ATOS appoiintment :(

psyart

Hi everyone

was signed off in August for 3 months as in so much pain and have just had letter come through about my appointment with the ATOS lot - its next thursday 23rd.

Any suggestions greatly received on how to behave - is there any point saying much if they make it all up on the forms :?: :?: I feel like going in without having a shower :oops: , in my tatiest clothes every, not washing my teeth etc :!: :!:

am very nervous even now about it as I dont think anyone on here has the right outcome from it :!: :?:

am not doing very well today - 4 lots co-codomols, and 3 lots tramadol, along with the gapabentin, to get me through the day and still in pain . do you think this will make any difference to them :?: :?:


louise xxx

valval

well would make sure some one else comes with you and remember it all your worst day like today not your best good luck not had one myself so no help to you sorry val

dorcas

Hi Louise

I do feel for you having this medical assessment ahead of you, having been through it fairly recently myself.... and now being one of many peeps here in the midst of going through the process of appealing the decision.

Yes, I do think there are things you can do though and I have posted you a link to a directgov document which goes into a lot of detail about each aspect of the assessment. http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf

It is well worth a read and exactly mirrors the medical assessment form that the assessor completes during the assessment. I wish I had found this before I went to my medical!

Other things to remember:

1. The assessor will ask you how you travelled to get to the appointment. This information is used to form an opinion about your walking ability & the distance you are able to walk and whether you required assistance (aids & personal support)

2. The assessor observes you from the minute s/he comes out to meet you; how you get up from the waiting room chair , how you walk, whether you use a stick, whether you have a limp, how quickly you are able to walk.

3. In the assessor's room you will not automatically be given a chair with arms so if you need one... ask!... it will be noted in the assessment

4. If you need to get up regularly to move because you are uncomfortable/ pain/ stiff ...then say so and get up from the chair as often as need be!...how you get up from the chair is observed and this too will be noted in the assessment

5. Every question you are asked has a purpose... either to compare the answers with the information you wrote on the form.. or to assess you against one of the 'factors' on the assessor's screen. Take your time and answer as fully as possible.

6. Every movement you make is observed... even how you extract a piece of paper from your handbag!

7. you will be asked to go through a series of movements ..raising arms, bending etc... do not do anything that you know will cause you pain or discomfort just because you've been asked to do it!.

8. You will be asked to lie up on a couch for more physical assessment of your legs & hip movement. If you find it difficult to get up onto the couch... ask for help... do not struggle and tell the assessor if any of the required movements is uncomfortable. It will be noted!

I think that 'we' have an inbuilt tendency to want to 'please'.... to our detriment in my opinion. So be prepared to say 'no, I'm sorry, I can't do that'
The assessor is looking for consistency between what you've said on the form (you sent in) and what you say during the medical, what s/he observes you doing, and what the physical examination shows.
Each of the 'factors and functions' is part of a 'points awarded' system which determines whether you will continue to get ESA and at which level.

My assessor was very friendly and did her best to put me at ease. It didn't stop her making wrong assumptions and misrepresenting facts.!!!

I hope all that I've written helps you prepare for your assessment Louise! It's only my experience and I'm sure others will add their advices too.
being well prepared is all you can do!

good luck,

Iris x

mummyb

Good luck for your appointment on Friday, Louise, hope all goes well, I'll be thinking about you. Looking forward to hearing how you get on, love and hugs Brenda xxx ((()))

dreamdaisy

I haven't had one - yet - so cannot help, but I think dorcas has given you some very useful information. I shall be thinking of you next week. DD

carola

Hello

Haven't really got much to add to what Iris wrote as she has given some very good advice.

I recently received a copy of my full medical report and it noted that I "was fashionably dressed, styled hair and make up on". Use this point as you will!!
It also noted that I did not take my medication with me - so perhaps take yours along.

As Iris mentioned, do not try to please as this will result in you being in pain afterwards and the 'Nurse' noting that you can do things.

Personally, my medical report was full of inaccuracies including saying things like I picked a coin off the floor ..... I did not and she didn't ask me to. HOWEVER, hopefully your medical will be accurate and with a positive outcome for you so think positive.
Good luck.
Carol

markc1

Have someone drive you there and go in with you as first question is how you got there.
They will watch your every step and note every word you say.Ask for a copy of their report then sit back and wait for them to say your fit for work.
Sorry to be negative but you only have to read the comments on here to start worrying.

skezier

Hi Louise,

Its so wrong this! I think you have some very good advice there and all I can add is will be thinking of you and just hang in there. Sending luv and ((( )))'s Cris xx

dreamdaisy

carola, that coin thing wasn't an innacuracy - it was a downright lie. There was no coin and you didn't have to pick it up. What hope is there? It is a shameful and shocking system. DD

sharmaine

Hi

Try not to be nervous. They will probably ask you to bring your medication along. Just tell it like is. They will see from the meds that you take that all is not well. Take someone with you. I think they'll ask how you got there.

I hope you feel better soon.

Sharmaine

skezier

Hi Louise,

You go someone to go with you haven't you?

Been thinking about this and wonder could there e any benefit in talking to DIAL? They are only in Hayle. I so wish you didn't have to go through their hops. Another ((( ))) and a hope Cris xx

tillypink

Hey good luck for next week ! To be honest I think they make up there mind before u even get into the door!

I agree with everyone else, that medical is a sham! they quoted me saying that I could put my own shoes on with out help, and in fact I had flip flops on cause my feet where swollen and all I could get on, and then my partner had to get down on the floor and put them on for me :oops: ! They also said I was smartly dressed with makeup on! What has that got to do with my OA I don't know, considering its in my hip!

Sorry for rant!

Tillypink

elainebadknee

Hi Louise

Please take note very carefully every last bit Iris has documented....Its sad but its true and they try and trick you by being friendly but they are like that song....Smile in your face....Backstabbers!!!
Youre basically monitored from the moment you get there till you leave and woldnt be surprised if they even have bugged cars/phones.....Okay thats a bit OTT but it is DWP/ATOS!!

Good Luck

Elainexx

woodbon

Hi, Iris has given you very good informaion. I think I didn't say enough about how much the doctor hurt me examining me. The next day and the evening I got home, I was in agony from being pulled and pushed about and letting her go too far. I put on my usual make-up, the comment on the form was that I didn't look tired! So, don't put much on or any on. She even commented on the way I was dressed, 'smart casual' she called it. The implication, I can only suppose is that I didn't look as if I'd spilt my dinner over me trying to eat or the pain hadn't stopped me being able to think about my clothing. Incorrect. I always try and buy things that are easy to put on and have to spend a fortune when I buy new shoes as I have to put arch supports in them.

Take someone with you. I took my husband with me.

I hope that you get on alright and its not too bad. Love Sue xxx

salamander

you say you were 'signed off' for 3 months. I don't understand then why you have to be assessed by ATOS so soon. Am I missing something here?

dorcas

Hi salamander,

it doesn't matter whether you're signed of by your doc, dwp run the ESA system according to their own timetable...

After being awarded ESA each applicant will have to attend a Pathways interview within 6 weeks and an ATOS medical within 14 weeks.. this is called the 'assessment period'. I had to attend a Pathways interview 2 weeks post wrist op surgery.

supportive isn't it... not.

Iris x

psyart

Hi everyone - thanks for the replies and the sound advice!!

had a letter today saying appointment has been cancelled - no reason - unfortunate circumstances :!: :!: and they will write to me with a new date soon!!!!

will keep on board everything that has been said thought

love and hugs

Louisexxx