Never worried so much

Jon450XD

I was a serving police officer when I received 2 significant injuries on duty the latter almost fatal.
I required spinal surgery (Thoracic 70% compression of the cord and Cervical) also having surgery for my lumbar spine now, serious head and eye injury and now have traumatic glaucoma, suffer from short term memory loss which makes planning things impossible if not written down there and then. Issues with PTSD and now pains in my joints with high blood pressure now to top it off.

I have skipped over the issues relating to the after effects of my injuries as well as my massive repeat meds each month.

I have been on Higher Mobility and Middle level living allowance (Can't remember the right wording sorry) for 6yrs...took ages to fight for it believe it or not, injured in 1992 and 1999 forced to retire on medical grounds in 2000

Fact of the matter is I am so nervous about this process as apart from the fact I lost my career doing admittedly my job but almost dying due to the injuries and the eventual mental health issues that saw my 26yr marriage finish due to the pressures.

I never received compensation and relied on my DLA to help me each month and now I fear it will be pulled out from me as IDS obviously wants to save money and cares little about us with disabilities. The lady on the phone was so monotone and reading off script every time I spoke to her she seemed to be unable to cope with it.

I suppose I will lose everything including the blue badge that so helps me during the week.

wilko

@Jon450XD, reading your post we all in the community feel for you. Firstly you won't lose your blue badge. It sounds as if you are moving from DLA to PIP? I would have thought that you would be in the ESA support group if you are unfit or able to work.Have you checked to see what other benefits you may be entitled to. 

Topkitten

I hope you don't mind me asking but have you received your forms to fill in from the PIP people?

If you have or think you will have problems simply dealing with them then there are various groups you could contact. The CAB and MIND are the first I can think of or you can ask the DWP to send someone along to assist you filling them in. I have just done this myself and the guy from the DWP was very helpful and thoughtful.

I know this is probably the pot calling the kettle black but try not to assume they will be difficult as you have a valid reason for the damage done. I don't even have that, lol!

I too have had surgery on the cervical spine years ago plus currently have cervical, thoracic and lumbar damage causing chronic pain to deal with. Much like you I am expecting problems but am trying to not think of it as much as possible.

I have had great support from the Police that have visited me a few times so try to remember how you would have helped someone in your situation and hang onto those thoughts, maybe they will help.

TK

Jon450XD

wilko said:

@Jon450XD, reading your post we all in the community feel for you. Firstly you won't lose your blue badge. It sounds as if you are moving from DLA to PIP? I would have thought that you would be in the ESA support group if you are unfit or able to work.Have you checked to see what other benefits you may be entitled to. 

Thanks for the reply, Sadly although I was medically discharged for my physical injuries and later my mental state PTSD and the recorded suicide attempts due to these issues i become unfit to work in that world and the DWP decided I was fit to work and and I am assuming that PIP will do the same if not more ferociously. I was lucky I had a charity help me with the DLA not sure if they would with the PIP?

The blue badge is a god send and I assumed you needed the higher end to qualify for it? 

I have gone from investigating serious crimes and armed robbers to not being able to deal with these issues, do they not know and understand the stress this brings and anguish?

Jon450XD

Topkitten said:

I hope you don't mind me asking but have you received your forms to fill in from the PIP people?

If you have or think you will have problems simply dealing with them then there are various groups you could contact. The CAB and MIND are the first I can think of or you can ask the DWP to send someone along to assist you filling them in. I have just done this myself and the guy from the DWP was very helpful and thoughtful.

I know this is probably the pot calling the kettle black but try not to assume they will be difficult as you have a valid reason for the damage done. I don't even have that, lol!

I too have had surgery on the cervical spine years ago plus currently have cervical, thoracic and lumbar damage causing chronic pain to deal with. Much like you I am expecting problems but am trying to not think of it as much as possible.

I have had great support from the Police that have visited me a few times so try to remember how you would have helped someone in your situation and hang onto those thoughts, maybe they will help.

TK

Hey TopKitten, Great name by the way,

Thank you for your input. I sadly assume the worse these days due to how I have been treated especially in my circumstances, worse moment was when I had an Eviction notice from the police 2 months after receiving my Discharge notice....great caring body eh.

I have been in chronic pain since 1992, my pain levels are so different from others as a result so when its bad i am bed bound at best I exist and my Neurosurgeons keep saying how well I have done despite needing more surgery in the future...shame they won't advise the DWP about how bad things were.

Its very kind of you all to reply and give me the support.

My letter arrived last week, stating this his your last letter? hold on not had my first yet! I am in the process of calling them today to begin the very scary process again.

Topkitten

From what I have read elsewhere your next step would be to do a Mandatory Reconsideration or, if you have done that, you would need to appeal. I cannot imagine how they could class you fit for work if you are bed-bound so you need to contest the ESA decision as well. You should try contacting any specialist you have been seen by and ask them to supply written details of their assessments(s). Also contact your GP and ask for the same thing. I know how stupid some of these departments can be and they might try to charge you for them, in which case contact NHS England regarding the GP and PALS for the hospital by email. Stress the suicidal tendencies to everyone, it helps get their attention. Both have internal complaint procedures but those are usually pointless and time is an important factor. Initially both will try to resolve things without registering a complaint but, if they are still difficult, raise the complaint if you need to.

I know this sounds difficult but it is NECESSARY. It sounds obvious that you are entitled to help and you should make the effort to get it.

You could ask for help from an advocate but I'm not sure how to do that. People keep telling me I need one but my MH issues makes that a difficult prospect for me.

TK

Matilda

Many people have qualified for PIP, even if they have had to go to a tribunal to get the award they deserve.

Disability Rights UK site has a good guide to PIP including a draft diary that you can adapt.

As others have said, try to get some f2f help from CAB or similar.