PIP and WTC - do I qualify?

poppy12345

Mistymaid wrote: »

Sorry. I thought some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia were the same as Raynauds, that's why I was interested. Only I couldn't even get an examination and now the Raynaud's looks as if it has developed into scleroderma.
In my case my GP simply sent me on my merry little way, which is why I was asking how you managed to get it investigated further. I didn't know fibro could be classed as a disability.

They are nothing like each other. Raynauds is to do with the fingers and toes. Fibromyalgia is the WHOLE body. There's over 200 symptoms of Fibro ranging from severe chronic pain, swelling, Fatigue, Memory problems, Restless leg syndrome, IBS, depression and that's just to start with. Most people who have Fibro have difficulty with everyday life such as mobility, washing, dressing, cooking etc. A formal diagnosis of Fibromyalgia can only come from a Rheumatologist and not from a GP and yes it is a disability. There's so many people including yourself who don't understand what Fibro is but take it from me Fibro and Raynauds are worlds apart and nothing like each other in any way. As i said before claiming PIP isn't about the diagnosis or condition it's about how the condition affects your daily life, so if a person has problems walking, cooking, washing, dressing, undressing, memory etc then they should put in a claim for PIP.

poppy12345

It is very difficult to get a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, many people wait years and years. I went through every test possible such as blood tests, scans, xrays, MRI's and seen every consultant available before i was sent to see a Rheumatologist and finally diagnosed. All this took me over 5 years...

Mistymaid

I'm starting to get the impression that I didn't make a big enough deal out of my problems.
Apparently mine was just to do with fingers and toes.
The fact that a lot of the time I can't get a shoe on, have permanent altered sensation or can't get the top off the milk bottle doesn't class as affecting my daily routine.

Can I just point something out - you do know that you've just belittled someone else's illness while bigging up your own?

Oh, and scleroderma can affect the heart and internal organs, pardon me for thinking it was something important.

Crikey, last time I'll ever ask anyone with fibro about their illness.

poppy12345

Mistymaid wrote: »

I'm starting to get the impression that I didn't make a big enough deal out of my problems.
Apparently mine was just to do with fingers and toes.
The fact that a lot of the time I can't get a shoe on, have permanent altered sensation or can't get the top off the milk bottle doesn't class as affecting my daily routine.

Can I just point something out - you do know that you've just belittled someone else's illness while bigging up your own?

Oh, and scleroderma can affect the heart and internal organs, pardon me for thinking it was something important.

Crikey, last time I'll ever ask anyone with fibro about their illness.

I simply said Reynauds is nothing like Fibro because you actually said you thought they had similar symptoms. I did not in any way or form belittle your illness!! you obviously need to get your facts right! End of....

sheeps68

Hi Mistymaid.
With a diagnosis of Scleroderma I would suspect you are likely to be under a Specialist referral centre rather than just local hospital. If so I would suggest you see if they have a Welfare rights worker who can advise and assist you. I do not know which other organs it affects with you at present but it's not a well known condition. You may also have a specialist nurse you can call on for advice too and that is always worth doing.

lexa34

I am sorry to hear you have Scleroderma. It is very serious. It took my Father. Please do think about pushing to get specialist care if you are not currently getting it.

gabby71

Just a quick update - had my decision letter last Friday and have been awarded standard rate for care and nothing for mobility so as I expected.
Good luck to everyone that is still in the process..

Gab.x