Hi I am new and need help

theminx
theminx Member Posts: 3
edited 5. Sep 2009, 08:17 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi my name is Kay and I am 44 years old. I am a diabetic and have PA and asthma. I have been on Methotrexate now for 2 months and not feeling it's working, the consultant has reduced my steriods and now I am in constant pain :( the pain killers I have been prescribed don't work either one I use the most is zapain and tramadol but they make me even more weary.

I have applied for DLA for help and was awarded the lower rate care but have been refused the DLA mobility, I am now appealing this because walking is just shear agony, even just walking a short distance, plus I am so tired after a short time and my memory is not it's best any more. Thing is I will have to attend a tribunal to appeal against their decision but I want a representative to help me as I am no good with words in trying to explain my symptoms. Has anyone got any good advice? where I can get help from with my appeal.?

Comments

  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kay,

    Welcome to the site and I think the C.A.B or D.I.A.L are good at helping you with the forms. There was a very good link done by Shelleymogul a few days ago. If you go trawling through the last 3 days post you will find it. You have to appeal and I really hope you win.

    I am not on MTX but I think it takes up to 3 months to work, I wonder though as your experiencing pain if you gp could maybe change you pain control? That or maybe ask your Rumo Nurse? I hope you find some relief soon. Take care, Cris
  • theminx
    theminx Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    skezier wrote:
    Hi Kay,

    Welcome to the site and I think the C.A.B or D.I.A.L are good at helping you with the forms. There was a very good link done by Shelleymogul a few days ago. If you go trawling through the last 3 days post you will find it. You have to appeal and I really hope you win.

    I am not on MTX but I think it takes up to 3 months to work, I wonder though as your experiencing pain if you gp could maybe change you pain control? That or maybe ask your Rumo Nurse? I hope you find some relief soon. Take care, Cris

    Many thanks for the prompt reply. I will in fact contact DIAL as you have suggested.

    I am seeing the Rheumo nurse on the 30th this month so hopefully she might have a suggestion about the pain relief, I take so many meds a day as it is with my diabetes drugs too I don't think the pain killers work any more.
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kay,

    I just found Shelley's post, its called ESA forms and it should be near the top now. She has put a very good link on there and it might help you.

    I hate to think people are being left in pain and I do wonder if your gp can help you till the 30th? Because of your diabetes the choices may not be as great but there should be something they can give you. I honestly think you should ask. Take care, Cris x
  • debatat
    debatat Member Posts: 659
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I wonder if the pain was because you are reducing your steroids too quickly? How long were you on steroids for and at what dose? Some people get increased pain if the taper is too fast for them. Maybe you could ask your doc about this.

    Hope the websites cris mentioned help you.

    Take care

    Deb
  • page35
    page35 Member Posts: 1,081
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi KAY
    sorry havent got any good advice, but cris is on the ball with it.
    just wanted to welcome you to this forum and hope you can get something to help the pain soon.
    page

    Hi cris :D
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi cris :D[/quote]

    Hi Page,

    ((( ))) xx and I must go and do some work :wink::lol:
  • jaspercat
    jaspercat Member Posts: 1,238
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kay, first about MXT it does take up to 3 months for it to start to work, I suggest you see your gp about better pain control, with regard to a DLA appeal, I had to go to one and after seeking advice I was told not to take in a representative as sometimes it dosen't work, I went with my hubbie, very nervous and worried but got my DLA love Jaspercatxx
  • essie49
    essie49 Member Posts: 4
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I receive the DLA for care and one mobility. I was fortunate to have a brilliant Welfare Officer fill in the form for me.
  • livinglegend
    livinglegend Member Posts: 1,425
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The Appeals service have a good guide at http://www.appeals-service.gov.uk/Documents/may09/HTA_English_Final_rev.pdf which explains the procedure.

    You don't have to memorise what to say to the tribunal, write down what you wish to say and read it to them. Anything said is considered part of the 'evidence' given.

    One thing to do is keep a diary of what hurts and when you need assistance. This could be along the lines of, 'Today I couldn't walk more than 10 yards without stopping due to the pain in my right hip. Gave up on visit and had to be collected and taken home and helped to bed'. This is better than, 'Sometimes I have trouble walking', which is not what they want to hear.

    Joseph 8)
    Josephm0310.gif
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, Just a line to welcome you to the formum. I hope things get better for you quickly and you settle down. Its a very hard thing to do, I know. Love Sue
  • stepdeb
    stepdeb Member Posts: 27
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    theminx wrote:
    Hi my name is Kay and I am 44 years old. I am a diabetic and have PA and asthma. I have been on Methotrexate now for 2 months and not feeling it's working, the consultant has reduced my steriods and now I am in constant pain :( the pain killers I have been prescribed don't work either one I use the most is zapain and tramadol but they make me even more weary.

    I have applied for DLA for help and was awarded the lower rate care but have been refused the DLA mobility, I am now appealing this because walking is just shear agony, even just walking a short distance, plus I am so tired after a short time and my memory is not it's best any more. Thing is I will have to attend a tribunal to appeal against their decision but I want a representative to help me as I am no good with words in trying to explain my symptoms. Has anyone got any good advice? where I can get help from with my appeal.?


    Hi Kay,

    It will depend where you live and where you will have your DLA appeal as to finding a representative. For example, if you ar around London - there is the Free Representation Unit (www.freerepresentationunit.org.uk) where you can get free legal help and get representation at a tribunal. You may also find local law clinics where you could get help and advice.

    The DLA appeal panel is however independent and will ask you questions about your illness to try to find out how difficult it is for you on a day to day basis.

    You may also find that there are advocacy services locally - and these may be able to help and suport you too.

    Hope it goes well.

    Debbie[/url][/list][/list][/code][/quote][/u][/i][/b]
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