Atos

peapoddy

I've often read the forums but this is my first time so please be gentle

Four weeks ago I had a total hysterectomy, I'm still a mile from getting back on my feet, a walk around the block has my stomach blowing up like a drum. I wont go into it all but its totally floored me to be honest.

Anyway, today I've had a call from ATOS saying I have to go for an interview to see if I'm entitled to the ESA I've been recieving for the last 5 weeks. I asked where the place was, its miles away, I was told I'd have to get two buses, I can barely walk to the bus stop let alone get on two buses! My GP gave me a 12 week sick note the week before the op.

Is this normal? I'm well aware they do these interviews but so soon after what is classed as mayjor surgery?

peapoddy

mynameistallulah

Your GP can ask that they visit you at home, but he will need to explain why this is needed. Alternatively, they may delay it if you explain, but the delay will be no more than a few weeks.

Is there anyone that can drive you there? It is a hassle but at least it will get it out of the way.

Trazy

I do not think it is unusual.

If you cannot travel by bus then get a taxi or a lift, it is in your interests to attend.

pmlindyloo

Trazy wrote: »

I do not think it is unusual.

If you cannot travel by bus then get a taxi or a lift, it is in your interests to attend.

Although I agree about making other travel arrangements to attend in most cases I think, in the OP's circumstances, I would be asking my doctor if anything that I was expected to do during my 'Medical' would hinder my recovery.

If the doctor was against your attending because of a possible harmful effect to recovery from a hysterectomy then I would be asking him for a letter requesting a postponement until you were healed enough to 'perform' some of the tasks required.

In my opinion it is not so much where it takes place but what takes place.

Only replying from hearing about some of the experiences of people attending these medicals.

It would be good to hear from people as regards to what 'tasks' they had to carry out during the medical so the OP could ask her doctor if they would be harmful to a full recovery.

rogerblack

pmlindyloo wrote: »

If the doctor was against your attending because of a possible harmful effect to recovery from a hysterectomy then I would be asking him for a letter requesting a postponement until you were healed enough to 'perform' some of the tasks required.

The tasks are not onerous in general - and the guidance is that if the claimant experiences pain - the health-care-professional should not continue with that test.

It's stuff like can you raise your arms over your head, or can you pick up a pound coin.
It's not an examination, or a fitness test in the normal sense.

pmlindyloo

OP are you claiming ESA because of your present condition relating to your having a hysterectomy or are there other factors?

Sorry to be intrusive but was thinking that if the hysterectomy was secondary (hope you know what I mean) wouldn't the pain and difficulties being currently experienced negate the findings of the medical?

Or is that a daft question?

earthbound_misfit

You shouldn't have to undergo an assessment until 12/13 weeks... perhaps they were just making the first contact and in reality it'll be ages until your medical? (I've heard there's a backlog, I have been told my reassesment won't be til july/august even though they sent the forms in feb!)
Have they told you a date for the medical, or sent you an ESA50 form yet?
Also, try not to communicate with Atos by phone, and if you do, keep a list of the time/date of the call, what was said, and the name of the person you spoke to. They shouldn't need to call, just send letters, so don't answer the phone if you know it's them. It seems a bit over the top to say this, but they are known for using underhand tactics so written records of everything is necessary.

nad1611

I agree that it seems unlikely that you'd be called to an actual medical at this stage as earthbound says, they're probably just making contact and making you aware that an assessment will be done.
Otherwise,I would go with mynameistalullah. Phone them and advise them you are not well enough to travel to the Centre. Home assessments can be arranged and are there for this very reason.
They will advise you it's in your best interest to attend, but don't be disuaded. If you give in and go you are stating you're well enough to get in a taxi/bus,possibly climb stairs, sit in a waiting room, sit in a chair and be examined. You say you find walking a short distance intolerable, so you obviously aren't well enough to go there. They will allow this and they'll tell you who needs to verify it, in your case your GP. Don't be bullied. There are processes set up for this type of situation. Just make sure you do it as soon as possible and tell them you will send them verification.

Cpt.Scarlet

As this appears to be a new claim for ESA, there is a mandatory WFI usually scheduled for week 8 of the claim. You may be able to arrange for it to be held over the phone by contacting your local JC+ office (not DWP), failing to attend can cause problems with your claim.

peapoddy

Hi and thanks for all the replies.

I've been given a date to attend the atos place. I said over the phone that I couldn't manage 2 buses but getting there is my problem it seems. The woman on the phone said I'd have to sort it out with the dwp because they only make the bookings. It'll be over £10 there and then the same back in a taxi, just seems somewhat unfair.

I'm well aware that I have to attend, I just think its a bit soon after such a big op, trouble is I probabaly look ok on the outside but the list of things I can and can't do at certain stages seems endless, I cant take the dog for a walk and hold his leash for 6/7 weeks, can't drive for 6/7 weeks.

peapoddy

Dunroamin

The guidelines you're given when you have a hysterectomy err on the side of caution and can actually make you feel more of an invalid than you actually are. Apart from the fatigue, you may well be back to normal after about 6 weeks.