Reporting conditions worsening

sisinia

Hi

I was awarded highest rate of daily living in January 2023, they dismissed the mobility issues completely but I decided not to appeal as it all was very stressful.

Since then my condition has been worsening to the point of pains and exhaustion limiting amounts I can use both legs and hands, I can no longer walk the 50 meters at all while before I could with difficulty and rests.

I have been hassling doctors since 2021 regarding my various symptoms but were dismissed with things like loose weight and use the CPAP machine more, now they are finally starting to take me seriously and my doctor thinks it's most likely psoriatic arthritis (among other conditions already diagnosed) causing the biggest issue, during the last 6 months it's been escalating rapidly and unfortunately I have had to be signed off work since 2 months back.

The GP has referred me to rheumatology as they don't have access to the treatment I need and they also need to do the diagnosis but in the meantime I have been prescribed pregabalin to cope with the pains. Unfortunately the rheumatology department has put me on waiting list and I was informed expected waiting time is 12 months, I am trying to get this expedited as I really need to atleast get to a point where I can get through work again I hate being off.

Question is, should I report this to DWP? I understand my pip might increase but at the.moment the progress to get "proof" as in confirmations with tests is a long way away and I am afraid if I get reassessed they might remove my pip altogether. They do seem keen to reduce amount of people on pip ATM.

poppy123456

That’s entirely your decision but please note that doing so they will send you another form to fill in and return. Another assessment is most likely. Once a decision is made your award could either remain the same, be increased, decreased or even stopped completely.

sisinia

Yeah that worries me, at the moment I'm on half pay because I am off sick, so loosing pip would be devastating