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Date: 09.10.2010
From: lizzie

Subject: Psoriatic help and advice

Hey im new to this forum, was diagnosed with pa in april 2010 and iv been 20mg of mxt since, its having some effect although im still having bad days and the tiredness is a bit of a nightmare.
What i wanted to see is if anyone has any information on benefits, are you able to claim any help etc etc. i only ask as im struggling alot with working full time, i can only drive 10 miles or less at a time and i cant handle the clutch in heavy traffic!! its getting me down because i have bills and a mortgage and working is a struggle for me because of the exhaustion i dont know what to do and im starting to feel like my life is going to be work and sleep immediately that i get home which is hard because i have a horse, a boyfriend, family the usual and i feel that im neglecting all of them
:( i have a horrible feeling im going to just have to try and live with full time too....sorry to moan haha!!
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Date: 09.10.2010
From: athena

Subject: Re: Psoriatic help and advice

hi

ive also got PA and maybe also RA (Waiting on results) and know what you mean about struggling with work and homelife too.

have you got a local citizens advice bureau you could go to? they can inform you on any benefits and work matters, i only work part time and am struggling with that so i dont know how you are coping, i havent applied for any benefits as yet cos am scared to to be honest as it seems so hard to get anything now but it is worth a try, also ive read on several threads on here that if you get turned down the first time to apply again because a lot are successful then,good luck x
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Date: 09.10.2010
From: Shirley

Subject: Re: Psoriatic help and advice

Hi Lizzie, sounds like you've done really well to cope with working full time and starting new meds. I've been off work for 12 weeks now but am entitled to 2 months full pay then 2 months half pay. I'm also on Mtx but have got to increase the dose as its not bringing down inflammation levels yet. When I return to work the doc can ask for a phased return on reduced hours and companies have to make reasonable adjustments for this now.
Unfortunately the benfits system is really complicated and can't accomodate fluctuating illnesses like ours. I was turned down for DLA because I 'can walk' albeit with difficulty and I 'can cook a meal' as I can 'sit down whilst preparing it' however its now being re-considered so I'm waiting again! If you don't qualify for DLA you can't get a blue badge or working tax credit or mobility allowance or anything else much! Its all or nothing and gets very frustrating when you're able to do some work but not full time, but can't get any help if you try to help yourself by doing what you can. Maybe this will all change on October 20th with the gov review? I did contribute evidence for the review to the DWP highlighting the plight of people who can't work full time but still need a bit of help, let's hope they read it and act! Sorry I can't be more positive, this is all very recent but I know others on here have been successful. Good luck x
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Date: 11.10.2010
From: lizzie

Subject: Re: Psoriatic help and advice

thank you :) i made an application a while ago for dla but got a letter today saying i cant get it because i can walk (painfully and for short distances) and i can cook, as you said sitting down!! but i've typed up a responce disputing the decision with reasons why etc and im going to send that back and see what happens.
its so frustrating just asking for help, and then when you do it you end with none at all. im very lucky with work in that i get 6 months full pay but im out of that know and i still havnt been able to increase my hours, today i have had to cancel going in because my back is in agony and i cant keep my eyes open, doesnt look like i will be in all week although i think i will have to force myself in thursday and friday so i get a bit of money at least......its just so annoying that any one has to suffer this and get no help with it!
fingers crossed the DWP do something about it

thank you both for your help :)
x
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Date: 12.10.2010
From: Shirley

Subject: Re: Psoriatic help and advice

I'm really sorry to hear you've obviously had exactly the same response as me for DLA. If you've been off for more than 28 weeks you might be entitled to working tax credit if you do reduced hours? I haven't been off long enough to try claiming this yet. Good luck x
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