Subject: Re: Hi Lee

Hi Marlene

Ive been good and bad recently. Since the Gastroscopy came back clear and my nerve conduction tests also clear its put me back in a somewhat not knowing state of play.

Both arms still "vibrate/Pulse" and my left leg but have no idea why and the tremors are there constantly now but not being addressed.

The GP swapped my pregabalin as at full dose it made me a zombie so im now on Gabapentin which im stomaching a bit better but went up from 300mg to 900mg within 3 days and now doubling again to 1800mg but over 3 weeks.

If that doesnt work then it can be doubled again upto 3600.

The drug makes me feel somewhat better and once I get moving im ok (ish)

Still not getting any financial help. DLA turned me down as I can walk slow with aid so am currently asking them to re-look at it as they never bothered to speak to specialist or dr.

Im off work still but have to be back by October as then my SSP stops which I cant live without or really live with but its something.

Sorry not be around much its just im still stuck on 1 tablet to see if it works without any painkillers, stomach meds or anything to see what my tremors and vibrations are.

The symptoms to me are M.E but I need the dr to do some more tests apart from just pump me full of B12 and the Gabapentin.

Hope you are well and I will post more

reply | back to forum

Subject: Re: Hi Lee

hiya Lee:)
as Marlene said nice to hear from you again I too was wondering how you were doing. Do not let the DLA decision get to you, they seem to make it mandatory to decline everyone on their initial application, make sure you appeal. Have they sent you a letter listing the reasons for declining yet?
Please keep in touch and take care xx

reply | back to forum

Subject: Re: Hi Lee

Have you asked for an appeal pack Lee? if not do so, when you get it write a short statement saying: I am appealing against the decision you have made sue to the following reasons
1) I cannot walk 50 metres without having to stop due to pain and discomfort, to enable me to do this I have to have someone with me I do not use walking aids........
Pick out all the points that they have cited that you disagree with an put why you disagree.
ask them to reconsider their decision, which they will do at this point.
They never contact the GP or specialist at the initial point of application, I personally think that it is a scare tactic to make people think that they are not entitled to DLA and sadly with some applicants they are successful, so the benefit goes unclaimed.
Make sure you get your appeal filled in and sent back within a month of the decision date on the letter you will have got.
You can download the appeal form from Direct.gov website to avoid any delay if you want.
Take care Lee and don't let them get you down xx

reply | back to forum

Subject: Re: Hi Lee

Sorry to that Lee some GPs seem to stick to what they think is the correct protocol when it comes to DLA and ESA, but he does not have to wait till they contact him at all he can write a general letter To who it may concern and give it to you to send to them. I had massive problems with my surgery and have now traansferred to a new one, they are fully aware of my condition and it was the GP herself that offered to write me a letter, I recieved in the post 2 days later and there was no charge.
On the point of going back to work whether you are well or not please do not put yourself in a psoition that is going to make your health worse than it has been for the last few months, I know you said your SSP finishes but you can still claim ESA if your GP is still giving you Fit notes. It is nowhere near enough money to live off but you may also be eligible for housing benefit and council tax benefit.
Take care xx

reply | back to forum

Subject: Re: Hi Lee

Lee please don't be despondent and keep at this ring them asap and tell them you require reconsideration, the appeals can be reconsidered at any time right up to the tribunal date. Demand to know they have not contacted your medical professionals.
This is a standard reply hoping that it will stop you from going further. Ask your GP to write an open letter (To whom it might concern) for you stating your condition and the way it affects your daily life. If he says that they have to contact him before he can, tell him that you are not requesting one directly to the DLA but an open one and he can do that..... I hope he doesn't charge you.... but if he does it may be a small price to pay.
Then put everything in writing, photocopy the GP's letter and any evidence that you have, letters from your consultants, appts, prescriptions etc and send it via Recorded delivery because then you have proof you have sent them, as for some strange reason they have a habit of saying that they haven't received them till you tell them that you have proof that they have.
Chin up Lee don't let them grind you down and take care xx

reply | back to forum