Hi, my name is AnksponPete!

No probs. I`ve had ankylosing spondylitis since I was 20 ( diagnosed at 26 ) and worked as a painter and decorator until I was 39. A car accident made my condition a lot worse and I had to stop work in 1997 aged 39. I was classed as unemployable by the DSS med assessor in 1997 and was awarded DLA in 1999. I`ve been through all the ESA and PIP trials and worries and come out the other side in the ESA support group and enhanced awards of PIP in both categories. I still manage to get out fishing (with help from my friends) and live with my ex rescue staffie bull terrier girl Missy.

If I can answer any questions that people have about ESA or PIP, then I`ll try. I may not be on here every day, depends how I`m feeling mentally and physically.

BTW, I reached 60 years last Feb, so am an old wrinkly now. :-)