HELP!! PIP Phone Assessment

K5T

Hi there, so I received a text today giving me my phone appointment date, 2 weeks from today and I am SO SO NERVOUS!!

Back story; I applied almost 2 years ago, scored 0 points and ultimately refused although the assessor had LIED soo bad, so this time round I'm on edge. I didn't appeal at the time because I took a nose dive health wise and didn't have the energy.

Since I applied back in May I seen my doctor for the first time in over 2 years (covid had everything done online).
She proceeds to tell me that I have a fractured spine (MRI scan results sat there for a year and a half). I've also got narrowing of the spine which compressed my nerves and a budlged disk so as you can imagine I'm in agony 99% of the time. I also have a decrease in strength in my left side and my leg goes numb for hours at a time. 
I've only just been referred to pain management, a physio and the fracture has begun healing but at a "unique and awkward angle".

I'm also a single mum to a toddler and most days I can't get out the house and do rely alot on my sister and mum for help.

I'm just so nervous that this assessment will also flop, I don't want the assessor to lie again, make out like they're lovely and twist every word you say. I honestly felt like I was reading someone else's report because nothing matched what I had said or explained. I don't want to go through that again and it's got me all worked up. 

Does anyone have any advice on how to handle a phone assessment? How to make sure that I can be heard this time?

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @K5T thanks for joining and reaching out on the community today. I can completely understand the nerves you are feeling, as the assessment is an uncertain process.

The Scope Website has some tips on how to prepare for a PIP assessment. Often the advice you'll read here is to keep a diary or make notes of how your condition impacts on your ability to carry out each of the descriptors.

It's a good idea to write down real life examples, times you tried something yourself, and what happened as a consequence. You can have these next to you during your assessment to help prompt you in answering questions, and saying everything you'd like to.

You can also have someone next to you, to help you feel more supported during the call. If they cannot be with you in person, ask the assessor to add your companion to the call. You will need to provide their telephone number and they need to be ready to answer the phone at the time of your appointment.

You can also think about reasonable adjustments, things that might help make the process more comfortable for you. You should contact the assessment centre about reasonable adjustments you need as soon as you get your assessment date.

For example, these might be things like:

• requesting a specific time of day for your appointment
• an interpreter or signer
• asking for a male or female assessor

I know that's a bit of information overload, so let me know if anything isn't making sense, or if we can help further with anything. 

Can I ask if you feel like you're getting enough support for you and your child day to day, even with help from your mum and sister?

I wish you the best of luck with the assessment, keep us updated with how you get on, we'll support you whatever happens  
 
Alex

K5T

Thank you so much, I'll definitely have a look at that and maybe even start taking notes in my journal. 

Honestly, even with the support it's hard. My GP has sent off a referral for spinal injections which should help with the pain but I feel like I've spiraled into a depression. I can't do simple tasks like stand and cook a dinner because I get sore, i can't play with my daughter because if I move the wrong way I'll end up bed bound for days. It's just debilitating and it's taking its toll on me emotionally now too. 

The whole PIP process was so stressful last time and when I was awarded 0 points it was a massive slap in the face. I'm constantly on edge when I think about it so I've been trying not to, my appointments next week and I feel completely unprepared. If my first assessment had gone well and there wasn't so many contradictions in the report I think I'd feel more at ease but it's just the way they twisted everything. It's upsetting to say the least and I'm genuinely not surprised that people don't appeal there decisions, it's exhausting. 

Alex_Alumni

I completely understand how exhausting it can feel, and stressful too. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you do need support with your mental health as well, and we can help as best we can.

Have you spoken to anyone about how you've been feeling lately?

It can feel worrying to think of how things went last time and expect them to be the same, but there's every opportunity for it to be different this time around. 

Can I ask if you've ever had a needs assessment before? You can self refer for one, or your GP can make a referral. It might help with managing things day to day if you're eligible for extra support. 

If you ever do feel a bit too stressed, then you can text "SHOUT" to 85258 for free and confidential support. You can visit Mind's website for resources on self care and tips on managing feelings of depression and anxiety. It might also be helpful to chat to the Samaritans on 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org, they are there to listen, and help untangle what's making you feel overwhelmed. 

Are there any parts of the assessment you're particularly worried about?

Let us know if we can help further, and please know that you're not alone in this. No matter the outcome of the decision, we are here to support you

Tori_Scope

Hi @k5t I was just wondering how you've been doing since you last posted here on the community. How have things been? 

Am I right in thinking you've perhaps had your assessment now? 

K5T

Hey Alex & Tori. 

First of all, I so appreciate your concern. To be honest, your message made me take steps to reach out to a service in regards to my MH. I think I'd worried myself into the ground. I'm now contact with someone who's helping me manage my anxiety.

Yes I've had my assessment, felt like it was once again very confusing and overwhelming. I don't think at this point I have it, I've not requested my report as my counselor has suggested that I could make things worse. So for now we'll see how it goes. 
I got my text on the 29th saying they had the report ect so it'll be a long 12+ weeks. 

I'll keep your updated but again, thank you for the support. It's so needed and appreciated 😌