Dont really have any psychiatric reports for ESA medical.

justaquestion

Hi folks,


Going for an ESA wca very near future as stated on previous thread, thank you all for your assistance on that.


Social phobia is one of my big problems, have had a lot of treatment for it in my younger days, three different psychiatrists, two psychologists and visits to psychology unit of hospital, but all of that was over 20 years ago. Got some short term benefit at the time, but phobia so deeply entrenched in my psyche that it soon returned the same as ever, just take beta blockers and seroxat for it now which help a bit, but avoidance is my pain way of coping, though I know that is not the way to do it.


Anyways I just decided since I felt that treatment didn't seem to work in my case not to go back to any more psychiatrists or psychologists and just live with it.


I do have a letter from my GP (who is now retired) in the surgery that I have certain long term conditions including social phobia, but that is from 2 and half years ago.


Just think as I don't have any up to date evidence other than the tablets that I am taking and that letter that it will be easy for HCP at medical to dismiss it.


Do you think that is probably the case.


Thanks for your advice.

cliffandsue

justaquestion wrote: »

Anyways I just decided since I felt that treatment didn't seem to work in my case not to go back to any more psychiatrists or psychologists and just live with it.
.

Whilst I can't really help you advice wise, I thought that I would stop by and tell you that I have been there.
Like you I had had enough of people messing with my head. I gave up going to appointments. I was still getting the meds for a while and mixing them with booze. (Lithium + Amityptline + upwards of 3 litres of cider a day)
Once the meds stopped I upped the alcohol.
This lasted about 18 months until I was rushed into A&E with multiple organ failure.

Eventually I was stabilised and released after 11 weeks in hospital. I then re-engaged with the mental health team, looking at life differently. I wasn't judged, but it took another 5 years before I felt able to join society again.Even now, 11 years after my last drink I'm not quite there yet, but still trying.

Indie_Kid

Make an appointment with your GP and explain your situation with them. Ask them if they can write a letter for you.

cliffandsue

Indie_Kid wrote: »

Make an appointment with your GP and explain your situation with them. Ask them if they can write a letter for you.

Whilst I fully understand why you are saying that but isn't this storing up a bigger problem for other patients who are trying to get to see their GP? I personally don't think it appropriate to take up their valuable time in taking up an appointment slot to only ask for a letter for the DWP.
All GP's have been instructed that any such letters or reports should only be issued if the DWP/Tribunal request them.
As I have said I understand the problem, but the solution certainly isn't right if and when I can't get an appointment to see the GP because I am feeling sick or indeed any of my children/grandchildren require medical intervention.
I would doubt that I am the only one with this view given the already situation as not being able to see a GP when you desperately need to for an medical issue.

missbiggles1

Treatments will have changed in the last 20 years and so will you. I think you should ask your GP to be referred back into the system (which will have quite a wait anyway) to see whether anything current can help you.

cbrown372

cliffandsue wrote: »

Whilst I fully understand why you are saying that but isn't this storing up a bigger problem for other patients who are trying to get to see their GP? I personally don't think it appropriate to take up their valuable time in taking up an appointment slot to only ask for a letter for the DWP.
All GP's have been instructed that any such letters or reports should only be issued if the DWP/Tribunal request them.
As I have said I understand the problem, but the solution certainly isn't right if and when I can't get an appointment to see the GP because I am feeling sick or indeed any of my children/grandchildren require medical intervention.
I would doubt that I am the only one with this view given the already situation as not being able to see a GP when you desperately need to for an medical issue.

No Andy, you are the only one with this view. I would prefer the OP gets an appt for what he wants, needs than someone like you who gets four weekly blood tests and doesn't even know what for and who won't pay for the info they require. If the OP gets a letter from the GP then I'm sure they understand they will possibly need to pay for it.

Incidentally can you link to where its said that ALL GPs can only issue letters or reports if the DWP/Tribunal ask for them, thank you and have a nice day.

cbrown372

cliffandsue wrote: »

Whilst I can't really help you advice wise, I thought that I would stop by and tell you that I have been there.
Like you I had had enough of people messing with my head. I gave up going to appointments. I was still getting the meds for a while and mixing them with booze. (Lithium + Amityptline + upwards of 3 litres of cider a day)
Once the meds stopped I upped the alcohol.
This lasted about 18 months until I was rushed into A&E with multiple organ failure.

Eventually I was stabilised and released after 11 weeks in hospital. I then re-engaged with the mental health team, looking at life differently. I wasn't judged, but it took another 5 years before I felt able to join society again.Even now, 11 years after my last drink I'm not quite there yet, but still trying.

My goodness where have I read this before?

Yes I know only to well what the side effects are. I have just pulled out one of the many letters from my psychiatrist to the GP and I was prescribed 200mg Amitriptyline & 600mg Lithium Carbonate daily. In addition I was consuming approx. 3 ltrs of cider per night before I went to bed and at weekends topped it up with a bottle of Jamesons.

I was still able to hold down a well paid and stressful job!

It wasn't the mental illness that nearly killed me, it was the alcohol!

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=63150070&postcount=23

Shame you didn't keep all those letters for this new user name, would have saved you a lot of time and money, have a nice day.

cliffandsue

cbrown372 wrote: »

My goodness where have I read this before?

Yes I know only to well what the side effects are. I have just pulled out one of the many letters from my psychiatrist to the GP and I was prescribed 200mg Amitriptyline & 600mg Lithium Carbonate daily. In addition I was consuming approx. 3 ltrs of cider per night before I went to bed and at weekends topped it up with a bottle of Jamesons.

I was still able to hold down a well paid and stressful job!

It wasn't the mental illness that nearly killed me, it was the alcohol!

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=63150070&postcount=23

Shame you didn't keep all those letters for this new user name, would have saved you a lot of time and money, have a nice day.

Do you ever post anything worthwhile reading?

cbrown372

cliffandsue wrote: »

Do you ever post anything worthwhile reading?

Shame, do you not like reading your old posts? I think they are worthwhile reading again

NYM

cbrown372 wrote: »

Shame, do you not like reading your old posts? I think they are worthwhile reading again

I enjoyed reading it..
Yet another username to add to the list.... :rotfl:


Back to the OP though....

Justaquestion... Go see your GP. Do you not need to see them regularly if you're on beta-blockers and seroxat ?

sandra1980123

I am on esa for social phobia,i was awarded it without any medical evidence so you don't always need it.