Fibromyalgia/CFS/ME & benefits

rogerblack

Either GP, or at the very least a diary, and some documentation - perhaps photos and an explanation of how each accident occurred.

GlasweJen

Yes, if you don't want to go to GP call NHS direct (NHS 24 in scotland) as they will fax a report to your GP to say you've asked for advice. Also a diary with photos of the injury (date stamp if the camera allows it) along with a short description of what happened (tried to get pie out of the oven, fell and bumped my head and burned my hand is fine). Keep the diary for a few months and send along with the DLA form.

Good luck on your next shot.

rogerblack

For me, CFS is not a misleading term.

It varies over time.

When I was newly diagnosed, I indeed had all of the ticklist.

Gradually over the years, all the symptoms except the worst have faded away, leaving me 'only' with severe mental and physical fatigue.

I'd happily swap either for 'just' pain or the headaches back.

Jo_King.
I'd recommend applying again now, even if you suspect you will be refused, listing all of the injuries you can recall. (If you are out of time to appeal)
Continue with the diary/....
If you get refused, submit the diary up to then and ask for a reconsideration.
If you still get refused, you'll eventually get to a tribunal where you can put your case.
I'm due for one of these in a little over a week.

Jo_King

Thanks for the advice. I didn't realise that NHS direct contacted the GP. And it never occurred to me to take photos. I have to work out how to put the date on my photos!

I don't have the emotional energy for a DLA application right now. I'm just crawling out of a depressive episode and have no desire to walk back into it!

I'm also hoping against hope that the current cardio investigations are going to say 'here's what's wrong with you, here's a pill'. The consultant's already told me that won't happen, but a girl can dream.

I've just got some bad news that I'm going to have to be at work at 7.30am 7 days running, one week out of five from now on. Which means getting up at 5.30 if I'm to do my physio and wash. Which is going to send my fibro haywire. I just can't begin to imagine how I'm going to manage that...

GlasweJen

They usually ask if it's ok to contact your GP to let them know you've sought advice on your problem. The correct answer to this is always yes!

They fax a summary of your problem, any appointments scheduled and any advice given so that your GP surgery can add it to your notes when they're next open.

Torry_Quine

rogerblack wrote: »

For me, CFS is not a misleading term.

It varies over time.

When I was newly diagnosed, I indeed had all of the ticklist.

Gradually over the years, all the symptoms except the worst have faded away, leaving me 'only' with severe mental and physical fatigue.

I'd happily swap either for 'just' pain or the headaches back.

Jo_King.
I'd recommend applying again now, even if you suspect you will be refused, listing all of the injuries you can recall. (If you are out of time to appeal)
Continue with the diary/....
If you get refused, submit the diary up to then and ask for a reconsideration.
If you still get refused, you'll eventually get to a tribunal where you can put your case.
I'm due for one of these in a little over a week.

I'm pleased that for you many symptoms have faded away but this is not the reality for many sufferers for whom if anything more symptoms are added as time goes by.

Pain is not to be under-estimated.

LadyMorticia

Torry_Quine wrote: »

I'm pleased that for you many symptoms have faded away but this is not the reality for many sufferers for whom if anything more symptoms are added as time goes by.

Pain is not to be under-estimated.

I agree. New symptoms keep being added to my list.

rogerblack

Torry_Quine wrote: »

I'm pleased that for you many symptoms have faded away but this is not the reality for many sufferers for whom if anything more symptoms are added as time goes by.

Pain is not to be under-estimated.

I totally agree, and have had severe blinding headaches, and horribly bad muscle pain.
I'm just saying that at the moment, if I could trade them for the fatigue, I would, without hesitation.
This may be rose-tinted recollections, to a degree, but at least for me, the fatigue is far more disabling than the pain.
I do agree others conditions may differ.

DanE2010

GlasweJen wrote: »

If you actually read what I wrote you'd see I said that you have to prove above and beyond. Some people are shattered after work and a DWP decision maker would query any care after work based on this. I used to go to tribunals and I know what comes up, do you think the OP shouldn't know she'll be asked this by 3 professionals when the DM has binned her form?

You were on sick leave, the OP isn't and apparently doesn't have a documented pattern of being off sick so completely different arguments. Your sickness related absences from work collaborated what you said, the OP doesn't have this.

The DWP can check NI records you know.

And if you read what I wrote you'd see that I said detailed supporting evidence from her medical professionals is vital to all of this so when those questions are asked she has medical evidence from professionals who actually know what they are talking about, it might noteven get to the stage of the tribunal if she has all the relevent support from medical professionals, I never even had to have a medical for my DLA because my doctor and consultant knew what they were talking about and how it effects me and that is vitally important.

Every case is different, every person who has ME is affected differently its a very complex issue especially when it comes to benefits, just because you've sat in a few tribunals doesnt make your word the gospel on all things concerned, doesnt make me right either but different experiences from people who have walked her path helps.

As an aside a relative works for the ministry of justice so sits in on tribunals 5 days a week all day long so I know alot of what comes up also, not to mention I also work for the goverment dealing with people's benefits so also have inside knowledge of how things work, doesnt make my word the gospel though, and I dont feel the need to be rude to people asking for help either.

Just trying to help people not make them feel like !!!!, without giving false hope but trying to be positive, as everyone on here always bangs on about having a positive attitude cause it will suddenly make your illness a millions times better *rolly eye smiley*