Advice needed

Meredithshep

I am beside myself with worry after getting a letter from a recent physio appointment. My pip review was in early 2024 and at the time I was able to walk with a stick for no more than 50 metres (was actually around 30m at the time) I have had several major spinal surgeries (failed) was waiting for radiofrequency denervation in my spine which I have had done several times (used to be able to have it every 6 months but nice changed the guidelines to 15months so you can't self refer and it can take over a year just to get on the waiting list now) during that year my mobility deteriorated to only being able to get to the bathroom on occasion and staying in bed for most of the time. I had denervation at the end of Jan this year (had to be put to the end of the list for that session due to panic attack when I was first on the list) by the end of March I was back to being able to move around my home with my stick but not being able to move more than around 30 metres. I was awarded mobility points in 2024 based on my ability to mobilise for 30 metres. I was awarded the higher rate due to a combination of my physical ability and PTSD and panic disorder so didn't ask for my mobility to be reassesed as it was worse but already on high rate.

Fast forward, when I did start moving around my knee/hip pain became worse, it was painful in bed but obviously weight bearing in my home had increased the symptoms. I waited for a physiotherapy appointment and did manage to attend, she noted significant functional weakness of my right leg and obvious symptoms of anxiety, she also told me not to expect much improvement with my leg as it's longstanding nerve damage so will decide on a baseline. My worry is on the letter it notes that I feel my mobility is better (it is better but only to the state I was in at my last assessment) it says I am more active so this will aggrivate my symptoms ( I am no longer in bed all day but no better than at my last assessment) it says I notice going downhill makes my leg worse (it does but going downhill means my slighly slopeing driveway) I am worried sick that I have to report a change of circumstances but on the gov site it says " report if you need more or less help with daily living or mobility" I need the same amount of help as when I was assessed in 2024 yet I have also read report all changes.

My current situation is very stressful as my dad is currently paliative care and I am not sure I can go through any added anxiety, I am coming to the top of a waiting list for major surgery and my last review almost sent me over the edge. What should I do, I cannot sleep and have already lost a lot of weight with my panic and anxiety/depression, my PTSD is in overdrive.

Kimi87

If you need the same help then there is no change to report. From what you've said the 20-50m descriptor still applies.

I know the language used around this, but if all claimants reported all changes the system would collapse!

Only if you are sure you are entitled to more or less help should a change be reported.

For PIP or UC unless a claimant can do an activity reliably, repeatedly, safely and in a timely manner for more than 51% of the time, they are treated as unable to do the activity.

callyfox77

I'd second that, you need the same help and being a bit more able to get up and move around in your house doesn't mean you can walk any further outside. The baseline for saying you are getting around a bit more is being in bed most of the time. There is no functional change to report in terms of PIPS