support
One of the swizzly things you can put on your car seat to help you to turn and get out of/into the car.
Hand rails for getting up the stairs.
One of those grippy things for taking my jeans off at night and my legs/back are refusing to bend, or for picking up things from the floor.
A new V pillow to make for more comfortable sitting in bed or sleeping when joints are aching (my one is about 14 years old now!)
More wheat bags.
A step to help get into and out of the bath.

Erm....not sure what else.

Mind you, it would require me to admit that I have a disability for me to actually apply and right now, my head says no and hopes it is just temporary and if by some miracle, I wake up one morning absolutely fine.

formaldehyde_perfume

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

Chuffed to bits for you about the DLA! Well done! And well done on all you have achieved.

It's easy to get carried away buying expensive aids which you then find don't work for you. Have you asked for an OT assessment to sort out what they think you need?

When I got a little money, I treated myself to some really good quality sheets and pillow cases etc and a DAB radio alarm clock. Sleep a lot, so want to be comfortable in bed and bedroom.

OT assessments round here are as rare as hens teeth, I've never had one but I think I'm pretty clued up about what my needs are, it's just I don't know what's about to help.

I'm moving to a new house soon and we have made sure that my room is as calm and comfortable as it can be as like you I spend a lot of time there, I'm already lucky enough to have a DAB radio (treat to myself from a final student loan payment last year) and my dad offered to pay half for this really expensive mattress that I wanted so I can pay my half off in full as he put it on his credit card, another worry lifted (was going to have to pay him back weekly for a year).

My list currently includes : grab rails for the bathroom, new hand rail for the stairs, pill boxes, new scooter bag, gel padded walking stick, kettle tipper, gym ball.. I think that's it.

Also my award is for two years :rotfl:

Indie_Kid

SingleSue wrote: »

What would I get?

A new bed with a memory foam mattress to help my aching joints.

If you have a decent mattress, you can just get the topper. I've done this. Mum said that with the MF mattresses, they're like normal mattresses and the last 2cm is memory foam.

formaldehyde_perfume

SingleSue wrote: »

Mind you, it would require me to admit that I have a disability for me to actually apply and right now, my head says no and hopes it is just temporary and if by some miracle, I wake up one morning absolutely fine.

it took me a long while to realise how ill I am, and that this is how it's going to be roughly for the rest of my life. It also took the CAB woman and the regional HMSA rep for me to face up to my illness and fight for what I need in order to live as much of fulfilling life as possible. It is worth it, believe me.

SingleSue

sh1305 wrote: »

If you have a decent mattress, you can just get the topper. I've done this. Mum said that with the MF mattresses, they're like normal mattresses and the last 2cm is memory foam.

That is part of my problem, I need a new bed...mine (mattress included) is crap.