On ESA had my atos examination today

Anubis_2

CountryGuy wrote: »

That is very low, do you have to take steroids?

My mum can't get anything when she blows into one because it triggers her coughing off. I wonder if she ever had to go for a wca (retired so will never happen) if they would record hers as refusing to do one?

I have asthma amongst a plethora of other things. I was on steriods for arthritis but I have been taken off them 18 months ago as they were causing stomach and other issues, so much so that I hsve to take four proten pump inhibitors a day for the stomach issues.

Blowing in one makes me cough too

DanielClark

Anubis wrote: »

It might have been an older peak flow as opposed to the EN one, as one gives higher results than the other <link removed>

500 and 650 are very good readings and both within normal ranges depending on your freinds age, so that reading would make little difference. My peak flow is 150.

Here is a chart <link removed>

judging by that chart, he should be getting 600, so the one they used at his medical is saying he is normal.

the problem is though, is that on the morning of his medical, he took a personal peak flow reading, and he got 450. the evening result was 490. for 4 days before his medical, he didn't record a score above 500, only getting that once.

since taking his medical, he hasn't had a single score above 490, this mornings score was 440, the lowest it has been for a while.

just seems very unusual to me to see a spike of 150 from his morning test within half a dozen hours, only for it to drop again by another 110 half a dozen more later.

is anyone aware of what the tolerable differences between peak flow monitor models are? as I already said, it's understandable that there is going to be some variation, but surely, there must be a legal limit, especially when being used for the purposes listed above.

deathvalleydemon

ive never understood the whole " you can get dla if you can work or not" thing...

I cant work, i cannot get in and out of the bath by myself, even wash my own hair, shave myself or even wipe my own backside without the assistance of my other half, had an atos medical that deemed me to be 50% disabled yet im not entitled to dla....

Anubis_2

DanielClark wrote: »

judging by that chart, he should be getting 600, so the one they used at his medical is saying he is normal.

the problem is though, is that on the morning of his medical, he took a personal peak flow reading, and he got 450. the evening result was 490. for 4 days before his medical, he didn't record a score above 500, only getting that once.

since taking his medical, he hasn't had a single score above 490, this mornings score was 440, the lowest it has been for a while.

just seems very unusual to me to see a spike of 150 from his morning test
within half a dozen hours, only for it to drop again by another 110 half a dozen more later.

is anyone aware of what the tolerable differences between peak flow monitor models are? as I already said, it's understandable that there is going to be some variation, but surely, there must be a legal limit, especially when being used for the purposes listed above.

Peak flow varies throughout the day. Additionally a 490 reading is pretty normal too, so even if his peak flow had of said 490 it would not make a jot of difference. His asthma must be under control to get normal readings, and as disability benefits are all about how your condition affects you and not what
the condition is, with either reading they would record that his asthma is under control.

Take a look at the chart I posted and you will see normal readings for men start at 450 and are between 450 and 680 depending on age and height, but any reading between thise figures would be conidered relatively normal.

Now if his peak flow said 300 and theirs said 650 and the readings at the doctors were 300 on average, then you would have a case.

cally57

I had mine a couple of weeks ago which lasted for 45 mins. I had a stroke and a Brain Tumour and have still been turned down. I just dont get it to be honest. I wonder where they get their decisions from. I can only walk 10 feet with a stick and they say i am capable of work........rediculous. I'm a chef. It just makes you laugh.

Anubis_2

It is not the conditions you had, or have, it is how they affect you. it sounds like your brain tumour and stroke were in the past, so if you have recovered from them, and your GP tells them that you have, then you won't be awarded. Are you still working as a chef?

You can appeal but ensure that what you put on your form will also be what your GP would tell them. It is of little use if you say you can't walk more than 10 ft and your GP states you have liitle to no mobility issues.

Ask for a report of the medical and also a statement of reasons so you can see what they said. Then appeal but remember you only have so much time to get the appeal in.

Redman_2

Anubis wrote: »

Peak flow varies throughout the day. Additionally a 490 reading is pretty normal too, so even if his peak flow had of said 490 it would not make a jot of difference. His asthma must be under control to get normal readings, and as disability benefits are all about how your condition affects you and not what
the condition is, with either reading they would record that his asthma is under control.

Take a look at the chart I posted and you will see normal readings for men start at 450 and are between 450 and 680 depending on age and height, but any reading between thise figures would be conidered relatively normal.

Now if his peak flow said 300 and theirs said 650 and the readings at the doctors were 300 on average, then you would have a case.

Re peakflow,

for anyone with respiratory problems who attend their COPD/Asthma clinic, they should have a spyrometry test every 6 months / 12months depending on the severity of their condition.

You can request print outs of this spyrometry tests, and use them to add to your ESA or appeal as supporting evidence.

It gives your lung age, mine is 113 years, (I'm 55) your peak flow, mines 200, this peak flow is much more acurate than a hand held meter.

It also gives other readings which are useful, such as predicted peakflow for your sex/age/weight/BMI, which are keyed into the macine before the test.

As well as these readings, you are also graded on the MRC (Medical Research Council) Breathlessness Scale 1 to 5. 5 being the most severe, this scale is recognised world wide as the best indicator of disability/limitations resulting from breathlessness, and is therefore compelling evidence.

Unfortunautely I am graded as 5 on this scale, I have severe COPD, and Asthma.

Hope this helps

cally57

No Anubis....I had the brain operation 3 months ago. Specialist says it will take 18 months to get back to normal. Can only walk 10 yards without getting weak and tired........and even with all other problems that i am suffering, they turned me down.

Anubis_2

In that case you should DEFINITLY appeal. How long ago did they turn you down? There is a time limit for appeals but ask for a full statement of reasons so you can see how they reached their conclusion. There is a guide on benefits and work website, I don't know if you are a member, but it is well worth subscribing. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk

Denisthemenice

Hi, just a quick update, I have passed the medical and have been put int the work related group and have been told I no longer need to send doctors certificates. I have a question, how long will I have to wait for an interview with an adviser? I ask because im in hospital all next week and the decision to put me in the group was on the 15/07/11 but only got the letter today.