Hi, my name is karen64!

Hi I'm 60 years old and went through the menopause when I was 42. I'm thinking of applying for PIP as I have a lot of health conditions. I have IBS diagnosed when I was 15, Gout diagnosed in my early 20s. I had gall bladder and gall stones removed in 2010 which has caused Bile Salts Malabsorbtion. I have Bilateral Duplex Kidneys diagnosed in 1986. I was diagnosed on 2012 with Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS following a car accident. I was physically, mentally, verbally and emotionally abused for the 10 years of my life living at home and for 17 years with partner/husband (less physical). He threatened meby saying he'd take my boys etc if I said or did anything. When he finally went following an affair I reported him to the police, took out an injunction and has help fro Domestic Abuse Team. Facing my ex in court re divorce was horrendous but I did it. I had counselling for both times but did no good. I have been on antidepressants longer than I can remember. I had a mini infarction (stroke) in 2013 approx, MRI picked up mature infarction in 2018. I suffer sweating all the time even when on HRT which makes be obviously distressed and this increases my anxieties and stress levels. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma all off which I take medication for. I am on medication for migraines due to blood pressure. I'm on blood thinners due to stroke. I have arthritis in my knees and hips so have to use a stick to walk around. I suffer dizzy spells whenever I get up too quickly and if I lose my balance I will fall if nothing to hold onto. My attention span/fibro brain fog isn't good and I have horrible mood swings. Not sure if I have ADHD. I think because of the abuse growing up and when married I have PTSD of some kind. I have a 26 year old son with Autism and ADHD, who lives with me. I have a 29 year old son who bashed me about on 2 occasions, the last resulting in reporting to the police and Domestic Abuse Team were involved. This resulted in my son being removed and my other son and I being moved to another town. Basically I am a walking disaster. I don't know what to do to apply for PIP or LCWRA(UC) as stress levels are through the roof.

Sorry for the long essay