Advice about PIP

chris1978

hi all...looking for some advice about pip..I've got sereve copd..suffering from complex trauma.severe anxiety and depression..and ptsd..and suicidal ideation...my assement is Thurs.. I've managed to get a home visit...cos of my mental state and anxiety..and very poor lungs...Will i be awarded pip..and how hard is assement...thank u all in advance.

CockneyRebel

Hi chris and welcome

I also have COPD and have standard care enhanced mobility
It is not possible to predict the outcome of any assessment.
For your assessment make no special effort, take your meds as usual. The hcp will be watching everything you do from opening the door, handing your ID, how you sit etc
For mobility some are asking how long you can walk for so be aware, enhanced mobility is no more than 20metres, very slow walking is classed as 45metre per minute

Have a look at the B&W self test

http://www.mybenefitsandwork.co.uk/pip/indexxx.php

CR

chris1978

hi cockneyrebel..after a battle over the phone my doctor managed to get me a home visit..which I'm waiting on the call...as my assement nxt Thurs.. so I persume ill have home visit then...I'm on 3 inhalers and at times I've to use a nebulizer...do u get daily living allowance...at times I can't even do 12 steps..or wen i get out off shower I've to sit for 15 to 20 mins...but i also suffer very bad with the above on my first post and so many thanks

CockneyRebel

Hi chris

Yes I get standard daily
Also three inhalers, nebs and lately home oxygen.
Showers, yeah, I take inhaler in with me now LOL
Make sure you have inhalers and meds handy  for HCP, you will probably need to use one anyway
Do you use any walking aids ?
I use one stick or sometimes two if I have to rest or stop
I know we all have coping mechanisms but you have to be yourself for the assessment and let the HCP see the trouble you have, many don't understand COPD and think its just a bit of asthma

CR

chris1978

hi thanks again..i dnt use an aid i hold on to wall or I've just got to stop until i get my breathing back....i find it very hard to change cheats on a bed..then when I do my energy is gone...i forget bout eating a lot of time also...this is my first time applying...i couldn't go lst week for assessment due to very bad anxiety..

CockneyRebel

Hi Chris

Do you have a local community respiratory team ?
Do you get panic attacks and short breathing ?
Have you been taught abdominal breathing ?
I find using a stick to lean on gives me more confidence when walls are not available

CR

chris1978

hi how are u thanks for reply..what's is community respiratory team...yes i get panic attacks...yes i can barely breathe today...so i ask my doc for a stick yes...

CockneyRebel

Hi Chris

In my area we have a team that specialises in breathing problems, ask your GP if there is one in your area
Breathing, try to push your belly out when breathing in. Put your hand on your stomache to feel this will draw your breath down and stop short breathing, should help

CR

chris1978

hi thanks again...i will ask my doctor today wen he phones me...and i will try that breathing exercise 

CockneyRebel

Hi Chris

Also a small battery fan can help a lot with breathing

CR

chris1978

i have one in my room thanks again...