brick wall - can anyone help??

bumache

Hi to everyone. I hope you are all having a not too bad day and enjoying the sunshine :P
I'm sorry in advance if this ends up a long post.
I've been trying to sort things out - tried to get some help from DEA at jobcentre regarding my job - she told me they only help people that are out of work, not off sick. Also rang CAB to get some help with DLA claim that was refused. I didnt explain fully the problems I am having on the form, because I ignored alot of things as they were so diverse, and put it down to age.(stupid I know, but I still remember the locum Doc saying 'well once you hit 40......) I included arthritis and have since had diagnosis of fibro. This crossed over with the DLA letter coming back, so I rang CAB for some help with a reconsideration/appeal. They said they couldn't help as the new info (fibro) was a new diagnosis and didn't apply to the claim already put in. She told me basically to forget it and claim again in 3 months. But you have to have symptoms of fibro for 3 months anyway before they diagnose it - I just didnt explain myself well on the form. I'm just hitting those brick walls and no-one is able/willing to help. I also sent email to benefits and work about my claim, which has been ignored. I feel invisible, useless, and not worthy. I have heard nothing whatsoever from my workplace - the last time I struggled in with a sick note, I went in the front door, they took one look at me ,and everyone walked out the back door without saying a word. I have docs appt on 15th by which time he should have got the rheumy report. Am I entitled to a copy of that do you think?? Thought it might be useful for any further DLA claim. Am in the process of looking for another job, but if I'm honest, I dont want to work - I just want to hide at home so I can be like everyone wants - invisble. I need hugs and help. Thanks for listening

tjt6768

Sorry that things seem so bad at the moment, hopefully given time they will improve..
Have you heard of a place called D.I.A.L? I don't know where you are but I think they have a few branches around. They are great for helping with your DLA claim.. They are rather busy though but it would be worth checking out. They really helped me out a few years ago with my claim, came to the tribunal etc with me...

Best of luck..

caterina57

Hi Bumcake
Sorry that you are having problems - I am in a very similar situation
I think that you need to get some advice from other quarters, I too was turned down for DLA having filled in the forms myself - I am now reapplying with help from my local Advice Centre, CAB were no help at all.

Good Luck
Cath

madwestie

Bumcake, you are not invisible you are just not getting the help and support that you deserve.
I would also suggest contacting Dial I phoned them on Friday and am waiting for a lady to ring me back and arrange a date to see them for help in filling out my dla form.
have you got a good GP could you get the GP to write a letter saying that you also had the fibro at the time of the claim.
I would also try to contact benefits at work again, they may have just overlooked your first email.
I believe you are entitled to a copy of any of your medical notes so I would ask the GP for a copy of the report.

I am sending you a big Hug (((((Hug)))))).

Tracey

bumache

thanks for the replies so far. Am trying DIAL after dinner so keep your fingers crossed for me.
Tracey, do you have a mad westie?? I have a lazy westie and a mad yorkie pup, who listen intently then slobber all over. Just wondered thats all!! Thanks for your ideas - they are very useful.

julie47

Hi Bumcake
How frustrating for you and how ignorant of your work mates.
I hope you get some satisfaction from DIAL. I always get a letter from whom ever I see, I ask them to send me a copy when they send one to gp. The people I see are quite good at that.
Anyway here there is a rope to climb over that wall and a big tub of good luck
Take care
Juliepf x

bumache

just been on to DIAL - very helpful, but they said forget this claim and to make a new one in May which they will help me with. Suggested I get copies of reports organised ready for next time, so I'll do that. Thanks for the rope and tub of luck - dont suppose you have winning lottery numbers do you?? x

caterina57

Hi Bumcake, That sounds more promising and if there is more info ect re Fibro and reports thats all in your favour. Lend me your rope cos this wall that I am climbing seems to get higher and higher!
Good Luck and we will be watching to see what happens in May.
Cath

Airwave!

Hey what a name, bumcake! The way to make yourself visible is to use the right 'speak' that civil servants understand. I have just been given some superb advice from Age UK to help a relative, very comforting to know someone has them (the civil servants) cracked!

Keep smiling.

8) Its a grin, honest!

madwestie

Bumcake, I am glad you are getting the help from Dial they phoned me today and i have an appointment with them on 25th feb i will let you know how it goes.
You sound a bit more positive now hopefully knowing there are people on your side helps.

Yes i have a mad westie called maddie she certainly lives upto her name. she is far to friendly and makes such a fuss of everyone she meets. she has also been know to run around like a mad thing as well although she is 6 now as is just a little quieter than she was as a puppy. although not much. i do have a lazy cat though. she thinks 22 hours are for sleeping each day 1 hour 55 mins for eating and well the other minutes she saves up and goes out every other day for about 10 minutes then starts again.

Tracey

puffin

Hi Tracey,
I got help from the equivalent of DIAL years ago. Was advised to collect written reports---easier these days, due to Freedom of Information Act I think, and to photocopy any form you send in. This is laborious as you know. The forms are booklets! However this is worth it as you can keep a record in case of any future need. You may already know this!
Puffin

bubbles

Hi Bumcake, (loving the name), nice to meet you and immediate hugs from Bubbles, to you.
I know how you feel, regarding the DLA, they do say on their form "let us know of any changes to your circumstances, ie your health, or something that affects the amount of care you need", then, as you said, you let them know and lo and behold, they take no notice. It is like banging your head, been there and currently wearing the T shirts "how to tackle the DLA".

Do ask for help with the forms, they are long, repetitive and do all they can to make things difficult and confusing for people filling them in. Gather all the information you possibly can, from your GP (ignore the turning 40 comment, or, if they say it again, contact the PCT offices and make some noise about it, age has no consideration of illness and or disability, the GP should be ashamed of themselves, in fact, let me at em). When you have filled the form in, with help from DIAL or CAB, or Welfare Officer, make copies, keep one for yourself and send any relevant information to the Dr and the Rheumy, so that they know a bit more about your home situation and any care needs and mobility problems you may have). As my GP's have said in the past, it is impossible for them to know the in's and out's of a persons day to day living, so they are always grateful for a copy of the form, to help them provide the proper information.

Don't be invisible, don't hide away, ignore your so called colleagues, they don't deserve such a title if they turn their backs and walk away.

You take care and keep us posted, XX Bubbles

skezier

Hi bumcake,

I so agree with the others... and you just are not invisible and its wrong they have made you feel this way! Its so stupid they only help the people out of work.... why cant they help someone trying to get back to a job they have already got!

Get some help from CAB or DIAL and hopefully they will help you get the forms (endless aren't they) filled in in a way that makes them at least read it! Good help is worth so much and you do need it.

I get copies of most the rumo/painclinic/ gastro etc letters automatically... didn't the last rumo one but be honest it was so heavy and upsetting I kinda glad IO didn't. His next one due any day will also be heavy but not so upsetting to read in black and white.

you can get copies from your gp by the way and though they might charge you its nominal (mine didn;t charge even though the receptionist said they do)

hang in there and know you are not invisible at all.

Tis like Airwave said you have to say words they understand and keep banging on with the same sentences for over 50 pages.....

Good luck for the next time but get it done so its ready to go in May....

hey i did hide away and now its hard for me to actually be seen so don't go down that road. I was able to become very reclusive and well tis only in cyberspace i have any confidence now a days... bad road flower don't go down it. Cris x

Hi Tracey,

Good luck for you as well flower and Maddie would like to point out she is meant to be mad.... its in the westies remit and its in contract you may not have realized you signed.... often in blood my lot tell me Cris xx