Why is it so stressful to claim PIP?

AnxiousandAutistic

I have spent the last couple of weeks filling out my PIP review form, getting supporting letters and having calls with Welfare Rights and an autism charity for help with filling it in. It has been so stressful and I don’t understand why it has to be like this. I still have anxiety and I obviously still have autism so the fact that they could take my PIP away is so scary as I’m not going to get ‘better’ or have less challenges with every day life… 
They have my form now and I know that I have done everything I can for now but it’s still really stressful as now I just have to wait and hope that I don’t have to go through another assessment that is going to make me even worse 😩

TerryG

Hi Anxious, I was in similar state of mind regarding PIP,thinking here we go,previous to filling in the form I had contacted them a few times with updates accompanied by the evidence when I returned the form.I have chronic arthritis in multiple joints,both feet,both knees,where the achillies joins the heel which is excruciating,right hip,lower back and hands,nerve problems in the back,like yourself I'm not going to suddenly improve,even stabilise.I recieved the PIP letter maybe two months later,it gave a description of what they found in the previous assessment,the new evidence I sent in about injections in the back etc.They decided to give me an "ongoing award",believing my condition won't improve,the Ongoing award means they give you a "light touch" update up to ten years later,but that could change.Try not to worry to much until you get the result,remember there is the mandatory appeal,which is a pile of garbage in my view,its the same people youbare appealing to.,failing that going to court which is not as stressful as you'd think

Alex_Alumni

Hello @AnxiousandAutistic and thanks for reaching out You are certainly not alone in feeling this way about applying for PIP, as it can be very stressful indeed. I hope the community can act as a support for you, and a place where you can chat with others going through the same thing. 

Well done for doing everything you need to for now, if you can, try to focus on things you enjoy, or spend time with loved ones, anything to take your mind off it for a while. Easier said than done I know! Do you get support for managing anxiety at all?

Please do keep us updated when you hear more, and we'll do our best to help out. 

Breacon

Hi Terry
Would you mind, if I asked, how you are doing with the injections ? I haven't been offered these, I really don't want to take any medication, other than pain relief.
I'm curious for the future though 

TerryG

Hi Breacon,I have had 8 injections all told,two in each knee,one of which was excruciatingly painfully as it was done whilst having an attack,they lasted a little while,but have regular pain now along with periodic attacks.
The back injections,well,not to put you off but when I got on the table the Dr asked for the "Long Needles" lol,You get the anesthetic so you don't feel anything,just the pushing sensation,however,if the don't find the facet joint and hit the bone you feel it,its like a sudden pin **** pain,you can have laughing gas if required though I didn't find it helpful,also the indignity of being stark ballcock as nature intended except for a very small string pants they give you.
After the injections I was a little sore,but that didn't last too long,within two weeks I knew it hadn't helped,they were in between L4/L5,these injections determine where the pain comes from,I still have the same pains I did before I had the surgery,they can be very helpful to some,not for others,My GP says mine is most likely a combination of chronic arthritis and nerve issues.Do I regret having the injections,definitely not,lack of sleep due to pain you'll try anything.