Further diagnosis after pip decision

Good afternoon everyone,

Im new here. I am requiring a little advice, if that is ok. Thanks to anyone who responds :)

In June 2024, I injured my back while gardening. I also had pain in my left shoulder. I ended up having to quit my job and since then have been struggling, physically and financially.

I first went to the GP on 27th June 24 with the back pain. Since then, I have ended up with Sciatica down my left leg. I then developed terrible hip pain, anlong with bakers cysts behind my knees annd pain in the ankle. After a thorough physiotherapy appointment in January this year, I was referred for a scan of my shoulder. I went, turned out I have oesteoarthritis of the left shoulder.

I received my pip decision based on only the above diagnosis and the issues with how my back pain effects my day to day. I was awarded the normal rate for day to day care.

Since I was awarded, I have been back for an ultrasound on my shoulder and an MRI of my spine. I have been diagnosed a partial surface tear = tendinosis. I have also received the MRI results back which state that there is an unusually large disc bulge on my lower spine, resulting in the sciatica and leg problems. I have now been diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome also, prompting a nerve conduction study. I am also now trialing neuropathic medication, instead of Codiene, naproxen, amitryptiline, neurogenic etc.

In my report from PIP it states I scored points for :

Daily living - Preparing food (2), Washing & bathing (2), Managing your toilet needs (2), dressing and undressing (2)

Mobility - moving around (4)

The assessor says “Your condition shows a herniated disc and oesteoarthritis of the shoulder. You have specialist input and historical physiotherapy which was ineffective and a high level of pain relief. You report that you can prepare and cook a simple meal independently, however you cannot stand for too long and you lean on the right hand side due to pain. You have difficulty washing and bathing your lower body, and whilst you report you cannot get in and out of the bath, you can get in and out of a car, which uses similar movements. You dress daily and you have difficulty dressing your lower half. Whilst assistance has been considered, you can drive a manual car indicating upper limb movement and power and you have sufficient grip to utilise aids. I decided you need an aid to manage these activities. You said you have difficulty moving around. You have had muskosleletal specialist input, historical physiotherapy and a high level of pain relief. Whilst you report dizziness there are no reports of loss of consciousness indicating low risk. I decided that you can stand and then move more than 50 metres but no more than 200 metres”.

I did record the call with the assessor, and made clear that i had had a fall while in the shower, which is why I now take baths and I rely on my husband to help me in and out and am restricted to when he is home to be able to do that. I also advised that whilst i have a car, I do not drive it often at all. All the same, I do not feel that i am worth more points if I never get in to a car again because of the same movements.

Can I get anywhere with this? I was awarded on 27th March and the diagnosis results from scans are all related to the conditions mentioned during the assessment period. I have been awarded this rate until 2028 (4 years).

Or do I just call them and tell them about the further evidence? I am unaware what to do as I have never even claimed before, but I was expecting a slightly higher rate, especially considering my lack of mobility and struggles with day to day activities.

Does anyone know how I would word this if writing to them with regards to arguing about what the assessor has said re movements.

Thanks so much for reading this far