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I need help, ESA assessment

Posted , 5 users are following.

Boqer
Boqer

Hello everyone

I received a date yesterday for my ESA assessment, and I'm so worried about it, it took me months just to remember to tell the Dr all my symptoms how am I ever going to remember in just one meeting, and I'm worried that if I write things down and refer to it they will think it's not real rolleyes

Does anyone have any advice about it, and would it be worth getting a letter from my Dr to take?

Please help

Thank you

2 likes, 47 replies

47 Replies

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  • janet26165
    janet26165 Boqer

    Posted

    Hi Boqer. Don't feel bad about writing everything you want to say down. Fibro fog would make you forget things, so you need something to remind you. Also do you have someone who can go with you who knows what you go through on a daily basis.

    Did you make a copy of your form before you sent it in to the dwp. If yes take that with you and refer to that.

    Hope this helps. Take care, good luck and gentle hugs x

    • Boqer
      Boqer janet26165

      Posted

      Hi Janet, thanks for your reply

      I don't have anyone who is with me daily and knows what I go through, but a I'm hoping a lady from a local charity will be able to come, and I do have copies of my original deep form and of several updates I sent them so I will take them too

      Thank you

      Hugs back

  • erykah71
    erykah71 Boqer

    Posted

    Hi Boqer,

    I know it's easier said than done, but firstly try not to worry.

    If you need to write everything down then do it - if the assessor asks why you have written stuff down, explain about fibro fog and that you easily forget. It may also help prompt you to add additonal vital details that the assessor doesn't mention (as it's usually a nurse or physiotherapist they don't have a clue) Also write down any changes that have happened since you filled in the form - i.e med change or appointments - Just don't do what I did this morning. I forget to mention everything I wrote down because a different doctor called me and threw me completely neutral

    Do you have anybody going with you? How are you getting there?

    It appears from past experience and others comments that it helps to have somebody with you.

    If you can get a letter from your GP then I would get that.

    I have my PIP assessment on Monday and I have a support worker helping me - well sort of - and I am in the process of noting down my changes like meds and the fact that I have started having to wear wrist supports at night because this eases the pain whilst in bed. I am writing down the slightest change

    Hope this helps x

    • Boqer
      Boqer erykah71

      Posted

      Hi erykah

      Yes, it's definitely easier said than done to not worry! And I know the time is going to go so slowly towards it.

      I know the feeling when something throws you, I go to the Dr with a list, and never manage to get through the whole thing, I don't know how it happens.

      I'm hoping that someone from a local charity is going to come with me, I have only seen her once before but she helped me fill in the original ESA forms, and I'm hoping she will give me a lift also as getting out is difficult for me. Do you know if they do home visits for the assessment?

      I just hate the whole procedure and all the stress that goes with it sad

      Hope all goes well for you on you PIP assessment.

      Thank you for your help

      Take care

    • erykah71
      erykah71 Boqer

      Posted

      Yes I hate the process too, I think I answered your post in order to convince myself as much as to try and help you lol

      I heard that they only do home assessments if you usually have GP home visits - but please don't quote me on that.

      If the lady from the charity helped yu complete the form I would assume she will be willing to attend the assessment - I would call her to check (and book her time before someone else does)

      Sorry I can't offer anymore advice, but I hope it goes well and just remember you are not alone. I think most of us go through the joys of ATOS at one time or another - If I get anxious on Monday, I am going to try and calm myself down by remembering this thread and that I'm not alone

      Extra special (but gentle) confidence hug x

    • Boqer
      Boqer erykah71

      Posted

      Thank you erykah for the smile your reply gave me, and let us know how your assessment goes, I have a blood test on Monday so I will think of you, and send you mental support smile I still have my PIP assessment to go.

      I have phone the lady but she wasn't in so I'm going to talk to her on Friday as she will be in then.

      I have never had a home visit from the Dr, they don't really like to it here and would rather talk on the phone if you can't go in, but I will still enquire as to whether I can have a home assessment or not.

      Thank you for the hug, and a gentle confidence hug to you for Monday

    • erykah71
      erykah71 Boqer

      Posted

      Thank you - I will let you know how it goes and likewise, keep us updated for help and support along the way.

      x

    • erykah71
      erykah71 Boqer

      Posted

      Well it's 23.11 and I was sitting here thinking.......... I stopped writing down my changes for Mondays assessment to reply to your thread............... And it suddenly hit me I forgot to finish it lol talk about out of sight out of mind - more like just out of mind lol

      Maybe we should give the assessors a link to the fibro forum to support our claims

      x

    • Boqer
      Boqer erykah71

      Posted

      Yes, would be a good idea, and a couple of good links to what fibromyalgia really is!

      So are you going to take a list of changes in your condition with you? I'm not sure what to take or what I should get in my Dr's letter

    • erykah71
      erykah71 Boqer

      Posted

      Yes made a list (actually made about 3 cos I keep misplacing them - along with my passport that I dug out), I couldn't get a letter from GP in time so gonna just explain it (I hope)
    • Boqer
      Boqer erykah71

      Posted

      I have two weeks to mine, if I start a list now I may just do it.

      Try not to worry about your assessment, I hope it all goes well for you, just don't forget your list smile

    • erykah71
      erykah71 Boqer

      Posted

      Lol, I will try - Thank you (and everyone) for your support I do not feel as anxious as I did a week ago

      Have a good evening x 

    • kaz_40
      kaz_40 erykah71

      Posted

      Try not to stress worry easier said than done I know, but it makes our condition worse Ive got everything crossed for you. just make sure you have everything you need and its all put ready in your bag. try rest if you can. Try focus your mind on something other than monday. go out treat yourself to something nice. take care gentle hugs
    • erykah71
      erykah71 kaz_40

      Posted

      Thanks Kaz

      I'll try, my son has been annoying me with his Arnie Swarz impressions so got a smile on my face at least cheesygrin x

    • kaz_40
      kaz_40 erykah71

      Posted

      ahh bless him at least he got you to smilesmile x
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