ESA worries

marie2109

Hi, I wonder if any of you lovely people can give me some advice please?

I was made redundant in March and at the same time developed a problem with my right wrist where it became swollen and I have been unable to use my hand. Anyway, after 4 weeks of severe pain I was advised that my wrist was broken and had a cast for 4 weeks. In this time I have claimed ESA. I have now been advised that my wrist does not have a break and that I have cysts around the joint and a high possibility of rheumatoid arthritis. i have undertaken 5 blood tests today in order to find a correct diagnosis (I hope). I am now waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist.

So, I am worried where this leaves me, as my mortgage is not being paid (I am 8 weeks into my claim and have to wait for 13 weeks apparently). I am not sure whether I can still claim ESA at all as I have no definite diagnosis and I also worry that I may not be able to find alternative employment as my job is all I know and have been trained for! (I was previously a PA). I really cannot afford to reskill.

Any advice please?

CountryGuy

your bloods should be back in a few days so hopefully you will have a diagnosis. My 1st blood test didn't show RA but the 2nd one 3 months later did.

I find keeping an even keel of exercise and rest works well along with the painkillers prescribed. You may also need some extra strong ones for the really bad days. If it is RA expect it to start in your other wrist too, and possibly knees. elbows, ankles and shoulders.

Your rheumatologist will explain the do's and don't's to help you get the best out of life.

you will be called for an assessment for ESA after 13 weeks, I waited almost 12 months for mine tut! Might I add I'm not off sick with RA though.

Good luck

marie2109

Thanks for the swift response Countryguy. What sort of thing should I expect from the assessment?

I do want to get back to work as I am a young 42 and a life of non work is just not a possibility for me. I just can't see it happening in the near future.

sunnyone

marie2109 wrote: »

Hi, I wonder if any of you lovely people can give me some advice please?

I was made redundant in March and at the same time developed a problem with my right wrist where it became swollen and I have been unable to use my hand. Anyway, after 4 weeks of severe pain I was advised that my wrist was broken and had a cast for 4 weeks. In this time I have claimed ESA. I have now been advised that my wrist does not have a break and that I have cysts around the joint and a high possibility of rheumatoid arthritis. i have undertaken 5 blood tests today in order to find a correct diagnosis (I hope). I am now waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist.

So, I am worried where this leaves me, as my mortgage is not being paid (I am 8 weeks into my claim and have to wait for 13 weeks apparently). I am not sure whether I can still claim ESA at all as I have no definite diagnosis and I also worry that I may not be able to find alternative employment as my job is all I know and have been trained for! (I was previously a PA). I really cannot afford to reskill.

Any advice please?

The blood test may not show RA, there are diffrent types of arthritis which dont show up in blood tests but if it is RA with DMARDs it can be stopped in its tracks if your lucky or at least slowed down.

i have three types of artritis and RA in my hands. wrists, elbows and shoulders and Im unlucky in that three disease modifying drugs (DMARDs) havnt worked for me, RA is a condition where the body's Immune system is attacking the body and treatments have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years and if you get treatment straight away you may be spared the difformed joints.

Good luck.

CountryGuy

marie2109 wrote: »

Thanks for the swift response Countryguy. What sort of thing should I expect from the assessment?

I do want to get back to work as I am a young 42 and a life of non work is just not a possibility for me. I just can't see it happening in the near future.

When I was first diagnosed I was told I have a good 10 years of working life left in me with the help of drugs. I was diagnosed about 4 years ago. It is only in the last 6 months that the thumb on my right hand has started to deform, it started off being really, really painful to use/move, now it won't bend at all and the upper knuckle more or less looks like there's a circular swelling/lump surrounding the knuckle.

I don't think anyone can say how long it will take to affect any of us to the point that we are unable to use a joint. I have already adjusted to a thumb that no longer bends. Maybe because I'm right handed anyway and use that hand for writing etc. I can now write just as well with my thumb in the position it is as I could before.

There are lots of things on the market to help carry on with so many clever gadgets.

Your bloods may well come back normal (mine did the first time) I have been x-rayed, scanned and loads of blood tests.

I'd wait for your results to come back and your appointment with the rheumatologist before worrying.

CountryGuy

Sorry I forgot to answer your question re: assessment. As I wasn't assessed for my RA, as at the moment I can't see it affecting my work, I can't really tell you what will happen at your assessment. Hopefully someone will be along soon that can answer that for you who has experienced the assessment for physical problems.

Cpt.Scarlet

Marie

The diagnosis is only relevant as supporting evidence to your being unable to complete the tests that comprise the ESA medical, which will determine whether you are granted ESA at the full rate.

I have to warn you, based on what you have described, I think it unlikely that you you will pass the medical as even someone who was missing a hand would still not score sufficient points. I hope that I am wrong.

DDpimp

Hi, In have been claiming ESA for 2/3 monthes and have been told this will be ongoing as it stands. For some unknown reason (as in no change in surcumstances) my money has been reduced by a third in the last fortniht.I have looked on the gouverment website but cant find anything to tell me about any payment scale change although I am aware that in April there was a majore change to all benafits. Does any one have a clue why this could be? thanks in advance.

dmg24

DDpimp wrote: »

Hi, In have been claiming ESA for 2/3 monthes and have been told this will be ongoing as it stands. For some unknown reason (as in no change in surcumstances) my money has been reduced by a third in the last fortniht.I have looked on the gouverment website but cant find anything to tell me about any payment scale change although I am aware that in April there was a majore change to all benafits. Does any one have a clue why this could be? thanks in advance.

What did the JCP say when you rang and asked them this question?

MoneySaverForever

All I can tell you is don't panic, things will work out and I know you will be ok xxx

DDpimp

dmg24 wrote: »

What did the JCP say when you rang and asked them this question?

They said I had ring ESA which I did. and all theey said in turn was that it was a premium that had been reduced but wouldnt tell me why, which i found maddening to say the least. but my money has been reduced to 2/3 of what it was.