UC and ICU

pebbles3

Hi, nice to meet you. I am applying for Universal credit, I had an appointment with a work coach today and tomorrow, I have a commitment meeting with another adviser. 5 weeks ago I was critically ill in Intensive care with pneumonia and sepsis, and my children were told I wasn't expected to live, my youngest just 17.. I worked zero hours as a food sampler/demonstrator in a supermarket, but get no sick pay, hence having to apply for help. I am getting better and recovering at home, but ICU told me it might take up to a year to fully recover and I have my discharge paper from the hospital. I am exhausted by it all, so much paperwork and these meetings too, I feel deflated. too. I am aged 60, I was fit and very active before my illness. Also a sick note/or fit note from my GP will be ready from my surgery on Wednesday, but don't know how long for. I also have other medical conditions. Thank you for reading my post. 

maybebaby36

It gets easier, when I first became ill it was the same for me, my GP was giving me sick lines for a month at a time which meant I only had to go in once a month, once they grant ESA ask a benefits advisor to help you get into the support group on ESA until you feel able to return to work 

pebbles3

Thank you I have also applied for PIP, recommended by a lady from CAB who visited me in hospital, who got the ball rolling, but that is for another long term condition, but I doubt I will get that. Outwardly I look much better, but I feel as though they wont believe me. 

Pippa_Alumni

Welcome to the community, @pebbles3! 

I really hope things get sorted for you soon, and wishing you the best for your PIP application too. Do keep us updated, and if we can be of assistance, just let us know.

poppy123456

pebbles3 said:

Thank you I have also applied for PIP, recommended by a lady from CAB who visited me in hospital, who got the ball rolling, but that is for another long term condition, but I doubt I will get that. Outwardly I look much better, but I feel as though they wont believe me. 

Invisible conditions do exist, which is why it's even more important to make sure you've sent evidence to support that PIP claim. They very rarely contact anyone for evidence, the onus is on you to make sure it's sent. Good luck.