Getting my head round PIP, Total Hip Replacement, Change of Circs or not!

Fletch69

Hi Poppy & All, Please bear with me whilst I try & explain. I have read every post I can find regarding the title of post! I am sure I have now got full understanding of when a 'change of circs' is not a change of circs. I need confirmation of my thinking, please.

As briefly as poss, 2000/01 Lymphoma & chemo side effects left me with lifelong Chemo Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. This affects both my hands and feet. (I have report from Christies confirming this). I was awarded low level care, no mobility.

2008 I have MRI Scan on Lower Lumbar/Sacral which reports 'Lumbar curve to the left. Disc degeneration at D10/11, D11/12 and, most markedly, L5/S1. Broad based disc bulges at all 3 levels. Facet joint degeneration at all 3 levels. Bilateral exit root crowding'. On basis of this asked DLA to be looked at again. I was awarded High rate Mobility and Middle rate care, Indefinitely. This is and always has been the main cause of mobility problems.

Then came the change of DLA to PIP. Over these years Christies also advised I had Avascular Necrosis of both hips as well as C.I.P.N. In 2015, due to anxiety, rather than wait for PIP migration, with help of welfare rights group, we completed PIP application. We sent a fully completed PIP application with large amount of supporting medical evidence, including report from Christies, MRI scan of Lower Lumber/Sacral, and letter from Orthopaedic Surgeon regarding Total Hip Operation (left leg only). When we got to face2face PIP appointment, they couldn't find my application & medical evidence. We had member of welfare rights team at this appointment. So this entailed DWP staff having to complete their PIP report there and then. I was awarded Enhanced Mobility and Care.

Throughout & after the above PIP award, I have suffered 2 further cancers, 2016/17 relapse of Lymphoma. I underwent 15 sessions of Radiotherapy. In 2nd week large lump on neck, this was confirmed as Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma ALKneg. For this, I received 2 different chemotherapy followed by Stem Cell Transplant, which left me severely immunocompromised. Shortly after discharge, I suffered Shingles. The rash spread my lower back, left lower leg and left foot. I now have Post Herpetic Neuralgia at these sites.

Then in 2023 I had left hip Total Hip Replacement. At same time I have since been diagnosed C.O.P.D. Stage 2 & Grade 5 on MRC Breathlessness Scale.

Now, as I say above, I have read all posts regarding THR's, knee replacements etc., & read that having these operations are not a 'change of circumstances'. This is because, & I hope I have got the correct train of thought, that because of my other disabilities & health problems, as detailed above, I still have mobility problems, due especially my lower lumbar, C.I.P.N. of hands and feet, (AVN right hip altho no treatment yet), Post Herpetic Neuralgia. Not forgetting C.O.P.D. which leaves me breathless at slight exertions.

So even after THR & above, I still cannot mobilise much further than 20 metres due severe discomfort and fatigue, nor do it repeatedly, reliably or within timely manner. This is why there is No Change of Circumstances.

I am sorry for the length of this post, but I need to get it right in my own head. Can you please confirm I am correct in my thinking? Many, many thanks for bearing with me.

Fletch69.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Fletch69. Thanks for sharing all of that, you've been through a lot. You only need to do a change of circumstances if your mobility needs have changed - so you're correct in your thinking 😊

Fletch69

Thank you for that, I just didn't fancy being told off by the welfare rights group we use & have used previously for original Incap Ben to ESA and also DLA to PIP in 2015. I am now expecting 'light touch review' at beginning of 2026. Thats another worry I have coming up….Do I continue with my other worry here, as it is connected & previous information would be a help! Thank you for your kind words.

Rachel_Scope

Not a problem 😊 Yes you can talk about your other worry here. I can edit the title so it includes the new information too.

Fletch69

If you think you need to edit the title, then of course, I give you permission. I don't want to give too much detail here though as I know other 'groups' read these posts & of other websites. However, since posting my 1st query, which you confirmed, I have since gone through my other worry, with believe it or not, AI websites. They all give the same result and if needs be, I can continue on that course & with advice from welfare rights group. This has relaxed me a little. I will think on it and maybe ask advice under new post. Many thanks, though Rachel (know unfair, but shame there is no option like 'DM's' or private messages).

Rachel_Scope

Do whatever feels best for you. Just be aware that AI answers can sometimes be wrong, so it's always best to check the sources yourself.

There is the option of private messaging which is 'unlocked' after you have received a certain number of points - such as when someone likes your post. We don't offer advice via private messages unfortunately, but your account is anonymous when posting on here. I understand wanting total privacy though.

Fletch69

Hi Rachel, problem is if I even do separate post, my 'nickname' is still shown at top of post isn't it? I know my personal details and true name aren't displayed, but all posts are linked via my 'nickname'. I haven't seen anybody post anonymously! Again, many thanks.

Rachel_Scope

Yes, your username will show at the post so you're not entirely anonymous, but no-one will know your true identity (it's beginning to sound like a mystery novel 😂).

Fletch69

I know, Rachel. Curiouser and curiouser…Ha. Still dithering, but because of the info already given, wouldn't be impossible to those that the ability, to narrow me down….whether or not the odd are approx 67 Million to 1! You coud confirm one matter which I have always wondered. Is the actual question of 'proof' as it were, under the heading 'on the balance of probabilities' somebody suffering with diagnoses A,B,C & D, likely to have difficulties with mobility and care needs that are explained in their original PIP application?