My DMP Journey...

Monkeyballs

Saturday 7th June;

Just given the post, excellent news! I'm entitled to EAS NI Contributions based benefits

I'm on the verge of losing money at work which they assured me would be made up by benefits but as I've no experience of the benefits system I was sceptical...

So, from the middle of June I'll be getting £72.40 a week (no idea if it's paid weekly or fortnightly?) and I'll continue to get the remaining money from work to make me up to the 75% of normal pay! HUGE relief

I've also received a letter confirming final decision on their decision to continue to mark my Barclaycard as AR until I end the DMP (or repay the full amount, whichever comes first) so I can ask the FOS to take a look for me

Oh, and it's raining heavily so I've made the executive decision to only walk as far as the corner shop and to my brothers and not feel sick and achy all day I may regret it tomorrow but right now I don't care!!!!!

HURRAH!!!!

MB of G x

in_need_of_direction

The insoles correct imbalance in the way you walk. You can get nhs ones. I'd tried these before and they weren't great also there would have been a lengthy wait to be seen. Went privately as I can claim back through a work scheme. Ridiculous price of £450 that includes follow up gait analysis over a six month period. Tbh, there would have been no point me doing it til my knee was sorted as it would have stopped my body protecting the dodgey joint. Stick with working on your back and then as it starts to settle down, get a referral.

Monkeyballs

£450!!! Ouch!!!

Ok, thanks for the advice when my back starts easing up it's something to look into

I've just been for a walk to my brothers and I'm definitely getting stomach pain (as well as back pain) by walking properly it's a sort of twisting sicky feeling but I don't know if it's just the back pain making me feel sick or if it's something new? My money is on the back pain but time will tell... I think I just need to grin an bear it for the moment

MB

Seasidegal58

Hi Monkeyballs - I read (or rather winced!) through your diary today and had to post to give you my good wishes on your debt journey. I found your posts so inspirational and entertaining as you have been in so much pain but have still kept your sense of humour throughout and managed to keep on your debt free track at the same time.

I do hope things will improve with your back soon and I look forward to reading more of your posts.

Monkeyballs

Hi SSG,

Thanks for your words, it means a lot to me

I try to stay positive although it's difficult at times... And find a good sense of humour is always the key to making it through because at the end of the day, it's only money right?

As for my back, sh*t happens so hopefully due to me being a (incredibly handsome, witty and intelligent) youngish guy I'll be on my feet (and pain free) sooner rather than later

Keep in touch as it's always nice to swap messages with new names :beer:

MB of G x

Monkeyballs

Monday 9th of June

Ok... So today I have made a complaint about Barclaycard AR markers on my credit file, sent back a DWP mobility questionnaire thingy and posted my GP sick notes to HR... All fairly constructive stuff

But, I don't know what to do now learning how to walk is really painful and after only being out for about 20 minutes my back and hip feel like they're on fire and I'm feeling pain and a sick feeling in my stomach - I know it's going to pass with some rest but should I see my GP about it now or wait until the end of the week when I need to see her because my last note runs out?

I'm thinking wait until Friday since I have this 'back gym class' thing on Wednesday anyway and my GP doesn't work Thursdays either... I just can't believe that my back is hurting again so much now after all this time just because I'm walking differently!

Grrr... I hate being broken!

MB

Seasidegal58

Poor old thing! You've really been in the wars! Perhaps take inod's advice and concentrate on your back rather than the walk for now? Think you're right about leaving the GP until Friday until after the back course. Hope the MRI results wing your way soon.

Monkeyballs

Tuesday 10th of June

So, another sleepless night and while I would rather my brain focused on more serious subjects like ending world hunger, bringing world peace, sewing the holes in my socks...

But no! My brain doesn't work like that... Instead I started to think about Puss in Boots, or more specifically one of his latter days descendants (drum roll please) Puss in Stilettos!

So basically the world has gone to pot, Russia is threatening to plunge Europe into a 3rd world war....

Location - Sunderland, the Cats Whiskers cabaret bar.

Stage left, a silver and purple glittered curtain catches a breeze inviting a brief glance behind in which we see our hero preparing for his third show of the night.

Only just audible over the chanting masses in front of the curtain while sitting down and pulling on the left foot stiletto boot Puss mutters "Whatever would my Grand Daddy think to this?".

"You know exactly what he'd think ducks, he'd want you to live your life how you see fit!" Came an answer from behind, a voice which Puss never thought he'd hear again...

"Mutley!" Mews Puss spinning around and almost losing his balance as he leaps to his feet. You damn old dog you, "I thought you were dead? I heard you'd died in Iraq killed while sniffing a UXDP*?"

Stepping out of the shadows Mutley stood an intimidating 4 foot tall, a stockily built mongrel with a glint in his eye and a spark to his fang. Then Puss heard his left leg had a squeek, or more specifically what was left of his leg which was supported by a little wheel expertly crafted to handle any terrain while in combat...

"Ha, it was just a flesh wound" said Mutley as Puss rushed forward to hug his old friend. "Now, about Russia...".

Cue an explosion and title song begins;

Yooooouuu only live nine times,
of which you've used three,
now it is the timeeeee,
to go to Russia and defend the rights of the freeeee...

What exactly does this say about me? LOL

*UXDP = Unexploded Dog Pooh

MB

in_need_of_direction

Too much time on your hands. V funny.

Monkeyballs

Yup, waaaaay too much time LOL I'd much rather be sleeping ;(

Hopefully tonight I'll get some kip as I have a back class thing tomorrow and I'm shattered and my back is killing me!

I whinge too much it's boring...

MB of G x