Undiagnosed illness and ESA

billywilly

Kayslay wrote: »

Dear Lord today the pain is unbearable, worst day since I've because "ill"

See the thing is I can't show doctors these, they judge me with what they can see in the 10 minutes appointment time.

One thing which really ticks me off is when they keep INSISTING that I only get pains when involved in an anxious situation. I explained several times that is not the case. Like today it's a sunny Sunday I wanted to relax but have been in excruciating pain all day and there's nothing I know of that can even give me temporary relief.

half a dozen gin and tonics sometimes work!

I hate doctors, I refuse to go and when I do it is my wife 'dragging' me in. Yes 10 mins - if you are lucky- it all depends if the previous patient has overrun. The shortest was less than 5 mins. Mind you I m not one that tells all to the doctor, if they want to know anything they have to drag it out of me inch by inch! I simply say 'my wife has brought me and I have no idea why'. It generally works - I'm out!!

Kayslay

billywilly wrote: »

half a dozen gin and tonics sometimes work!

I hate doctors, I refuse to go and when I do it is my wife 'dragging' me in. Yes 10 mins - if you are lucky- it all depends if the previous patient has overrun. The shortest was less than 5 mins. Mind you I m not one that tells all to the doctor, if they want to know anything they have to drag it out of me inch by inch! I simply say 'my wife has brought me and I have no idea why'. It generally works - I'm out!!

I guess I need a wife?

Kayslay

OK guys so I've decided I'm gonna seek help from a private gastroenterologist, many people advice me against it but I've made up my mind about it.

Question I wanted to ask you good folks...

Basically I'm not gonna be able to afford any diagnostic tests they might offer me, is it possible for me to bring those reports and request to my GP for any diagnostic tests the private gastroenterologist might recommend?

Morglin

If the private gastroenterologist won't be able to do any tests, because of cost, I don't think he would be able to supply any meaningful report. He could only, at best, offer suggestions.

Your best bet would be to arrange an appointment to see a sympathetic GP at your practice. You need fit notes for ESA, at this point, and whether it's a physical or a mental health problem, if you are not fit for work, then they should issue the note.

Write down all of your symptoms, and then show this GP what they are, and ask for further tests.

Some diagnostics can take years, and it is a case of ploughing on until the cause is found (or, in some cases, the most likely cause).

ESA is not paid on what is wrong - it's paid if it's established that a person cannot work.

Lin

welshbookworm

A food diary looks like the way forward especially if the symptoms are erratic.
I cut out all yeast and mushrooms from my diet and in a very short time my digestion improved and I have not had the stomach cramps (on the left hand side) again.
I ate mushrooms without knowing it and within 8 hours the symptoms came back and I was off work for three days.

Kayslay

Morglin wrote: »

If the private gastroenterologist won't be able to do any tests, because of cost, I don't think he would be able to supply any meaningful report. He could only, at best, offer suggestions.

Your best bet would be to arrange an appointment to see a sympathetic GP at your practice. You need fit notes for ESA, at this point, and whether it's a physical or a mental health problem, if you are not fit for work, then they should issue the note.

Write down all of your symptoms, and then show this GP what they are, and ask for further tests.

Some diagnostics can take years, and it is a case of ploughing on until the cause is found (or, in some cases, the most likely cause).

ESA is not paid on what is wrong - it's paid if it's established that a person cannot work.

Lin

What you said really hit home. I have to face reality and just focus on getting a fit note for now.

I was hoping the tests the private gastroenterologist wants me to do I can ask my GP to refer me to them even if it takes time.

Kayslay

welshbookworm wrote: »

A food diary looks like the way forward especially if the symptoms are erratic.
I cut out all yeast and mushrooms from my diet and in a very short time my digestion improved and I have not had the stomach cramps (on the left hand side) again.
I ate mushrooms without knowing it and within 8 hours the symptoms came back and I was off work for three days.

I've actually started that a couple of weeks back.

It's so annoying I can't find a pattern.

For example the last few days it went pretty good (good is a relative term. Good as in good for my current circumstances), I was eating small meals spread out through the day, then today the pain went back to being intense as it's ever been.

I just can't find any pattern for the symptoms.

It really annoys me when someone says it's in my head why is it so physical then? And how did it come about? I had absolutely no problems before this, I was fit, athletic and had a job I enjoyed which I left temporarily to do something I've wanted to do for my years (travelling).

Morglin

If you have returned from abroad, and then these symptoms started, might it be an idea to raise the issue of you having contracted some sort of disease while travelling, with your GP?

I don't know what it could be - but a lot of people report picking up some weird and wonderful "bugs" from far flung places. which can cause stomach and abdominal issues.

Lin

merlin68

Have you had a test for lyme disease?

Kayslay

Morglin wrote: »

If you have returned from abroad, and then these symptoms started, might it be an idea to raise the issue of you having contracted some sort of disease while travelling, with your GP?

I don't know what it could be - but a lot of people report picking up some weird and wonderful "bugs" from far flung places. which can cause stomach and abdominal issues.

Lin

Lol no unfortunately I never got the chance to go as I became ill :mad: