What will happen to M.E me sufferers?

Ewan154

Hi,
I have been suffering from M.E, depression and agoraphia. I never go out on my own. I have just sent my forum in and wondering what will happen. Will I have to go for a medical?

I'm also very worried that I they find me "fit" for work.


feeling very very stressed:eek:

wssla00

Lots of questions and lots of answers! Sometimes they go on the evidence from your doctor, sometimes they request a medical, sometimes they go on the evidence sent in without contacting your consultants and sometimes they refuse the claim before requesting any further information.

If you do require a medical you can ask to be seen at home and they can arrange that for you. But most importantly, try not to worry! I know it's rubbish waiting but there is no point in worrying until you have to

Hope you get the help you need!

TOBRUK

Ewan154, hi there, are you referring to - DLA or other benefit? How long have you been suffering from M.E. and when and by whom were you diagnosed? I'm asking as you sound as though this is your first application.

I have suffered from M.E. since before 1997 and diagnosed in 1997 by a specialist. I do receive DLA, having reports from specialist and GP makes a big difference. I know how you are feeling but worrying as you know makes your symptoms worse.

Ewan154

Hi,
Thanks for all the replies:beer:

@TOBRUK- I have been claming incapacity benefit for nearly 10 years now. I think I was diagnosed by my doctor as having post-viral fatigue in the 2000. You are right stress does make the symptoms worse.

I have not been diagnosed by specialist as far as I know,there is not one in my area. it's only recently that there have been M.E support groups.

My doctor tells me just to do what I can. It was very hard to get a doctor in my area to recognize M.E/viral fatigue.

7roland8

Hi Ewan154 - I'd get your doctor to give you a firm diagnosise - and/or get referred to a specialist - I believe its your right.
Anyhow that will look good for when the ebnefit people come checking.
I would think if you are to ill to get out and travel then they should give you a home visit.
Try not to worry (been ill with it since 96 myself - the year not my age - though sometimes I could pass for 96!).

TOBRUK

Ewan154, what 7roland8 is saying is right and this is why I was asking about it. It does sound as though your GP is fairly supportive, is he/she helpful in trying to control your symptoms with the pain?

You didn't say whether you were applying for DLA and if this is what you are worrying about? Remember
DLA is based on need - care and mobility needs, and not on the illness.

7roland8, I know what you mean about feeling 96!

Ewan154

Hi,
Thanks for the replies.

Do you get something to control the pain? I didn't know you could get something. My doctor just tells me "do what you can"


I get anti depressants and chlorpromazine. I even have to buy my own migraleve pills.

Ewan154

Also- no I did not get a firm diagnosise or referred to a specialist . The doctors said it was post-viral fatigue and that was it.

I went to the doctors for years telling them I felt tried all the time, and they diagnosised me with depression. I tried alot of different doctors but got no where. In the end it was a locum doctor that did a blood test and finally diagnosised my with post-viral fatigue.

I feel very short changed here by my doctors.

TOBRUK

Ewan154 wrote: »

Hi,
Thanks for the replies.

Do you get something to control the pain? I didn't know you could get something. My doctor just tells me "do what you can"


I get anti depressants and chlorpromazine. I even have to buy my own migraleve pills.

I get medication to relieve my symptoms and have 5 different pain killers. I have muscle pain, muscle twitches and spasms, nerve pain, and therefore have different types of pain killers, one is a slow release.

Ewan154 wrote: »

Also- no I did not get a firm diagnosise or referred to a specialist . The doctors said it was post-viral fatigue and that was it.

I went to the doctors for years telling them I felt tried all the time, and they diagnosised me with depression. I tried alot of different doctors but got no where. In the end it was a locum doctor that did a blood test and finally diagnosised my with post-viral fatigue.

I feel very short changed here by my doctors.

There isn't a blood test to say if you have M.E. or CFS. There are a number of tests carried out (mainly to rule out other illnesses) and it takes time to come to a firm diagnosis. I haven't heard it called post-viral fatigue - some call it CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and it is sometimes triggered by a virus.

People with M.E. can become depressed due to the nature of the illness.

Are you applying for DLA - you haven't said??

jazabelle

TOBRUK wrote: »

I haven't heard it called post-viral fatigue - some call it CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and it is sometimes triggered by a virus.

It's a separate condition to ME. It's something you can get after a severe illness, but the symptoms are pretty much the same. There is a bit more info on it here.

TOBRUK

Thanks jazabelle, I didn't think of it as another condition as the OP had stated that he was suffering with M.E. in the first post.