Hi, my name is kirsty333!

kirsty333

I had 2 x strokes when I was 19 years old due to the contraceptive pill I was on. I was left paralysed down my right side and had to learn to walk and talk again. I was left with cognitive and memory problems combined with mental health problems of OCD, depression & anxiety.
I went on, with the help of my mother to live my life and actually gave up my DLA.
Years later after 3 suicide attempts and my mother's passing in 2012, I reapplied for DLA and got turned down, I ended up going to tribunal and got awarded it at the enhanced rate for mobility and care, which also was very traumatic for me. That was in November 2013. In 2015 it changed over to pip and I kept my award. But now my award has run it's course I have had my assessment from Crapita & only was awarded 2 points. They stopped my pip immediately and straight after my esa was reduced also, taking a total of £879 a month off me!
I am in the process of my MR and am dreading it as I fully expect it to go to tribunal again. Not helped by the lack of support from my existing family who's answer to me is; get a job! My sister told me I am capable! She told me that they (dwp) will spy on me and see that I do go out.
I am in the process of being assessed for epilepsy as I already have myoclonic jerking left over from my strokes and I suffered a seizure a month ago (my sister's response again to that was, plenty of people work with epilepsy).
I am at my wits end with the whole thing and am at the verge of giving up! I have been thinking of suicide more and more lately.
The capita report was very derogatory towards me and my issues and skipped around the truth.
Any moral support and or help and advice would be gladly appreciated.

Ami2301

Hi @kirsty333

I am so sorry for what you've been through!  I'm currently learning to walk again and it's very hard!

I know it's easier said then done but don't give up! I'm here if you need a chat

Ami

kirsty333

Thanks Ami! I hope you have a less bumpy time then I have had! Have you had input from any sort of after care?!! Are you on pip?!! 
Kirsty ?

Ami2301

Hi Kirsty,

I'm currently in a specialist neurological rehab centre so I'm not sure what after care I will receive. I am on PIP however they stopped it because I've been in hospital for the past 5 months but they will start paying me again when I'm home 
.

Ami

kirsty333

Ami! 
So happy you got back to me! You are so lucky to be having this input! I am so happy for you! I had no input from anyone whatsoever! 
It's good that pip have assured you of payment when you leave hospital!
I hope your condition is not life threatening.
Keep in touch and take care.
Kirsty ?

Ami2301

Hi Kirsty!

I have Transverse Myelitus, meaning my spinal cord became inflamed which caused me to lose the ability to sit up, stand and walk. I have mastered sitting up and almost my standing, and I walked for the first time last week which was emotional, I did have a hoist as a support in case I fell but I done really well

When they discharged you from hospital did they not make sure you had some support?

Ami

WeepingWillow

@kirsty333 Welcome, secondly ignore people who tell you to get a job. It makes me angry that people who have no idea of  what some people are going through can be so flippant. 
PIP can be awarded irrespective of whether you work or not and DWP are not likely to be spying on anyone unless they are given grounds to suspect a claim is fraudulent. For example  man says he rarely moves but is seen running up ladders with bricks. These cases are infrequent and make great headlines for tabloids like the Daily Mail.

If your MR goes against you don't go it alone! Have a chat with CAB ( Citizens Advice),  fall back on any professional support you may have received before such as from a support worker or GP.  It can be a lonely path without support from others so don't be afraid to reach out

kirsty333

Thank you so much for your kind words! I phoned the crisis team yesterday and the social worker I spoke to was so lovely. He told me to take my last two valium and go straight back to my doctors asap. He told me to ask to speak with a member of my local mental health team and insist on a psychiatric assessment.
I am getting support from my partner and my brother in Australia.
Your reply is very nice to me as apart from my b/f and brother ?

kirsty333

Update! At my wits end. MR has been refused! Tribunal here I come.

Ami2301

Hi @kirsty333
Sorry to hear it was refused please let us know if you need any advise on preparing for your tribunal!