Can i get DLA

rogerblack

Do not mix up the care and mobility elements.
You do not need any care needs for the mobility elements, or any mobility needs for the care elements.
If walking more than a few yards causes 'Severe discomfort or pain' - then you are entitled to the mobility component of DLA.

The 'needs help to put on socks' - would go a small way - though not far enough on its own - towards the care component.

Notmyrealname

martinsmum wrote: »

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

Your hospital are talking out of their backsides and are fobbing you off.

I had the operation in 1993 at the age of 21 except I had two discs in the state yours are in and I was only a few months off being wheelchair bound. It completely cured the problem and within 3 weeks of the operation I was walking around like a normal person completely free of pain. Prior to that I was completely crippled and unable to sleep because of the pain.

Unfortunately I then felt invincible and did another one in so I'm now well stuffed.

This is not something that is going to get better. Challenge the decision about the op and if needs be, demand to see a different consultant in a different hospital as is your right under the Patients Charter. When you've had the op, if you can stand a bit of pain (OK, a lot) and get on your feet quicky, you can go home after a week so even if you have to go to a different county, it would only mean your hubby travelling there for a week.

When filling in the DLA claim, it is compared to a normal person. So if you're like me you can't stand up long enough to make a meal, lift full saucepans, do the shopping without it causing you severe pain.

Ellejmorgan

I have degenerative disks, but I have another disk slipped in my neck as well as the lower back.
I have had surgery to have the lower one removed and waiting for surgery on my neck.
My DLA was awarded and all I got was £19.55 per week low care despite being unable to walk and on 70mcg morphine. My award was based on the fact that I needed assistance cooking which is something that you wouldn't be able to say you had trouble with.

BTW I was 31 years old when I had surgery and have had 2 disks gone by 32..It's got nothing to do with age..It's not that rare to have a disk gone at all, It's more rare to have one gone in your lower back and neck by 32

clemmatis

martinsmum, have you talked to the Access to Work people? They may be able to help.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347

cutestkids

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 was 23 when I had the operation and within a few months was completly pain free and had full range of mobility, I would advise you to return to your GP and insist on a second opinion regarding the surgery as it is done all the time on much younger people.:)

Gingerbiscuit_2

You have nothing to lose in applying, you may qualify for some mobility costs though it is getting harder and harder to get