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Hi my name's Kelley and I'm here to ask for some help on my pip reassessment thanks guys x

Hi I'm new to this site my name is Kelley and I suffer with quite a few illness one being arthritis and nerve pain. I had an award for 3 years and have had a reveiw form to fill out . I wonder if anyone can help ,? In between the last 2 years I've had surgery on one of my hips but wasn't successful so I didn't inform pip due to my needs not changing . If it had taken my pain away I would of informed them but it caused no change in my mobility ?! I'm now worried I'm going to be in trouble for not informing them of the surgery even though it didn't improve my legs . Has anyone on here had anything like this happen to them . I suffer severe depression and anxiety so this has made me really anxious . I would be greatful if someone could give me some advice please x
Replies
Thank you for joining and sharing.
I am one of the team of community champions. We guide, advise and help new members who join the community.
You mentioned your PIP forms and your mental health. Please if I can suggest are you receiving any support with your mental health. Do you have a support worker or a mental health team?
This is something to consider. Because they can help with what you are going through right now.
I used mental health charities . Used this one if this helps you.
https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk.
They do take clientele with additional disabilities, conditions, illness .
Can help with forms, assessment attendance and anything else benefits. As well your mental health wellbeing. You can self refer.
Might not be in all areas.
Please if we can be supportive or anything you wish to know please get in touch.
Please take care.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
The contact number should be listed on your award letter. Notify DWP of any changes etc that could affect your claim. Do you have a letter that was sent with your renewal form or not?
If you are struggling, you can use this find a advisor tool (the link is below) to see if there are any local benefits advisors who can help, or ring Citizen’s Advice helpline number listed on their contact details page to talk with a benefits advisor. You don’t have to fill out the form by yourself. Make sure to send it via secure recorded post in case (see my brief explanation at the bottom for more details).
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/
https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/
https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/42622/pip-renewal-form
Make a photocopy of the form.
What type of renewal form did you receive in the post? If it is the PIP2 one, you will need to send supplementary evidence with the claim form via secure recorded delivery. Gather photocopies of letters etc.
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Have a look at the descriptors - they're available online - and make sure that you tell them which you can't do, and which you need help or assistance with. Use your own words - there's no 'magic' formula...
Don't know anything about ESA sorry....
Good luck ...
I wanted to say did you ever contact the charity I suggested. It was a while back. I mentioned this charity.
https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk.
Or this one is another one https://www.mind.org.uk.
I was wondering if you should try to contact MIND. If you had no success with Richmond Fellowship.
I say this because they can help with what you are experiencing right now.
MIND website has a lot of guidance on coping with what you are going through.
I suffer anxiety myself as have just posted a lot of advice, guidance on Psychological coping methods that are used by mental health charities please have a look.
Under Psychological coping methods part one two and three.
One piece of advice I know is to get some support with any assessment. Whether is any one who is helping you.
Include support worker or floating support or outreach worker or health support.
Reason I stated charities often useful.
You mentioned your son that is fine. As well. Any friends or some one who knows you well.
I would try to keep calm and use some deep breathing, meditation. You can look on the web for these many are useful techniques.
Please may I suggest look at my posts I have added. As well does help and offers a lot of reassurance, self esteem and confidence.
I had my mental illness a long time and have the knowledge and education to cope. Happy to support others.
Music helps. Have Classic FM on right now all the time relaxes you.
The assessment I do understand and feel for you have compassion. Please if I add be thinking positive thoughts.
Be honest, open and say how you are which I know you will.
There are no tricks questions just take your time. Keep it simple and short. Please do not rant or ramble or get muddled a sign of anxiety and stress I know this myself.
Do a rehearsal in your mind write down any notes want to say. Make a script. When going to the assessment centre look on line to see where it is.
Look at the copy of the form if you have one. Make some bullet points.
I assume your son is driving you. Plan ahead be early. If you want to then you can relax if in the car have some deep breathing and some relaxation to deal with anything.
Organise yourself dress in comfortable clothes. Have a bottle of water and tissues.
I hope every thing works out your be amazing you be fine that is what you need to say to yourself.
Also remember never think negetive think of positive and the good outcome you are going to get.
I had to share this with you.
I know you be OK.
One final point do not think about after wards that is something we can discuss anytime. Think the first step. Small steps.
We are here to be supportive, be a friend.
Wish you well. Please have a pleasant evening I forget have and try to get a good nights sleep before the assessment.
If I can help with anything please get in touch.
I am one of the community champions of the forum.
Please take care sending prayers.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
Thankyou for your compassion your advice is really appreciated ☺️ I have been in bed for the last couple of weeks with severe nerve pain and depression so haven't managed to contact any service's ATM . My doctors have spoke to me and just upped my medication as they call it an episode and a flare up of my joint pain . I think I'm stressing more as I have no more medical evidence apart from a massive prescription list . I mentioned to my doctor I'm suffering severe fatigued and he said I'm on a lot of sedative medication that's why ! Yet these people expect me to be able to sit and answer questions . I'm like a zombie I can't think straight all day . Thankyou for your advice and I think all I can do now is pray 🙏 hopefully god is on my side 😌😇🙏
Please can I suggest something else. I assume if you do go on line to get your medication.
If you do not you can sign up to a website that can deliver your medication.
Also you can then access your medical records. Down load them to print them off any relevant information, reports.
I signed up to a website called Patients Access. There are many available. Get my prescriptions delivered by my local village pharmacy.
Very useful.
You would need to speak to your surgery and they will send you details of set up.
Hope that helps.
One other point is there is a lot of negativity around assessments. Which is understandable. I know from reading the stories on the forum. Which I would stress I would not concern yourself with.
I think what is important is being positive having the confidence and self esteem to say how you are. Be if you can motivated. I know never easy to say to some one else.
I just know that every one is different and it is how you approach every time you have some thing like this.
I have sorry this about me started doing assessments and reviews of benefits around early Eighties, stopped for a long period of work. Then back on benefits around middle Nineties with breaks doing work or signing on.
Now on long term sick, and in my middle Fifties still probably will be going for more.
I wanted to add that hope you do not mind.
What is not known is the amount of positive stories around assessments. They do exist. I have seen them.
I can understand your fears and insecurities.
I myself have limited evidence but have had good assessments. Despite everything .
I tend to focus on the positive ones have courage have strength and have the opportunity to support those on this forum.
Please if I can help or be supportive ask anything. I am sorry to hear your in bed with pain.
I hope you have a good support around you to help with anything.
You might need. You mentioned your son.
You added about medication. Lot of medication is like that sorry to say that does cause excessive tiredness.
Look at the leaflets any time you get a medication. One bit of advice.
I know ones I am on are. Causing numerous side effects again it is putting something in place to cope with any side effects.
Taking medication is a solution but with a combination of a good healthy diet. Some evaluation of wellbeing you can deal with what you have.
I know the zombie situations but this is something does happen .
I can help and offer guidance with anything regarding diet and well being my recipes on here many times posted.
I for example get nausea a simple solution drink plenty of water have gentle foods eases your stomach.
Eat Yoghurt natural or Greek. Have this after any nausea. Use fruit or Apples .
Make sure if your eating small meals. If you suffering depression, last thing you wish to do is eat.
Have something small like soup . Does help.
Buy a slow cooker put into it everything like veggies and lean meat. Chicken or Turkey. Leave it on and have it when your hungry.
I think a good breakfast is important as well. Eggs good start to the day or Oats based cereal.
I apologise if you have any food intolerances. Please ask me for ideas happy to suggest.
I have been there with depression and pain and still do have some days.
I do understand. Please when your ready in your own time look at any links I provided.
Wish you well. Sorry for long post do have care and concern for our community members who are valued and struggling at the moment.
Please take care.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
So sorry to hear you're having to go through all this.
Just been through 2 PIP's myself. One for adult son and one for me.
We enlisted help from the MP with both.
We managed to get son's PIP through mandatory consideration (after receiving zero points).
My own was the renewal after 3 years and managed to get same as before. Yaay!
Really taken it out of me though. Been in bed crying since I received the decision on Monday.!!
I should be happy shouldn't I?
Anyway, you could try your MP.? We sent emails explaining the situation.
Are you actually able to attend 2 assessments one day after the other or will the first one wipe you out too much to attend second? If so, tell the MP that and also the ESA people.
I know what you mean about the worry, it's just awful.
I had a really strange question at the assessment. I'm incontinent and use adult nappies.
I explained that sometimes I don't even know when I'm weeing ( have bladder damage ) and other times I try to get to the loo but just can't make it in time.
The question was "what is the percentage between weeing without knowing and trying to get to the loo"?
I got upset because I didn't understand the question and started crying. I was all confused, she repeated the question a few times and in the end I just blurted out 50/ 50.
What the hell was that question all about?
Anyway, my advice is to take as much medical evidence to the assessment as you can. Even if it's not official letters and reports persay.
For example when I asked my GP for a letter he just gave me a print out, a brief summary of my last 6 months visits. Doesn't sound much but it included x ray results, regular antibiotics for bladder infections and visits for asthma, diabetes check, etc.
I also took a form from the mental health team. Again not really an official letter, just a form saying they were suggesting CBT for me to sign and that the waiting list is ten months.!
So, take anything you can even if it doesn't seem as strong as say, a consultants letter or something.
And email your MP because I think it's too much to expect 2 assessments in 2 days.!
I know how you feel but keep going and try to stay strong x
Please do let us know how you get on and I hope other members can continue to give you advice.
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2 assessments in 2 days! Oh it`s more than flesh and blood can stand. They have no idea how much stress this will cause you. Best wishes chick xxxxx
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@kelley1234
Sorry you are having to go through this and that you are feeling low (not surprised)
I still feel you should contact your MP about the 2 assessments being one after the other. I would email him under the heading "Urgent" and explain. If he can get one of the dates changed then they are changing it, not you.
In my case they sent me an appointment for a building I could not access.!!
It was a flat entrance but the nearest drop off point was 70 metres walk, due to a fence running all along the side of the building. No opening through the fence.
Mine was for PIP Renewal and I was already receiving Mobility for 20 metres.
I emailed MP heading it "Urgent". I explained that they were paying me for walking 20 metres but asking me to walk 70!
I had already contacted Disability and Equality Rights but they said it was within the law because of the flat entrance (and it's up to clients how they get to the entrance)!!!!
We emailed the MP, next thing I received a new appointment at a different building with flat entrance and drop off (taxi) right at the door.
Worth a try?
Good Luck and keep us posted
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You be fine and amazing be able to cope. To give you reassurance been doing this a long time.
All these assessments. Try to rehearse some answer be positive and confident you will be successful.
Say how you are. Not too ramble but in a few sentences.
Answer honesty be open, about yourself.
How the descriptors are effected you day to day.
You have some on with you that is good to know.
Remember to take anything yo need to cope and anything to show the assessors, reports or care plans.
Diary entries showing you need to remind yourself of doing any of the descriptors. Taking meds or need to remind myself to do tasks or duties.. Also take a copy of your form if you have it.
Please do not try to worry it is how you cope and deal with everything. Small steps.
One final point do not worry about the outcome think and focus on the assessment first.
We are here to support you and help when you need it.
One other point have a good nights sleep and eat a good breakfast something to calm and relax you. Music on the Radio.
Wish you well thinking of you in my prayers.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
Thankyou for your kind words . I took some of your advice and made a step for some councilling . I really appreciate your input . I'm really trying to relax as I'm sure I'll be fine it's just you read all these negative things and it doesn't help if you have anxiety xx
Deep breathing and some meditation.
Have a look on the forum did a series of Coping Methods lots of ideas and suggestions.
Around 16th to 18th October, called Physiological Coping methods you need to scroll down and find them.
I am always here if I can be a friend. Always ready to listen offer anything have done a lot of assessments please if can add you need to focus and try not to think negative.
My wonderful friend @poppy123456 has given you a lot of guidance.
I would also it does help write down how you are and how your coping. Make some notes on anything that @poppy123456 has given you for reference.
Right now your mind is thinking the worst please do not think the worst. Be thinking the positivity and the confidence, reassurance you need to deal with this.
I know never easy but you will be OK.
Please if you need some one to talk to happy to be here for support. Not going any where.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
Good to hear about the diary and the notes. Give you reassurance, be calming and give you a lot of confidence.
Wish you well for a successful outcome.
Please take care.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
Hope you are taking it easy. Relaxing music and keeping warm.
I am very proud of you as a community member well done to you. You have done amazing.
I know have the next one. You be fantastic and think positive thoughts.
Wishing you the best always. Sending prayers tonight for a successful positive outcome.
Please if you do not mind keep in touch let me know how you get on.
Thinking of you. In my heart.
Your friend.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
Please can I ask do you have some one to go with you. I do understand about being nervous on edge and stressed.
Put the Radio on have this on right now Classic FM nice relaxing soothing music to start the day.
Not high brow or snobby just lovely relaxing.
Have a good breakfast know maybe not feel like eating but if you can some thing to settle the stomach. The anxiety some Eggs scrambled on a toasted muffin .
Or Porridge with Milk and touch of water. Add an Apple and some Cinnamon or mix of Frozen Fruit and Apple.
Anything you feel you can eat. Honey and toast some fruit does help to relax be calming.
Boots energy levels.
Have a pamper start to the day you know you ladies like one. Just a suggestion a warm bath or shower . Use my self some muscle bath foam. Scented and stimulating .
Thought I would share and care.
Make sure your calm and be confident. Please do not worry. I am here when you need to talk or when you return.
Always after please may I suggest have a treat do something you enjoy.
In my case if the assessment centre near to a shop buy a food treat or a CD .
Just a thought. Your doing amazing and I am proud of every thing your dealing with.
Please have a good one your in my thoughts. Think confident sending lots of prayers and best wishes.
Your friend.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
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I do think my friend @poppy123456 has given you a lot of positivity and lot of excellent advice.
I know today was emotional, difficult and hard to deal with.
I would make a complaint. You could complain to your MP. They do want to know what you are going through.
Please if I add you done amazing and should be proud of yourself what you have been through.
I know you are this moment felling anxious stressed and on edge.
I think if you can try not to think of today other wise you get upset.
If you start to worry get anxious be effected your mental health.
I am here to suggest might be worth speaking to your GP. I usually do after any assessments.
They are there to help and give you support.
I had similar incidents myself . Just to reassure you. Give a lot of self esteem.
Hurts makes you angry. Please try to relax and wait the outcome. Please if I can add also am here if you wish to offload.
Either here or PM on the private messaging service if you wish to.
You have 25 posts. Done so will be able to talk to me. If you want to.
Just a gent being caring, concern and being supportive.
Please what ever you are doing please take care of yourself.
Your friend.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
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Maybe if I can share if you do not mind. Being born with a disability have fingers missing, numerous operations from birth. Till mid teens.
I got told by an Assessor can open a door can work . Told me as I sat here this is I know about me.
Please if I can just add do you think you need to look at accessing support, guidance, advice with your issues. I know I mentioned some links maybe need to consider this.
I know the pain, heart ache the struggles but if you consider the choices getting help and support.
May mean getting someone in your corner to fight for you. Like floating support or anyone else similar.
Then I know you might have the solutions to deal with what you have.
It is a big step but think of this if it helps you to heal is that worth it, scary, frightening of course it is.
Tell me about it . Have been there.
Please take care.
Keep safe and warm.
Your friend.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
Please contact me anytime you wish to use the Private Messaging service.
Just click on the centre icon of your wall . First one is notifications, second one messages. Purple ones.
Put my user name . @thespiceman then that will come to me.
Pleasure to talk to you anytime.
Please take care.
@thespiceman
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
I'm really sorry to read how your assessment went (and that you had both your ESA and PIP assessment just a day apart, that must have been really stressful). To reiterate what others have said; the HCP that did your assessment can't decide whether you have to have surgery or not.
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If you have a few minutes to spare, we'd appreciate your feedback on our online community.
Unfortunately it can be hard to say due to backlogs, I hope you aren't having to wait too much longer.
I hope you have a lovely day.
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I was on standard both before at the back of the page it also says reveiw 3 years and the assor ticked the box saying my condition will be present at the next reveiw it's not likely to change so fingers crossed I hope they take notice . Thankyou I will let you know when I receive the decision letter . Have a good day
Thankyou poppy123456 it's a huge weight off my shoulders for a while excpecally this time of year aswell . I have complex conditions so I'm not sure which it would of been but I will ask for ESA85 as to be placed twice in the support group without knowing why and plus that was actually my worst assement the assessor wasn't interested in anything I had to say ? I actually told him he was rude oops but he was .
I mean 2 assesments in 2 days was just awful but at least it's over for now . Hopefully I won't be waiting too long now for my pip decision as both assesments were at the same time . Thankyou again x
Best of luck with the PIP decision.
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Scope
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