Am I entitled?

millymollymandy78

Hi,

I am a first time user of this forum after being reffered here by a dear friend (he speaks very highly of the guidance and advice given on here!)
Anyhow, today i am looking for a little advice myself.
I have been self employed for a number of years, working from home via the internet.
Seven years ago i became very ill with a back related problem and have been on opiate based medication since.
At the time i was employed by a company that required me to do a great deal of travelling but obviously i had to give the job up because of the medication and its effects.
I have struggled for the last seven years with my condition but get very little help from my GP.
Over this last year however things are getting harder for me and some days i struggle to cope.
Because i am self employed this is now having an impact on my earnings.
I last went to see my GP about a month ago to inform him about my new symptoms but was then given an appointment with a junior doctor as my GP had had to leave on an emergency.
I told this doctor about my new symptoms and she said it was just an ageing process. (I am 44)
She then went on to suggest that my condition could be made easier by buying sponge insoles for my shoes and walking with my shoulders back.
To be honest i felt insulted, left the doctors really upset and have not been back since.
I was originally diagnosed with scoliosis of the lower thorasic spine and something else i cannot remember.
Anyhow the problems i am having at the moment are joint stiffness in my knees and especially my feet. Sometimes it is too painfull to stand and walk far. I also get severe pain in my hips and also my elbow and small finger on my hand is very swollen and painfull.
My back is very painful if i am sitting for a deal of time too hence the reason i am having to take very frequent breaks from my work in order to get some respite.
My questions to you are, do you think that possibly i have been mis-diagnosed or maybe these symptoms are something in addition to my condition?
I wish to remain working as it keeps me sane but would i be entitled to any benefits to supplement my now meagre income (Last week i earned a total of £26) and also is there anyway or place that perhaps i could get a loan or a grant to enable me to buy a chair which is comfortable while i work.
I really want to go back to the doctors again but am worried they will think of me as being a moan!

Thankyou in advance.

MrsManda

I don't know about your diagnosis but I would definitely go back to the GP and ask for a referral to specialist to see if there's anything which can be done to help you.

Have you seen an orthopaedic specialist to diagnose scoliosis?
An orthopaedic specialist should be able to help you manage your condition.
If they cannot help it may be worth asking to be referred to a pain specialist as just taking opiates without being monitored isn't good for you.

You may be able to get an assessment by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to see what equipment (such as a chair) could help you. If they suggest a chair it may be possible for them to provide some funding.

Are you receiving any benefits at the moment? (Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Tax Credits?)
If you are unable to work due to ill health you may be able to claim Employment Support Allowance.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171891

If you have mobility or care needs you may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10011816

If you put your details into one of the benefits calculators below you'll get a rough idea of what you may be able to claim.

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/ba/lp?_piref278_36249_278_36248_36248.__ora_navig=
But please please please go back to your doctor and get some help. It's much better to get your condition managed than be stuck at home on benefits. If you've got family or a friend you may find it helpful to take to someone with you to your appointment and also write a list of questions and things you want to discuss so you don't forget when you are with the doctor.

Hope you find the answers you need.

[Deleted User]

just to add it might be worth asking gp for a referal to local pain clinic

daggy

did you go to your Doctor for the knee problem or the back problem?

I've found that you sometimes have to be blunt with GP's... don't worry about whether they think you are moaning or not - they are certainly paid enough to tolerate you making clear what you want, expect and deserve.

It sound like you'd be entitled to some support and the benefit calculator that has reviously been suggested would be the place to start.

Make it a priority to contact the local council's occupational therapist; my Mum has had them out before and they are superb.