Is it normal to feel really unwell followng back-to-back PIP & WCA re-assessments?

IMStruggling

I had been feeling relatively stable for quite some time.  Then I got asked to do a LCWRA re-assessment.  I was very fortunate in that after reading my evidence and questionnaire they told they had enough to just do a paper assessment.  But the process of filling in the form and getting all the evidence made my health deteriorate to the point that my specialist had to increase the doses of two of the medications I'm on.  Then  very shortly afterwards, I was told to attend my PIP REview assessment.  This was done on the phone.  The person who did the assessment was lovely but still he had to do his job and ask loads of questions and I felt so re-traumatised by the assessment that I have been very unwell since then (which was about two weeks ago). I'm in excruciating pain all day every day now and have total urine incontinency, whereas these issues were nowhere near as bad prior to these assessments.  My level of pain was averaging about 7 out of 10 most days before but now it's 10 out of 10.  I spent most of last night screaming in pain.

Do you think these issues might calm down once my nervous system settles and it realises these assessments are over for the time being?

Albus_Scope

heya @IMStruggling I hope things settle for you soon.  Having two assessments in a row would break anyone in all honesty. They're not fun things to deal with, so please be gentle with yourself and allow some time to recover.   Though I would say you may need to get in touch with your GP as a matter of urgency if you're in that much pain? 

agent_next_door

I'm answering this as someone who's experienced the same thing.  I believe this is in large part caused by the body performing what medicine calls "the placebo effect".  So you've just spent a huge amount of time being forced into detailing all your disabilities and their effects, and symptoms etc... Twice.  Unlike a positive placebo effect (this sugar pill will make you feel better) you've just spent hours, maybe days describing the opposite.  I'm not sure there's any way around this, because the way benefits are setup these days, forces people to really go on about how bad things are, and often repeatedly, especially if they force to appeal and tribunal.

Spike1776

I know how you feel four years ago I had a WCA and Pip assessment,when the time came I said I’m fine and need no help with my MH,pip refused WCA I got LCW even though I refused help. Fast forward to today I’ve been found to have LCWRA, still no PIP as I couldn’t go through the stress it brings,thankfully I reach state pension age next April…so no more integrations 

london8

Hi Is LCWRA and ESA same?

Hannah_Alumni

Hi @london8

They are not the same. LCWRA is an element when you claim Universal Credit. That means you have limited capability to for work and work related activity.

ESA is what people claim because of their sickness or disability but do not get Statutory Sick Pay.

TheManFromLondon

Since this is a clear closed question, as a reply to the question/title of this post, and solely from my own experience and perspective: No its not normal.

poppy123456

Hannah_Scope said:

Hi @london8

They are not the same. LCWRA is an element when you claim Universal Credit. That means you have limited capability to for work and work related activity.

ESA is what people claim because of their sickness or disability but do not get Statutory Sick Pay.

They are related to the same thing. People claim either of them because their health condition limits their capability to work. The work capability assessment for both ESA and UC are identical, even the form you fill in is the same, ESA50 and UC50. LCWRA for UC is the same as Support Group for ESA.

As the only ESA possible to claim now is New style, you can only claim this if you have the correct NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years. 

If someone claims both New style ESA and UC at the same time the ESA is deducted in full from any UC entitlement. 

AutumnCheesecake16

Hi, to be totally honest with you. I think you were highly stressed out! Not having to exert yourself like you did, TWICE?!  Stress can affect you in many ways! Mentally and physically! 

The person who interviewed you should have been very nice, to be fair. If your injuries or disability has not improved or it's a case of your deterioration over time? They will know through the actual nature of your illnesses. How you are doing because they have dealt with hundreds of people who are just like you! I would also highly recommend that you keep every shred of paper/ memos, letters and prescription notes! Build an actual file for your own Defence of your case! Your medical records and the increase in your medication dosages will indicate by how much you are actually suffering! 
It's the PIP peoples job to assess you fairly and weed out those who are trying to defraud the system!
If you keep ALL your evidence & records? They most certainly will help you to defend yourself legally and fairly to the PIP! 
It is a highly stressful situation being assessed on your livelihood! Worrying and stressing out over it, would take its toll on you, or anyone else! 
I hope 🙏 you are feeling ok now it's over? 
Try and write down anything you remember from the phone call? It is your private record of events. Just try and imagine that it's a game to the PIP! The more you have in that file for your reference and defence? The better your stance on the boardgame!!
I know it's tough! But they have to be ruthless to weed out the Fraudsters! 
Good luck 🫡

poppy123456

AutumnCheesecake16 said:

They will know through the actual nature of your illnesses. How you are doing because they have dealt with hundreds of people who are just like you! 

That's not the case though because everyone is affected differently by any conditions we have and you'll never get 2 people the same. Two people could have exactly the same conditions and one maybe entitled to PIP and the other may not be. PIP isn't awarded based on any diagnosis.