Hi everyone I am a new member

StevieG

Hi everyone I am pleased to join your community it looks like I am suffering from a lot of similar things as most of you .
I am suffering from anxiety and depression as well as disability issues.
I am having to fight for everything and it is a hard slog .
During COVID I had to fold my business that I had built up from nothing over a 23yr period.
I begged my local council for a grant help issued by the gov but they refused.
Apart from this for 18mths I have suffered from chronic pain .
I have Osteoarthritis in both ankles both knees the left one is bone on bone and was due to be replaced 2yrs ago but unfortunately I was on my back in hospital suffering from cauda equina syndrome.
After an 18mth wait I finally got an MRI scan on my spine that shows I have severe multi level degenerative spinal stenosis.
I had a lumber decompression operation on 2nd December 2023
I still can't walk any further than 10yards max
I have just had a face to face assessment and explained my current distance backed up with a letter from my GP stating that my diagnosis is a degenerative condition.
I am hoping I will be awarded full pip this time 

Superbetty

Hi Stevie, lovely to meet you:-) I am so sorry you went through all of this, mentioning that council rejected your application for grant makes me angry, as I know people were doing all sorts of bad things during covid, and they will get away with this. Good luck with PIP, please keep us updated and if you need any help just ask:-)

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @StevieG

Welcome to the community! I'm sorry to heat you haven't been feeling great with your health. I'm also sorry to hear about your business. Is it one you could run from home?

I'm keeping everything crossed with your PIP journey! Can I ask, have you got support around you?

StevieG

Yes I have my wife and have a case worker from age UK
I also have a mental health meeting planned for 21st September with age UK mental health care professional.
I have opted for a telephone meeting rather than having to travel.

StevieG

No Hanna 
I was a coal miner years ago when Mrs Thatcher closed the pits I was only 40yr old at the time with a mortgage and 2 children one was disabled with Duchene muscular dystrophy
I then set up my own TV aerial and satellite installation business.
So not a job that can be done from home Hanna 
I have always done manual labour that's why I think my health is the way it is now wear and tear in my joints.
But heart defect is probably hereditary.