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I’m confused please help if you have any knowledge
Floydiee1995
Member Posts: 12 Listener
Hi all,
So I’m Amy and I am 25 years old. I am getting extremely depressed and having huge amounts of anxiety over my current position with my Arthritis. So I will explain my story and hopefully someone can shed some light for me.
So I’m Amy and I am 25 years old. I am getting extremely depressed and having huge amounts of anxiety over my current position with my Arthritis. So I will explain my story and hopefully someone can shed some light for me.
So for the last 10 years I have had problems with my legs and ankles (I was 15 when this started) I had multiple scans, MRI etc and was always told too loose weight. I was extremely active during my school years always captain of the sports teams.. I alway ate and drank properly and couldn’t shed the weight as much as I physically tried.
So in 2015 I had an accident where I fell down a flight of stairs and had identical fractures in both my ankles too which I was immobile for 4 months. 2 weeks after the accident seeing my consultant I was told I had severe and lots of arthritis (osteo) showing you in my X-Rays. Probably explained the pain years ago but was shrugged off I’m guessing as I don’t understand how 2 weeks after a fracture how it would produce that quickly.
So for the last 5 years following the accident I have had multiple surgeries. 1st one was objections directly into my ankles (this did really help in my left foot but unfortunately not my right foot). I then had my OS Triganom removes in my right foot to help reduce swelling. (Basically it’s an extra bone that we all have so removed it as it has no purpose).
This is where it gets interesting. So in November of 2019 I started to suffer with what I can only describe as chronic pain in my right foot and I was unable to fully flex my foot properly and when I did the pain became excruciating. I have been a carer for 7 years and had learnt to just get on with it but this is where I couldn’t take anymore.
So I went to the doctors who sent me for emergency scans at the hospital the same day. Was put on naproxen (never really helped) and within a week I was sat with my consultant. He told me I had multiple osteophytes and this was extremely complex and I needed them removed as an emergency. Was supposed to go for surgery on Christmas Eve but got cancelled last minute and was cancelled again at the beginning of January and then again in the middle of January. They then had a slot that came up
on the 29th January this year and I have since had them removed. It was also discussed that the this was just to get rid of the pain I was suffering at the time and wouldn’t cure the pain from ever coming back. My consultant also stated (and was put in writting to my GP) that I would not be able to have surgeries like this in the future for removal as they will continuously come back and I will need to undergo full ankle replacement surgery once this has healed.
on the 29th January this year and I have since had them removed. It was also discussed that the this was just to get rid of the pain I was suffering at the time and wouldn’t cure the pain from ever coming back. My consultant also stated (and was put in writting to my GP) that I would not be able to have surgeries like this in the future for removal as they will continuously come back and I will need to undergo full ankle replacement surgery once this has healed.
So I was out of work for a total of 6 months. I have since gone back to work in a smaller residential home to the one I was working in working 12-18hrs per week. This is soon to change as 18hrs is just too much and the job itself is a pretty
mobile one although I will say that my working team are amazing and understand when I’m in pain I need to have that time and elevate when possible,
and to the point if I only do a few hours and I cannot tolerate more then I can go home which is great on the companies part 😀
So I applied for PIP (NOV 19) UC, April 2020, and ESA (April 2020).
mobile one although I will say that my working team are amazing and understand when I’m in pain I need to have that time and elevate when possible,
and to the point if I only do a few hours and I cannot tolerate more then I can go home which is great on the companies part 😀
So I applied for PIP (NOV 19) UC, April 2020, and ESA (April 2020).
UC I am no longer entitled too as I am just over there cap.
ESA I aim still receiving but had a telephone assessment this morning so awaiting that.
PIP I had assessment 3 weeks ago and found out 2 weeks ago that they scored me 0 for everything! Simply because I stated I work in a care home they “assume” I stand for long periods of time (as written on my letter). But have no mention of the mental complications this can have when I am in pain.
I am getting extremely depressed and having anxiety about what the next stage for me is. I’m having to live off my wages and only get £627 but that’s now going to change as I can not tolerate the hours I’m doing and may even have to look too different job as the pain is getting worse and worse again.
The only reason I am currently still working is because I’m scared to have no income whatsoever. I am tired of the financial side of things and I don’t know where or what to do and it’s really playing on my mental health now too.
Please if you have any support or guidance for me it would be much my appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read.
Amy x
Replies
I was asked when I last worked and what I did and when was the next time I took ill ect . She also asked well how do you survive I said exactly my amazing partner who pays all our bills . Im sorry this happened I think you should have them reconsider MR . And fight for what your entitled too. Im not very good at practical advice I dont know much bout benefit but I just wanted to show you my support I hear you and I understand x
Scope community team
Whilst one of our benefit savvy members get back to you, have you thought about asking for a mandatory reconsideration for your PIP? https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/mandatory-reconsideration/ This is where you can challenge the original decision because you think it is wrong.
Also, are you getting any support with your mental health? and if not, do you think it might help?
Want to tell us about your experience on the online community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know.
It is advisable that you do not resign from work as this could affect any benefits you may be entitled to, if you are unable tot carry on working then you need to discuss with your employer about dismissal on grounds of capability eg due to ill health. They should have a policy for this and will need to take into account any reasonable adjustments that could be mace to keep you working
May I ask are you entitled to any sick pay from work ?
Obviously if you are not working then you may be eligible for benefits I suggest you use a benefit calculator to see what you would be entitled to
As for PIP you can put in for a MR to start to appeal the decision, look at the report and see where you think you should have scored more points and explain this in your MR giving real examples of what happens if you try and complete the task
Ive given you a few things to think about so get back if you want any further help
I didn’t even receive the report it was just the final decision letter with a straight up no for any award. Oh no so similar situation then.
im assuming because I am working now that my ESA will be stopped but I know that there is a cap of £140 you can earn a month... but confused with the ESA side of it to be honest.
thanks for the welcome 😊
I have since left my old employer back in June the care home was too big and I wasn’t able to get a different role where I would not be walking around so much. But as of July I have started working in a very small residential home which allows me to sit down and when it gets really bad for me to be sent home as they are very understanding.
Have you appealed your PIP decision? It would be good to look at the PIP descriptors and see what points you believe you would score on. Please be mindful that this wouldn't necessarily be the same points that the assessor gives you.
I really hope you hear from ESA soon.
Have you spoken to your GP about struggling with your mental health? You don't need to do this alone. You can see what support is in your area, some of with you should be able to self-refer.
Please let us know how you get on and if there is anything we can do to help.
Edit: The page has refreshed and I've seen the other responses. Sorry for repeating some of the info!
Scope community team
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yes it is ESA I am receiving. I have had a conversation with my employer and I am now working 12hrs per week as mental health, financial side and my mobility with my condition isn’t great. They are aware I am sure I looked into it and you can earn £140 per week even if over 16 hours. This is what I mean by I am confused by the whole situation and don’t really know where i stand.
from where I stand I basically see it as work loads of hours and be in constant agony and pain making my mental health worse or I give up my current role and try get something that’s more sat down based.