PIP advice
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi,
Im 31, male and fed up. I have pernicious anemia, depression, anxiety and an intermittent pain in my left arm that has gone from a dull pain, like a dead arm, to an excruciating pain which renders my lower arm and hand nearly unusable when it flares up.
I have yet to get a diagnosis for my arm, largely as my PA and depression were being treated and the medications would often leave me so out of it, I didn't notice it.
At 27 I had a breakdown, in part because I had suppressed abuse I had suffered as a child as well as stress from work. Bloods done, PA confirmed, loading doses etc. On top of that, counselling and various medication for depression, anxiety and PTSD. I also mentioned a concern with my arm, specifically a sharp pain and loss of sensation occasionally.
Fast forward 6 months and I felt a little better, mostly for having spoken to someone about the abuse, which was violent, rather than sexual but I felt better. So I decided to speak to the police. Ultimately a waste of time as after a prolonged investigation and court case, I lost due to a lack of evidence. I didn't take it well. I ended up depressed again but I had also started to have memory issues, mostly forgetting simple things like names, what I was saying, where I needed to be, appointments etc. So, I stopped taking my meds thinking it was them (at this point, I had no idea or interest in what Pernicious Anemia was, or, the increasing arm pain). After the initial withdrawal, which didnt seem to bad but others told me I was unapproachable and cold, I again felt better, or to put it another way, different. And to me that was better.
Anyway, At 29 by now I decided that I would get myself the most physical job I could, because I had always done office work so got a job glazing composite doors. This is when I really started to notice the problem with my arm and take it seriously. I lasted 5 months in this job, and from day one, took and enormous amount of paracetamol and ibuprofen, before getting codeine for the final few weeks after finally going to the doctor specifically about the pain in my arm. I went on SSP for 6 months before agreeing with work to leave because it was becoming increasingly unlikely I would be able to return.
Ultimately, having spent 7 months with a physio, on codeine and back on anti depressants (mirtrazapine) after a second breakdown, I was referred to a specialist in rheumatology and have now been referred for an MRI, EMG and NCS. The specialist said my arm problems should have been taken more seriously and I was daft to have done such physical work to prove a point.
Underlying all of this are the problems Pernicious Anemia can cause, specifically fatigue and brain fog. I can literally forget what I was saying mid sentence. Even this, has taken me hours to type, not because I do it one handed due to the pain in my left arm and hand, but because I forget what I wanted to type. Its driving me mad and makes me so anxious and angry with myself. Worst of all I am so tired all the time but no matter what, I cannot sleep. I got some relief when I first started on mitrazapine 15mg but now on my second monthly prescription, I am back to heavily disturbed sleep. I am spiraling back into depression and my anxiety is worse than ever but I feel miserable with this constant pain.
I currently get £243 Universal Credit, but have been told to apply for PIP. I am worried that I will get laughed at and seen as pathetic as I am 31 years old. I dont know what my medical records say and I am paranoid its not been well recorded as I struggle to convey how I feel, often downplaying the severity. I am worried they will see I managed 5 months in a physical job and assume I will be able to do it again, when realistically, I may have made things much worse. I don't even have an idea of what it could be. The first physiotherapist was stumped after 7 months of sessions. The specialist at least got things moving forward. I also feel like a burden on my partner, who is pregnant again and literally does everything most of the time. I cant even peel a potato fgs! I don't even know if I should be driving half the time but its all I have but honestly, I put it into drive with my right arm, pull the handbrake with my right arm.
Sorry for all of this, if it makes no sense I will try to clarify any points in replies.
0 likes, 2 replies
denise15811 chrisjames87
Posted
Hi,
Firstly PIP isn't about a diagnosis, it's about how those conditions affect you in your daily life. The first thing you need to do is take a look at the PIP descriptors, available through google search. Links can't be posted here. There's also a PIP self test available online through another google search. By doing that test it will give you some idea what you could possibly score. It's only a guide so please remember that. A successful claim will depend what evidence you send to support your claim. Evidence is really import because they very rarely contact anyone for evidence.
Once you've looked at the descriptors take it from there. If you think you qualify then ring the PIP helpline to start a claim off. They'll ask you a few simple questions, then send you a form to fill in and return. You'll have 4 weeks to return those forms but an extra 14 days is available but you do need to ring and ask for this.
Claim times vary depending on the backlog in your area. Expect a face to face assessment as it's rare not to have one.
People claim PIP and work as it's a non meas tested benefit.
I also have pernicious anemia and multiple other conditions and have done for a number of years. I have to say that with the right treatment the pernicious anemia is manageable.
chrisjames87 denise15811
Posted
PA is more an underlying issue. Though injections every 3 months, with my doctor refusing to budge from that schedule doesnt help. I generally feel fatigued as it is, but 6-8 weeks after my injection I am dead on my feet.
I wouldn't except to be eligible with PA, even in its worst state though I have learned over the years that doctors aren't great with it.