Myofasical pain syndrome after a head on car crash - can I claim PIP?

Options
Emma1979
Emma1979 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
edited January 2018 in Benefits and income
Hi, I'm Emma and i'm 38.  i've had myofasical pain syndrome since 2010 after a head on car crash that displaced my pelvis.  Diagnosed and receiving treatment from a Chronic Pain Specialist. My limitations on my day to day life vary.  I struggle to actualluy sit down for longer than 15-20 mins, getting back up is a struggle and very painful.  If i walk too far with my dog,more than 20 minutes i get stuck, i can't take another step without crying in pain and will have to call someone to come and collect me and the dog.  When it's at its very severe i cannot sit at all, i have to stand but no more than 20 mins or lie on the floor, i cannot get dressed without excrutiating pain, putting my shoes on is an ordeal as well, i tend to wear trainers or boots i can slip on and off. Going up and down the stairs is something else that causes me extreme pain. Walking my dog becomes a complette no go when it is severe.Bending of any sort causes me lower back ache, sciatica and shooting pains.  I was so active before this, i would walk on the mountain for hours, i was a farmers wife, i had horses that i rode daily, i had the best life.  My marriage has broken down after 20 yrs of being together, i could not live the life of a farmers wife, i couldn't forfil my daily tasks wth the animals or even splitting thelogs for the fire that kept the house warm. I have always worked and as i don't get sick pay if i do not work i have no choice but to go to work otherwise i wouldn't be able to pay my bills.  I have tried to get help with my rent and things like that but they say i'm not entitled to help. I tried to get working tax credits buti'm not entitled.  I am really struggling to survive.  The Chronic Pan Specialist is going to give me another steriod injection directly into my sacro iliac join in theatre under a live xray in the next couple of weeks, i do get more mobilty and pain relief from this than any tablets they can prescribe me.  Someone mentioned to me that wth letters from the Chronic Pan Speciliat i may be able to claim the lower rate of PIP, s this true?  I'd appreciate any advise at all. My standard of living is and never will be what it was and i will have to have these injections for the rest of my life. Thanks in advance x

Comments

  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,602 Championing
    Hi @Emma1979
    Welcome to the community, I am so sorry to hear about your struggles, it sounds like you have had a tough time.

    Im glad to hear that you are under the specialist pain team and that they are trying to help.

    You can fill in a benefits calculator here to see what you could be entitled to.  I would think PIP would be the best fit for you and you can try the PIP self test here.  PIP is about how an impairment affects you in day to day life and it sounds like your condition really affects you and your mobility and so you could be entitled to both parts of PIP.  

    If you want to find out more about PIP, take a look at our information page here.
  • Emma1979
    Emma1979 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
    Hi Sam,  thank you so much for your help and advise.  I have completed the self test and scored a 9 on the daily living component and an 8 on the mobility component so will call for a claim form. x
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,602 Championing
    Brilliant!! It is well worth looking through the CAB guide to filling in your PIP form as they have so much information and it has helped lots of people in understanding just how to fill it in, what supporting material helps your claim and how much detail you need to put it.

    Take your time with your form and it can often help to have someone to help you, someone who understands your condition, perhaps a family member or a friend.

    You can also watch this video about preparing for your assessment.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq5QV_SnkJs

    It is worth noting that PIP is not means tested and so you can continue to work alongside any benefit that you may receive.

    Let us know if you have any questions about filling in the forms as we have so many members who have been through the experience and may be able to offer more support.

    Good luck!!
  • Emma1979
    Emma1979 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
    I cannot thank you enough - promise to stay in touch and keep you posted on how it goes and also thank you again, it's the first time i have felt supported in any way shape or form with my condition outside of the Chronic Pain Specilaist x
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,602 Championing
    That is so great to hear @Emma1979 :) 

Categories