Can i get DLA

martinsmum

I have suffered with a bad back and sciatica for years, a mri confirmed a squashed disc and my disc is bulging out trapping the sciatic nerve i have now been diagnosed with psoratic arthritis and i am in constant pain. I work in a fish and chip shop, i stand for long periods of time i am taking various pain medication just to get through the day. i am often in tears after a long shift. I have been told that i could claim dla but my husband works full time. any help would be appreciated. Helen

kingfisherblue

DLA is not means tested, so your husband working wouldn't affect your claim. Do you have any care or mobility needs that arise from your condition?Is giving up work or changing your job an option? You can still claim DLA when working, if your care/mobility needs are not contradicted by the job you do.

martinsmum

The work i have to do is making my condition worse but giving up is not a option as i need the money, I am getting very depressed because of the pain. My husband has to put my socks on as the bending is impossible a am also having trouble putting my shoes and boots on.

kingfisherblue

If needing help to put on footwear is your only care need, I doubt if you would qualify for DLA. You can get a9ids to help you put on socks and shoes - Lloyds and Boots Chemists both have catalogues.

Could you find alternative employment? I understand that you need the money, but if working in your current job is making you worse, then it is presumably worth looking for a different job that does not require standing for long periods (I'm not saying it is going to be easy, but have you considered this?)

cutestkids

I suffered the same back complaint as yours, it can be operated on and the disc removed to aleviate the problem, you may find that the job you do at the moment is not going to be practical if you are also suffering from Arthritis but a job that did not need long periods of standing may be appropriate.

It is highly unlikely that you will get DLA

[Deleted User]

cutestkids wrote: »

I suffered the same back complaint as yours, it can be operated on and the disc removed to aleviate the problem, you may find that the job you do at the moment is not going to be practical if you are also suffering from Arthritis but a job that did not need long periods of standing may be appropriate.

It is highly unlikely that you will get DLA

only a dla DM can be that certain,the OP should consider her care/mobility needs then apply for dla

tomjonesrules

martinsmum wrote: »

The work i have to do is making my condition worse but giving up is not a option as i need the money, I am getting very depressed because of the pain. My husband has to put my socks on as the bending is impossible a am also having trouble putting my shoes and boots on.

That could be indicative of care needs, but the bending and lifting involved in your job would contradict this (although I appreciate doing it causes you discomfort). Can you speak to your GP about getting some help with pain management?

martinsmum

I am already taking Gabapentin, Amitriptyline, diclofenic sulpasalazine and Dihydrocodeine. I have had physio and i have also had cortisone injection and at the moment nothing seems to feel any better the hospital have ruled out surgery as i am considered too young ( im 40) the consultant told me he wouldn't expect to see the problems i have with my back on a 40 year old he would expect to see it in someone over the age of 60. Thanks for all your posts looks like ill just have to carry on as i am until i am lucky enough to find alternative employment. Helen

sunnyone

martinsmum wrote: »

I am already taking Gabapentin, Amitriptyline, diclofenic sulpasalazine and Dihydrocodeine. I have had physio and i have also had cortisone injection and at the moment nothing seems to feel any better the hospital have ruled out surgery as i am considered too young ( im 40) the consultant told me he wouldn't expect to see the problems i have with my back on a 40 year old he would expect to see it in someone over the age of 60. Thanks for all your posts looks like ill just have to carry on as i am until i am lucky enough to find alternative employment. Helen

I hope you are taking stomach protection too or your on a short cut to an ulcer, in this age you would have though that the computors could remind doctors who prescibe meds that cause ulcers to also prescribe stomach protection but they dont.

andrea_louise

Unfortunately your never too young for surgery. I had c5/6 replaced 3 years ago - at 36 and l2/l3 and l5/s1 need doing 2012. Similar to you, I have an inflammatory arthritis as well. Get in touch with social sevices/ot they can help with the brevitt sock pulls, grab rails shower boards etc, but have a word with your employer about reasonable adjustments. It may be that a £30 perching stool could improve the symptoms that you are suffering as a result of work. DLA is based on care needs, rather than a diagnosis (as far as I know, they are now looking at the pip requirements that are due to come into effect in 2012). If you do apply for dla, speak to your gp about it! Good luck, hope all goes well!

Darlyd

martinsmum wrote: »

I am already taking Gabapentin, Amitriptyline, diclofenic sulpasalazine and Dihydrocodeine. I have had physio and i have also had cortisone injection and at the moment nothing seems to feel any better the hospital have ruled out surgery as i am considered too young ( im 40) the consultant told me he wouldn't expect to see the problems i have with my back on a 40 year old he would expect to see it in someone over the age of 60. Thanks for all your posts looks like ill just have to carry on as i am until i am lucky enough to find alternative employment. Helen

That is utter bollox get a second opinion. I am in my 30s suffer the same thing, I have the option for surgery at any time. But I refused at the moment as I am scared to go sleep..

Also give DLA a go, you never know... Keep trying....