I’m pleased to tell you all, that the sizeable letter has arrived and it’s accurate! My application, letter, attachments, phonecalls and supporting evidence were all considered and probably most important (given all the ins and outs), specialist medical advice was sought.
So yes, they’ve agreed I’m entitled to enhanced level on both elements.
I’m celebrating today by staying in my PJs (actually, Rob’s gone out, so I’m going back to bed), have a UTI so pseudo relapse is kicking my butt again, hopefully I’ll feel a bit better after a snooze
Brilliant news, Sonia. Common sense prevails. Shame we have to jump (I wish!) through all these extra hoops, as if we didn’t have enough to contend with. Well done you! Kx
Thank you all, I suppose it proves the system works as I’ve gone from nowt to enhanced benefits (my body seems to reacted by being barely able to carry itself!) anyhow, we’re relieved to say the least, as nothing in life is easy anymore.
Rob is away next weekend, so I’m being babysat by my Mum and sister, at 43 and I need baby-sitting! I am trying to just get on with it so he can go away without worrying.
The worst bit is that I know I need it, I made the mistake of trying to wash my feet in the shower today (so I sat down) and I really could not get up again. I did manage it after I remembered to turn over after a few mins of struggling. Last time I tried to wash them in a standing position, I let go of the shower holder and ended up doing a spectacular fall, a proper up in the air and bash - it was somthing that taught me a lesson anyway.
Don, I don’t think it’d be normal to wake up in the morning and not just assume you’re ok til you try to move! Fingers crossed, one day we will just get up Got to remain positive.
Thank you all, I suppose it proves the system works as I’ve gone from nowt to enhanced benefits (my body seems to reacted by being barely able to carry itself!) anyhow, we’re relieved to say the least, as nothing in life is easy anymore.
Rob is away next weekend, so I’m being babysat by my Mum and sister, at 43 and I need baby-sitting! I am trying to just get on with it so he can go away without worrying.
The worst bit is that I know I need it, I made the mistake of trying to wash my feet in the shower today (so I sat down) and I really could not get up again. I did manage it after I remembered to turn over after a few mins of struggling. Last time I tried to wash them in a standing position, I let go of the shower holder and ended up doing a spectacular fall, a proper up in the air and bash - it was somthing that taught me a lesson anyway.
Don, I don’t think it’d be normal to wake up in the morning and not just assume you’re ok til you try to move! Fingers crossed, one day we will just get up Got to remain positive.
Excellent news Sonia. Getting benefits is so stressful, both the application process and the acceptance that you are unwell and needing to claim are soul destroying. I know I struggled and had to appeal and having worked all my life I didn’t know where to start and how to explain things. There’s definitely a technique you need to master. I’m really pleased you’ve sorted it out…
I think if you’ve learnt to cope, then you really need to explain how and make it really clear that you had a problem, and how you found a solution! ATOS lady said I was very “independantly spirited” and I said I tried! I’m a self-employed business-woman and have been for 12 years for gawds sake!
I’m glad that the system works at least, we were both expecting to have to book a day off for the tribunal and that was stressing me out too.
It seems from the letter, that the real difference was that they sought medical advice. I guess that means the considered PPMS, the ATOS lady didn’t mention it in the report but I remember her asking what it was like on a good day seriously! - my response was “this is as good as it gets for me, I have difficulties all the time”. Clearly I should have elaborated a lot… in my letter I even explained that I didn’t use an aid for dressing as I did not have time, my smart shirts have been replaced as I can’t put in cuff-links and no I can’t ask Rob in the morning, I get up before him so can have 3 trips to the loo before we leave the house!
It’s as simple as that, cover everything that you’ve had to change to cope.
Great news Sonia!!! It’s like climbing a mountain to get these benefits… and I’m so pleased it has worked out for you!!! Take care love and enjoy your success!!! Pat xx