I really feel for you. There’s a strange limbo when you don’t feel disabled exactly and don’t want to tempt fate by making out that you do, but you’re not the force you were and there’s no denying that either. MS is costing you income, but you’re not ‘bad’ enough to qualify for assistance - or not without an exhausting struggle, anyway.
Do remind yourself that you’ve been paying your taxes uncomplainingly all these years BECAUSE you want to live in a country where there is help available for people in the fix you’re in now.
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thank you alison - oddly, I had that exact same feeling at a gig last week, where I looked at those with evident disabilities, and those walking around freely, and felt like I did not fit into either camp. I had an unused fold up walking stick in my bag, and sat at the back, yet was able to get around largely ok.
you’re right on all the above - it is costing me income and I would hope the state would be able to help.
one detail I have forgotten to mention, and what makes me most reluctant to go to tribunal, is my neurologist somewhat astonished me by saying he believes there is plenty of scope for recovery from my as-yet only relapse; he wrote in his letter his belief that I have a very good prognosis. now I neither entirely believe it nor have had a summer that makes me feel that that’s the case - many nasty flare ups - but I worry a tribunal would take one look at me, one look at that letter (as they may have already) and reject me off the bat.
in the words of my previous rejecetion letter: “PIP is not awarded for having certain health conditions”
I am in a bind, it seems
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thank you for all your help and advice, by the way folks
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Not at all dude 
I’ve got RRMS too, and as much as I’d love to say Scotland has it right, I’ve heard plenty of folks have issues with ADP also, so don’t think it’s any better!
I definitely get what you mean about not feeling disabled “enough” to qualify but looking at others and feeling in neither camp! It’s a horrible situation!
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Hi James.
No need to apologise to me at all mate 
You most certainly should go for a first tier tribunal. All PIP have done so far is let you exhaust the amount of mandatory reconsiderations that they allow. Now that you have the final letter from them you are entitled to take the next/last course of action that is still available to you.
Have a look through this …
It’s an easier process than you imagine and, it’s completely independent of DWP and PIP.
After you’ve filled in their questions (format as I stated in my earlier post) you will have the chance to select how you would prefer the tribunal to be conducted - paper correspondance, video call or in person. I chose to do it in person but, it never got that far - they did all of the work and awarded me behind the scenes. Most tribunals are won this way and, once that happens, the award is backdated to the start of the claim and paid quickly.
Their system advised me that that process could take around 12 weeks. For me it was around half that time. PIP isn’t means tested so, it doesn’t matter what savings you may have and once it’s awarded you are free to continue in your job as much as you are able to if you wish.
I’m in agreement with @alison100. Universal credit through DWP Is grossly unfair. Someone has to be in dire straits before they’ll offer the bare minimum of help. The fact that you’ve worked hard for years, paid taxes and, managed to save a little only goes against you 
All of my savings had been used up to just keep a roof over our heads. Yet, those that have never worked or contributed are offered help almost instantly.
I think now is the time for you to seek out one of the organisations that can help you navigate this process - they’re often very good at what they do.
Don’t let it all wear you down now mate. You only have a little more to straighten out. Once this is done. A chunk of pressure will be off and you’ll have more time and energy to focus on keeping yourself well.
Where in the country are you?
I’m in Swindon. If that’s fairly close, I’m happy to pop over and help
All the best.
Jon.
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Hi James. I hope you’re keeping well and going well with this mate 
@flora.akper - this is the thread that I mentioned earlier. James is a good man, still struggling with that mob. I think his battle is a little further on than yours but, the info here should still be relevant
All the best to you both 
Jon.
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Thank you Jon , I really appreciate it.
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thanks for all this jon - it’s a great help. I’ll take a look through the first-tier tribunal.. I’ve already done a bit of googling. very much in two minds - unsure if the time/energy is worth it at this point, partic. as those things are limited - but it’s an encouraging thought. I’m very glad you had such a smooth process
it’s very frustrating with UC, too. my worry is that as I am not in dire straits in any real way at the moment, any efforts with any of this will be rejected off the bat. I worry things will have to get worse before I am anything like eligible; someone did actually recommend one of said organisations, but the fees they charged were astronomical. I’ve still got a little time to decide, but feel very 50/50 about whether to go to the next stage; if nothing else I’m glad this thread can be a handy resource for others in similar positions
I’m afraid I’m the other side of london, but thank you - it’s appreciated all the same
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hey everyone, small update.
following some good tips, I decided to go for it and lodged a last minute claim for tribunal this week. if the doctors and experts vote against me, I can’t begrudge in the same way I can for a condescending so-and-so from DWP. what will be, will be
thanks all. will keep you posted…
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Hi James.
Sorry mate - I’ve only just seen this. I’m so pleased that you’ve gone for the tribunal. I wish you all the best with it and, I’ll be keeping my fingers firmly crossed for you
Small world, you being out the other side of London. My lot were all from bits of East London. Most of them are in Kent now. I was born and grew up in Reading.
Good luck and all the best mate
Jon.
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thank you john. here is hoping. but I can sleep soundly even if they do say no
it’s a here and there part of the country. oddly enough I am actually off to reading today, for a friend’s wedding party. I’m oddly fond of the city (?)
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I hope the wedding party went well mate
Yes, parts of Reading aren’t too bad - I still have family there.
Like a lot of places - it has good bits and bad bits. The estate that I grew up on was really crap. I moved away from there when I could then, moved my family to Swindon (this is where the missus is from)just after our daughter was born. And, I haven’t ever regretted it for a single second. We’ve been happy here for around 20 years.
Hey @jamesdjgale
Just checking in with you mate. I know that lot like to take their time so, this may still be early days but, I hope it’s going well and ou’re doing ok
Take care mate
Jon.
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hey jon, thanks for checking in. I hope you’re well!
all good here - I’ve been busy with appointments and weddings.. yet to hear back about the tribunal, but assume I will do soon. I was told the 10th. otherwise, I’m doing fine. just want to get it over with it now. it’s a lot of time and energy in pursuit of something that may or may not happen
I hope all is well with you
best
james
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Hi James.
It’s good to hear from you mate
It sounds like you’ve had a busy schedule.
I’m keeping well, cheers.
I had a letter from my neurology consultant this morning. My PET scan and ultrasound have come back ok so, he’s sending me to see an Immunology consultant for a last couple of tests before they start me on a DMT.
I hope the tribunal comes back with the right result for you. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you
Best wishes mate
Jon.
Hey jon! I hope you’re well.
I’m okay thank you.. should be off to france tomorrow. Though symptoms have been troublesome recently, so it’s still tbc. How are you?
Oddly, things went silent on the pip pursuit. I did get a letter of confirmation, but nothing since. I may harass them a little soon..
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enjoy your trip mate
sorry to hear about your symptoms playing up.
I had another seizure and spent a couple of days in hospital last month. I just think that’s how mine is going to be now if I’m not careful but, it could always be worse
PIP can be painfully slow but, at least they’ve acknowledged you so far. I think we can phone them for an update at some point 
I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for you on that front
all the best mate - keep the faith
Jon.
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Thanks so much for this jon. And I’m so sorry to hear about your difficulties- wishing you a little smoother sailing
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thankyou James. it’s ok - it could always be worse. I’ve actually got a funny story from that event that I may share another time. they do say that laughter is the best medicine so, we do try to hold onto a sense of humour about some of this crazy ride here
take care mate