Esa denied .

stapeley

NeilCr wrote: »

CAB may well offer an email service. Without being rude you do seem to ignore the questions about contacting/going to CAB and they really are your best source of help and advice right now

I have been to CAB , and was waiting for the out come of the reassessment. Now also, I have the results from the scan , confirming there is a serous problem. I can use this to confirm how it effects me ,and prove its a real problem . Taken in consideration with the other conditions, I feel I have a strong case to appeal .

I do repeat that the questions are inflexible black or white, and I did not do the best job on the assessment form or at the interview . They do take in high regard the fact you actually made it to the assessment center. But asking someone to repeat that process, ie regular journeys which are necessary of employment, and having to repeat repetitive tasks at work, do not seem to be taken into consideration .

NeilCr

stapeley wrote: »

I have been to CAB , and was waiting for the out come of the reassessment. Now also, I have the results from the scan , confirming there is a serous problem. I can use this to confirm how it effects me ,and prove its a real problem . Taken in consideration with the other conditions, I feel I have a strong case to appeal .

I do repeat that the questions are inflexible black or white, and I did not do the best job on the assessment form or at the interview . They do take in high regard the fact you actually made it to the assessment center. But asking someone to repeat that process, ie regular journeys which are necessary of employment, and having to repeat repetitive tasks at work, do not seem to be taken into consideration .

But they are what they are and you have to play the game - there isn't much point in bemoaning that. And this is why going to CAB is important - they are used to completing forms in the best possible way.

stapeley

I have looked at all the guidelines and can not find conformation that when a appeal is made, you are returned to ESA benefits while awaiting the appeal .

meer53

I agree with the opinion that you should do all you can to try to find employment that you can cope with. I'm the same age as the OP. I have high blood pressure (much higher than the OP's) which i take 2 lots of tablets for. I also have osteoarthritis in my hands, knees and toes. I take medication for the osteoarthritis which helps with the pain but make me feel sick sometimes. I work full time and do overtime when i can as i'm a single parent with a teenager still at home. I do about 20 hours a week overtime.

Working helps me so much to blot out the constant pain i have, i love the social aspect or working, my employer is aware of my health issues and supports me fully when i need time off for surgery etc If i didn't work, i'd go insane at home every day,

60 is no age these days, i feel 25 in my head ! There must be some sort of employment the OP could do ? Are there people who can help the OP in this situation ?

Alice_Holt

stapeley wrote: »

I have looked at all the guidelines and can not find conformation that when a appeal is made, you are returned to ESA benefits while awaiting the appeal .

Ask your local CAB for a copy of the relevant page from the Disability Rights Handbook.

You will need to supply "fit notes" for this period.

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=topic&catid=10&id=103788

teddysmum

An MRI doesn't necessarily prove the origin or level of pain. I have had a number over 6 years and only the last showed where my pain probably originates (one disc now touches my spinal cord, though a large number are bulging.).


There are lots of alternative pain killers to amitriptyline (which does nothing for me) that don't make you drowsy.


Also, as said above, unless in very bad pain, distraction really does help. (My grandchildren prove this.)

dippy3103

Some people have cervical spondylitis and don't even know they have it

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-spondylosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

An extract from that article
"Cervical spondylosis is a very common condition. It's estimated that 9 out Cervical spondylosis is a very common condition. It's estimated that 9 out of 10 adults will have some degree of cervical spondylosis by the time they are 60 years old (but many will not have any noticeable symptoms).of 10 adults will have some degree of cervical spondylosis by the time they are 60 years old (but many will not have any noticeable symptoms)."

So as a diagnosis alone it's not a reason to not work. It how the symptoms manifest and how they restrict your ability to work that is relevant here. I have cervical spondylitis and know how painful it can be - I have arthritis in several other joints too.

How does the CS affect you?

pebbles88

teddysmum wrote: »

An MRI doesn't necessarily prove the origin or level of pain. I have had a number over 6 years and only the last showed where my pain probably originates (one disc now touches my spinal cord, though a large number are bulging.).


There are lots of alternative pain killers to amitriptyline (which does nothing for me) that don't make you drowsy.


Also, as said above, unless in very bad pain, distraction really does help. (My grandchildren prove this.)

My little cousin is the best distraction ever, he's a huge ray of sunshine

stapeley

At the assessment I was seen by a physiotherapist/ heath care professional . Well reading through the symptoms of SPONDYLOSIS the description I gave , of severe neck pain., headaches , pins and needles and numbness in my arms .I also described pain in my legs. All listed as symptoms, the question I ask is, what sort of Physiotherapist was the assessor? A point I will most certainly raise at the tribunal.

NYM

You appear to have doubts that a physiotherapist is the correct health professional to assess you.

A Physiotherapist would assess your condition and possibly advise you of exercises that may increase your muscle strength and help you maintain mobility in your spine and other joints. Exercise programs should focus on posture, mobility, flexibility, and respiratory function.