Esa denied .

stapeley

I was on ESA for three years , but had to go to a new assessment . At the new assessment I was given no point by the "heath care professional". It seem if you have a pulse and manage to get to the centre , you are deemed fit for work . Of coarse AFTER ASKING FOR A RECONSIDERATION , it was turned down .
I did point out that my problems had actually got worse but they don,t seem to listen . During the reconsideration period I a had a MRI scan ,which confirmed Cervical Spondylois which effects 3 vertebra in my neck . This news was sent to the DWP but arrived too late , the decision had already been made . All this stress has added to problems and my blood pressure is causing concern .My doctor has newly prescribed AMITRIPTYLINE which although helps with my sleep leaves me tired and light headed , surely a danger in a work situation . I,m dealing with all this totally on my own , therefore not sure if I should go to appeal . There is only one CAB session per week in my town and due to the expense cant get to the nearest regular CAB office . I have read all the information on Disability and am sure my condition comes under that heading , so have applied for PIP . If I were to qualify for PIP it would make so much different as I have lost £30 per week due to losing ESA . Please someone advise .

Bogalot

Cervical spondylosis is a catch all term for wear and tear, and amitriptyline can be used for pain and for sleep problems. The tiredness should lessen after you've been on them for a while, or you could ask about other less sedating medications. Many people on far stronger medications do work.

What are the problems you are having, have you looked at the descriptors as to which you meet? You're going to need far more than the above to pass the WCA.

pmlindyloo

I think you may be able to ask for a supersession of the decision as you have a worsening/new condition.

However, it is complicated so am not totally sure whether you should be appealing/asking for a supersession or doing both.

In the absence of being able to get advice from CAB you may find it useful to contact another welfare adviser or ask for some support on another forum (if none of the experts on here can help)

This forum has a subscription charge of about a fiver so you may not want to use this one. I have heard it has good reviews.

http://www.fightback4justice.co.uk/

dippy3103

I take amitriptyline for the same issue & work (I have other MS issues too).


I found the symptoms the following day lessened after a while- as do the transform side effects which knocked me sideways at first. I get thirsty the next day but that's all now.

NeilCr

Have you actually contacted CAB?

They may be able to help you - for example some have outreach workers.

jobdone1

My wife has been diagnosed with chronic migraines and is on amtriptylin and anti sickness tablets. She works full time as a cleaner in a care home and attends college one day a week so six days a week and we have 10 year old twins and I work full time shifts just saying.

stapeley

I should also say my pain levels are 4 out of 10 60% of the time , rising to 7/10 for most of the time remaining . The pain radiates to my shoulders and causes headaches and dizzy spells . I am also increasing experiencing pain to both feet and walking any reasonable distance is difficult. Should I really be forced into work that will increase my suffering ?. Depression is also a major problem for me .

kelpie35

Getting a job might help with your depression as you would have something to take your mind off your ailments

Lanzarote1938

stapeley wrote: »

I should also say my pain levels are 4 out of 10 60% of the time , rising to 7/10 for most of the time remaining . The pain radiates to my shoulders and causes headaches and dizzy spells . I am also increasing experiencing pain to both feet and walking any reasonable distance is difficult. Should I really be forced into work that will increase my suffering ?. Depression is also a major problem for me .

I think the problem for you is that your issues are fairly subjective and difficult to prove.

Pain is a very personal issue. I know someone with very severe rheumatoid arthritis and he has never described his pain levels as more than 7 out of 10 even when he is so bad he needs help dressing and someone to cut up his food.

Diary

stapeley wrote: »

I should also say my pain levels are 4 out of 10 60% of the time , rising to 7/10 for most of the time remaining . The pain radiates to my shoulders and causes headaches and dizzy spells . I am also increasing experiencing pain to both feet and walking any reasonable distance is difficult. Should I really be forced into work that will increase my suffering ?. Depression is also a major problem for me .

Other than the mild amitriptiline what other prescribed medication do you take?

stapeley

I take lisinopril for the high blood pressure ,but still have days of 165 /70 when under stress .