Advice on IB & IS

Brassedoff

A bit of advice if someone can please as yesterday I was in hospital for another MRI. Brief background. 2 Ops on back, waiting for the "big one" (Doctors words not mine). Several discs had a full lumber discectomy performed on them, the last op was in June and that involved the same, plus two others having a bilateral lumbar decompression, coflex inserts and an accidental dural tear spinal cord (thanks Doc) leaving me with no use of the left left below the knee, but the pain from a full-on neuropathic hypersensitive nerve damage and activation below the knee. This means I take a concoction of 34 tablets day including, Zomorph 800mg, Pregabalin 800mg and Diazepam 10mg, plus Oral Oramorph. The former at full strength. I get several side effects that are not welcome.

Anyway, back to the story. The article said that everyone on IB are to be medical examined and that there was a problem with the assessors not being qualified or even doctors. The company ATOS, had an incentive to fail claimants, even though many were clearly not able to go in the Work Related Activity Group, they get put in there.

I get IB (credits since August 2008) and therefore a very little IS. But does a set of circumstances mean some people will not have to go into the medicals? Been told by the doctors that I will never work again as the medication will be permanent as is the injury/disability. The DWP said that I don't have to give them sick notes. My DLA was awarded in Aug 08, reviewed this August and made indefinate (seperate battle about the care component as I cannot dress myself, shower or do other things etc :eek:) I have good days and bad days in how the medication affect me. The pain, discomfort and not being able to sleep is constant.

I am worried I will get called for a medical and someone with no knowledge decides that even in the face of the facts I move from where I am now to the new groups.

Does anyone have knowledge of the system and how it works? If they do thanks in advance.

pipkin71

Hi Brassedoff.

How are you today?

How long before you get the results of yesterday's MRI?

I have also undergone a disectomy / lamenectomy. Have severe nerve damage causing lack of feeling, drop foot to the left leg, a loss of balance, causing me to fall and I also get the severe pain - especially in the big toe

Many a time I have thought amputation at the ankle would solve a lot of problems and have been desperate enough with the pain, to consider it.

Degeneration, compression and arthritis in my spine and hips, add to the pain, and, like you, I take a cocktail of drugs, which have decided not to work to full affect lately, but that's a different story

Anyway, I do believe that at some point you will have to go for a medical if claiming IB.

My advice would be to try not to worry about the medical. There are a lot of scare stories around with regards the medical, but, with your physical symptoms, I really don't think you should panic about it right now.

You said the other night that your consultant has said you will never work again, which will also have an affect on you, but, maybe this is some hope, I was also told that I won't be able to work, that there was nothing else they can do, but, I will soon be coming off income support and starting my own business. Sometimes, determination can overcome other hurdles. It's not going to be easy but I think a recent diagnosis of another type of arthritis attacking my body, has somehow spurred me on and I don't want to give in to this horrible disease.

Have you asked for a reconsideration on your DLA? I receive higher rate of both care and mobility and have similar problems.

I don't know if you saw on the other thread, but I suggested that you get in touch with your adult social services OT dept. They can come out, do an assessment, and see if they can help you with aids.

In my area, there are four categories and they can only help those who fall under severe or considerable difficulties [not sure of the exact wording].

Depending on finances, you may be asked to contribute, but then again, you may receive things for free.

I have used this site for quite a few things to make life easier:

https://www.nrs-uk.co.uk

It may be useful for you.

Good luck with everything. It's not easy coming to terms with a lifelong disability, having to take medication for the rest of your life but try not to let it beat you

[Deleted User]

ATOS do the medicals the decision is still made by DWP DM`s,its urban myth to suggest that they are paid to fail people,and yes starting next spring everyone will be moved from IB to ESA,part of that process will involve a medical