Looking for the silver lining

*Robin*

beanielou wrote: »

If you already have forms apply for DLA.

Alas it is now definitely too late to apply for DLA; PIP took over yesterday.

Can understand your reluctance to become more deeply embroiled in the benefit system than absolutely necessary, Sun.A, especially the means tested ones - we had exactly the same dilemma; it's a load of hassle for something you suspect you're not entitled to anyway.
But your situation is rather more positive than ours was; haven't you already been told treatment will take six months? (Being realistic I'd add a bit to that - you've already discovered that a high temperature will delay the timetable, as will wonky blood results etc etc.). Unfortunately there are plenty of dips on the roller-coaster.
At the moment you're still working, but it may not be possible to continue once MrSA is back at home most of the time.
At that point, you might be grateful for extra financial help - which will arrive much faster if you've already put your application into the system.
It's a darn sight easier to cancel a claim than start one, so I can't help thinking your options might be wider if you begin the process now; maybe the extra money would pay for a carer to stay with MrSA while you're at work, if you definitely want to keep your job (which is also understandable; very important you should get time out from carer's responsibilities at home)?

PIP is a completely new system so doubtless will not run smoothly at first, but if it follows the same logic as DLA then the twelve weeks' delay won't begin until someone stamps a 'delivered on' date onto the application form.
...Although I may be wrong about that; maybe the PIP application form has a section for the GP to write "became ill enough to be classed as disabled on [date]" - therefore back-dating the start of the twelve week delay would be possible.
Tbh given the current government's welfare policies, that seems unlikely - would be delighted to be proved wrong though.

To change tack Sun.A; why don't you drive? Not doing so is undoubtedly making everything more complicated for you..

Anyway, I hope today is a good day for MrSA, and you get some dry spells to enjoy a dog-walk and a bit of time in your garden.

please-let-me-be-lucky

Totally agree, apply, apply, apply. It might even raise questions further down the line if you have to apply then, as to why you didn't apply now Xx

Sun_Addict

Ok you've all persuaded me to apply for the PIP (as it's now called). They can only say no! I have no intentions of giving up work to care for Mr SA, don't want to sound harsh but I've no patience to be a carer, it would drive me mad, and I really love my job (most of the time!). I would end up in a lunatic asylum without it! As he is getting more mobile as time goes on he'll have to look after himself during the day.

He wasn't too good last night, he was struggling to walk just a short distance and was very tired. He was also feeling very fuzzy headed. The doctor is working on treating the infection in the Hickman Line rather than taking the line out. More chemo is due on Friday provided the infection goes. They are giving him very strong antibiotics so fingers crossed.

Robin - I don't drive because I failed my test several years ago. I know I should have just re-taken it and I'm sure I would have passed the second time as it was just nerves that did it. I would need some more lessons and then there would be the added expense of a car (as we only have a van) and the insurance etc. By the time I'd be up and running Mr SA would no doubt be driving again. I am considering it but still think it would be cheaper and less hassle to get a taxi as and when we needed it as it's a short term problem. In the long term though it would be a good idea to get driving.

Thank you all for your thoughts.

beanielou

Robin~If you already have forms for DLA which are date stamped you can apply for DLA.Obviously this does not apply to many people.

Sun_Addict

Hi all

As I printed off the DLA form from the internet and it isn't date stamped it looks like I'll have to phone in for a PIP form. The discharge nurse at the hospital has asked social services to contact me re Mr SA so might ask their advice.

Can't work out what's going on at the moment. Mr SA still had infection last night and he said doctor was talking about stem cell transplant next week. They need infection to clear up first as they don't want to put infected stem cells back into him. Then this morning I got a phone call from the discharge nurse talking about him coming home and what we need to make this happen. The occupational therapist also rang talking about having some grab rails fitted. Need to ask when they're discharging him don't I?

Sun_Addict

:)Finally Mr SA's temperature and infection have gone and today he started his third round of chemo. He's still desperate to come home though so isn't the happiest of bunnies at the moment but is glad his infection has finally gone.

Decided to use some of his tax rebate to pay some off the Barclaycard so have paid off £320 today to get it down to a nice round figure of £1000. After doing some calculations I should definitely be able to get this paid off by the end of August. Then it's on with paying off the Halifax card which stands at £3462.95 but the 0% doesn't finish until end January 2015 so more breathing space with this one.

Paid £3.98 into my VSP so now have £196.67.

Feel a bit more upbeat today.

please-let-me-be-lucky

Good news all round then :j:T:j So pleased you feel more upbeat Xx

Buffythedebtslayer

hello

well done on the CC and am so glad everything else is ticking over

Big hugs xxxxxxxxxxx

beanielou

Great news on CC & Mr SA's temperature.

*Robin*

Sun_Addict wrote: »

:)Finally Mr SA's temperature and infection have gone and today he started his third round of chemo. He's still desperate to come home though so isn't the happiest of bunnies at the moment but is glad his infection has finally gone.
.........
Feel a bit more upbeat today.

Hello Sun.A, :hello:

Good news that MrSA has got rid of his infection at last and been able to take the next next step on his treatment-path.

Also glad to hear you're feeling chirpier; may you have many more up than down days! :smileyhea

As for driving; almost everyone fails the test first time, it's probably no disparagement of your driving - just the stress of the situation. And unless your van's first name is Furniture, then there are definitely things in it's favour (excellent driving position; high up with a good view of traffic, and more comfortable. Speed merchants invariably treat a van with respect* and give it plenty of room. Also, because one tends to drive a van more gently, it may well be cheaper to run than a car [unless very heavily laden).
*I encourage a certain amount of rust to warn off boy-racer-types; seems to work. :rotfl:

The main thing against driving a van is town centre parking because most bays are not generous in size - unless MrSA qualifies for a Blue Badge in which case a normal sized van fits easily.