atos?? need help

law1984

my mum recived her capability for work form in decemember,we filled it all in and returnrd it,
my mum has depresstion and M.E since 2001 to cut along story short she get sno help what so ever from GP surgery she dosent go out and they do not come and see her only if very urgent they dont entertain ME look at her like shes mad we have contacted people for help ourselfs.

Basilcally i called for a update from atos and they said they have written to GPs for more info!they wont get any as they never seee her now im very worried about whats going to happen and we dont know what they have asked gps but just wondered what other peoples experiences with this esa form and there outcomes.

thanks

TOBRUK

Hi law1984,

They have written to GPs for more info!they wont get any as they never seee her now im very worried about whats going to happen and we dont know what they have asked gps but just wondered what other peoples experiences with this esa form and there outcomes.

The GP will give information (they have to) but what they write may not be very helpful!

Who diagnosed M.E? I take it that the GP referred your mother to a specialist in M.E after a series of tests, back when she first became ill with symptoms she could not shake.

they dont entertain ME look at her like shes mad we have contacted people for help ourselfs.

Her GP must have had contact with her specialist (received letter) when she was diagnosed with M.E. and the specialist would have informed her GP of the diagnosis - whatever the GP thinks of the illness.

You should make an appointment with her GP to inform that the DWP will be sending him/her a form to request more information. You yourself could inform her GP of this even if your mother can't attend and ask that this diagnosis is written on the form. Obviously her GP will not be able to discuss any details about your mother but you can give him/her information. You should inform him/her about your mothers' condition and how she is from day to day and things you have to help with etc. Tell her GP why she can't attend and say that they really should make a home visit ... that she should be seen.

I know how she feels ... I also have M.E (since 1997, diagnosed 98/99) and got to the point that I had to leave employment and reluctantly eventually had to leave my home, after advice from a number of health officials (to a bungalow instead of a house) and move near family (as I live alone) for help and have a support network.

just wondered what other peoples experiences with this esa form and there outcomes.

I was on Incapacity Benefit and last October received a form to apply for ESA (TRANSFER FROM IB TO ESA) and as your mother, I received a letter stating that they had contacted my GP for further details. The outcome was that I received a letter stating that I had been transferred from IB to ESA 'work focused group'.

I then had an appointment with my GP who told me that he had received a form and sent a report to the DWP. He asked me what the outcome was. When I said to him that I did not know how I would be able to work he shook his head and said NO! He advised me that if I had any problems with them to go to CAB as they would know what to do.

I was fearful regarding being placed in the 'work focused group' and requested the 'medical report' from DWP which they sent. The 'report' was full of discrepancies, it was wrtten by a nurse who had no knowledge of my illness and condition or what my medication was for.

I have appealed (back in Oct/nov) but still waiting for the outcome. I was called for an interview at the Job centre on 2nd of January as part of the compulsary rules of the 'work focus group' which you have to attend regardless of any appeal pending! I did manage to get to the interview and as the person was asking different questions he was tapping away on the keyboard througout. He told me that they did not expect me to look for any sort of work.

Sorry for long post but I hope it helps.:)

Mojisola

TOBRUK wrote: »

I take it that the GP referred your mother to a specialist in M.E

What specialists? I'd be interested in hearing about any NHS ME specialists - there's none around here.

KxMx

The only NHS help for ME I know of are Fatigue Management Services. They are few and far between, have long waits and usually involve travelling a great distance.

I'm waiting to hear if the service I have been referred too means 90 mins on one train or 80 on two.

I will go because my Rheumatologist wants me to try but I have no idea how long I can maintain that level of travelling.

OP you started another thread today which seems to contradict slightly what you've been saying here?

law1984 wrote: »

hi i am a carrer for my mum and she had her questioner through the door in december after sending has no been decided she should have a assesment at home after i managed to get a letter from gps ho are also useless and no help at all,
my mum has ME dosnt go out at all and she is now terrified about assessment and what the outcome will be,any help would be great thankyou

bubblegum1985

Mojisola wrote: »

What specialists? I'd be interested in hearing about any NHS ME specialists - there's none around here.

Where abouts are you based?

http://www.actionforme.org.uk/get-help/services-directory if you go on this website untick all services apart from specialists and you will see what's available for your area.

Mojisola

bubblegum1985 wrote: »

Where abouts are you based?

http://www.actionforme.org.uk/get-help/services-directory if you go on this website untick all services apart from specialists and you will see what's available for your area.

As I thought - no specialists/doctors/consultants.

bubblegum1985

I saw a specialist in newcastle?

Why don't you think there are no specialists?

Mojisola

Mojisola wrote: »

As I thought - no specialists/doctors/consultants.

bubblegum1985 wrote: »

I saw a specialist in newcastle?

Why don't you think there are no specialists?

In my area.

bubblegum1985

Oh I apologise I thought you meant anywhere!

Mojisola

bubblegum1985 wrote: »

I saw a specialist in newcastle?

Was the doctor helpful?

bubblegum1985

Yes, he obviously gave me a diagnosis but also gave me access to the fatigue clinic they run so I got great advice on pacing, diet, CBT etc.

I also get 3 monthly reviews and we are still looking for medication which works for me.

Have you seen a specialist for a diagnosis or was it your GP?