Severe heart problems and spinal fractures - my PIP has been stopped

iangreg

I was a nurse for 22 years and worked continuesly since leaving school. In 2011 I had a seizure at home due to a heart problem. I was admitted into hospital for tests and observation. I was suffering awful back pain and breathlessness. I was told the pain was muscle pain and it would ease with time. I was sent home and spent the next 6 months on the settee. I went to a and e 3 times because the pain was so bad. Eventually my gp demanded a scan. It showed 4 spinal fractures and I was diagnosed with severe heart problems. 
I now have a life of severe pain. No sleep. Depression. The pain increases every time I move. There is no light at the end of my tunnel. I take 30 tablets a day.
I have just been informed that my pip has been stopped. Mainly because of the lies told by the assessor for atos. Is there any point any more. .?

Lasian_Alumni

Hi @iangreg, welcome to the community.

I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through, it sounds really tough. You might find our groups for dealing with chronic pain or mental health issues useful for advice and to chat with members with similar experiences. Are you getting any support?

Will you be asking for a mandatory reconsideration for your PIP?

JennysDad

Hello Ian (?) @iangreg, and a warm welcome to the community. We are very glad to have you with us.
"Is there any point any more?" you ask, and I have to admit I have wondered that many times before, despite having far less tough a time than you appear to be having. Perhaps there Is point in fighting the b****rs? You need advice from some of our PIP specialists, I fancy, because I can't believe it needs to finish there
I'm no expert, sadly. All I can be is a friend, here, listening.
Warmest best wishes to you,
Richard

maid08

first, find out qualifications of the person who accessed you and check them out ????? then fight  its not easy but you can do it i was depressed till i got angry now im happy becuse mine has changed thru fighting  

[Deleted User]

OMG I am a newbie to this site and recently claimed for PIP. I had a bilateral pulmonary embolism in 2009 that was worst than childbirth. Followed by a DVT in 2014 on lifetime warfarin. Like yourself I have a back problem its degenerative lumber spine so I cannot stand for any length of time or sit . I've battled with depression for the last 23 years. I worked as a Secretary for 21 years went to the gym regularly and now I am retired (early) because of mental health and mobility . If you have medical evidence surely it should be considered along with the assessors report and should show something is not right. I guess you will be fighting this decision. Make sure you have someone who knows the pip process to help you. I am fortunate that I have a CABA support officer who filled out the form, posted it. My practice nurse printed off my medical evidence, my husband copied the evidence and sent it off to DWP. There is help get as much as you can. I am wishing you renewed energy and resilience to keep going until you get the desired outcome. Purposeful 

Sam_Alumni

We have some videos that explain the appeal process that might help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sOsiEFo-Ck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67tDSlsityY

iangreg

Thank you for your help and thoughts.
just to update. I have now asked for a mandatory review. I have registered a complaint with the dwp about the assessors lies. I have registered a complaint with the assessors employer. I have been given the assessors registration details. 
As a fully qualified health professional for 22 years before I broke my back and became ill , I am now with the help of my family and gp and others ready to fight for my rights. All be it from my settee. 
By lying to the dwp these assessors are hurting and humiliating the most vulnerable people in society at such a time when they need the most help. 
Hopefully some good will come out of this. 

JennysDad

Well done, Ian @iangreg. Keep us posted, and don't hesitate to be in touch about anything we might be able to help you with.
Best to you
Richard

iangreg

Thank you Richard for your help. I have found out by joining this site , that there are still people who like myself actually care about other human beings. 

[Deleted User]

@iangreg well done I'm glad you have that fighting spirit. It's such a pity that vulnerable people are treated this way.

ataloss2018

iangreg said:

 
By lying to the dwp these assessors are hurting and humiliating the most vulnerable people in society at such a time when they need the most help. 

Well said.

The vulnerable and disadvantaged in society are easy targets for a heartless government, they are aided and abetted by some HCP's who think nothing of lying on forms in order to meet the targets set by their paymasters.

Good luck Ian and keep fighting all the way.

thespiceman

Hello @iangreg Thank you for your post.  I am sorry what you are going through.

I read with interest and with all heart of all these assessments.  I feel for you and do understand.

As one who has been continuously reassessed and assessed for the last twenty years plus.

Changes need to happen as soon this Government are gone.  The report the Government all party commission about assessors and Capita and Atos make horrifying reading.

I have to say we as community need to start to say in a loud voice what is wrong.

I am a fighter, last assessment I had the girl was a not a women was a nurse. Had no clue or idea about my illness and conditions.

The report recommends several changes doubt will happen.

These are my recommendations I would like to see.

All premises where assessments are be accessible to all claimants.  With support on the site.  With professional, responsible people.  With experience of dealing with our community.  From charities.  Who can beneficial to their welfare and well being on the day.

Must be professional medical Doctor with name and qualifications listed.  Not one but two.  Be present all assessment video recorded.  Copy for claimant and copy for assessors.

All claimants before assessments given options if arriving on own.  Given advocate support. Consultation to advocate time given before report and assessment.  Also available legal welfare advice given.

No physical examinations.  No need got evidence on forms plus reports.

Report on computer typed out copy given to claimant verify by both assessors and claimant.  Correct.

Plus one more witness.

Decision made then and there.  At the request of more information needed if there is.  Department has Doctor who is impartial to review information.  On the premises.

All open to legal challenges if claimants disagree with any reports.

All the above I have stated.  Some are in the report.  Some are my own.  Having been through so many experiences of the assessment process.

I could write a book on what I have been through.  More like a horror story.  Those who know me in the community know my story.  So many times.