Capable of work apparently

Hi Julie, I also have osteoarthritis of my hips & knees,I am in pain most of the time.I am my hubby's full time carer as well.Each morning I wake up with levels of stiffness.I also cry at night.I have to have regular crystal healing & reiki sessions.Also I have Reflexology as well.You need to ask a phsyio Poor you.Who says you have to Work? I had a pip assessment never again.you have to be bed bound before they will give you any money.Regards Amanda

My daughter has poor health incuding:

?spondylolesthesis, a painful condition of the spine,  grade 3 arthritis in her knees, problems with her elbow which mean she is unable to lift things. She can't put on  her own socks or tie her shoes.  She also has inflammatory bowel disorder.  Her GP is very supportive as is her occupational therapist but, following a home assessment, she has just received a letter saying she does not need help and will be taken off the allowance. She couldn't work and  it's doubtful anyone would employ her !  How are people meant to manage? 

I have OA in my hands and need to use a keyboard to work. As I am self employed and have too much in savings benefits are not an option for me, so I work and put up with the pain. 

At the moment your claim is speculation. Best to take a job and show them work is not possible then they can't deny your claim, 

Yes I've had my left hip re- surfaced and my right hip is playing up , I also have degenerative facets in my spine ( spondylosis ) & my fingers/ knuckles and wrists. I have mild oesteopena in my spine but I am a pilates instructor and a Somatic coach so I manage my pain through mindful movement, generally it's the SMA in my muscles that stayed contracted and cause pain so I do exercise to keep pain free. I put off surgery for my spine and am so glad I did. I found out I had hematomachtosis & cirrhosis in my liver 3 months ago so as it's genetic it's likely the cause of my arthritis BUT mostly I stay pain free , all except my fingers/ knuckles . Try to focus on muscles that have forgotten how to lengthen and have amnesia in them, find a local Hanna somatic coach, it can work wonders. I hope you find some help but gentle mindful exercise is the key. Good luck Julie. Try soaking in a hot bath with Epsom salts, it helps magnesium to soak into your body good for your bones.

YES and still do, I have applied for disability 3 times and got a "no" each time as i am "not stabalised!" it is a terrible predicament to be in,  I finally got a suspension from job search for a year while waiting on hosp lists for ops. I still have to go to job appointments but my case worker knows I am unable to work. so i still receive job search allowance.not disabiility payment. you need a good gp to fill the forms out properly saying why you cant do certain tasks etc e.g. cant lift heavy objects as severe pain in hip, standing in one spot for more than 5 mins causes severe pain etc, to get anywhere! I was told that altho i cant walk and in wheelchair,cant use my hands, in chronic nerve pain, on waiting list for carpal tunnel cat 1 in both hands, cat 1 spinal, cat 1 for 2 hip replacements, on heavy drugs that make me so much fun to be around lol! my daughter has to care for me as I am in bed most days and only go out to doc and job search appointments in the past 2 years,have developed mdd and diabetes 2 as well..I can still work! I go into hosp when spot available for specialists to get tog to see what they can do for me but of course been waiting 2 months so far for bed.  but told even this week again that I could still volunteer! of course there is no job that i can apply for and if i did i dont think among 300 applicants i would get the job!. it is just a way for them not to pay more money to me Im sure. living off job search is so depressing etc but it is better than nothing and I continue to put up with the hosp waiting lists and job search visits to continue to get their help. try to take one day at a time and know you are not alone in this.