ESA Assessment

purplestorm

Wednesday of this week I had my ESA assessment. After a few good weeks (no major flare ups) I started to get my self worked up about going for this appointment, which surprise surprise lead to a major flare up the eve of the "big day" with major problems/pains in the hips department! Throughout my Arthur journey I have received a considerable lack of support, information and guidence from the medical services in the area I live, however, astonishingly it was the first time in over 5 months of sounding like a stuck record that someone seemed to understand my condition and accept me at face value (that may be famous last words as still awaiting outcome)

This may sound rather stupid to some people but its the first time i have actually been asked the question "so how are you feeling" and actually listened to my response, and although the nurse that carried out the assessment was doing it for different reasons that my usual consultant / doctors we went through everything how it effects me physically, a basic day, how it effects life generally and how it effects my family/friends, and this is the first time ever I have been asked these questions or been able to communicate about my illness with someone who actually wanted to listen. He was even generally concerend that I was gonna pass out (I had taken my morphine that morning which always knocks me for 6 and makes me whiter than milk) Maybe I have been lulled into a false sense of security and will regret being so nice about them in a few weeks time!

However, as we all know Arthur doesnt come complete with blue spots or a large warning sign to hang round our necks and although i would never make joke of the seriousness of a flare up it was perfect timing as without it, and having what I would call a good day I feel that i wouldnt of felt so positive (if thats the correct word) that I was actually believed. My Arthur effects my tendons so its hard for me to actually pin point where the pain is actually at as its not in my joints which seems to puzzle people for some unknown reason when I just point to a random part of my body and say its hurting. Unlike some people I have no swellings lumps or bumps in these areas either and you cant show pain so how can you prove how much pain your in? Ive always been brought up with the belief that you just get on with things you cant physically do anything about and no sense in complaining so when im having a good day which still consists of pain you just dont mention it its a fact of life and you bash on!

Only time will tell and ill keep you updated as to the results of the assessment however anyone who is due to have an assessment please try not to worry about it too much as its not as bad as I thought it would be!


x

cpontefract

Even though your in pain im glad everything went well in your assessment.

my last assessment was when i was in plaster before being diagnosed, and the lady I had was horrible, no real concern, she was clearly just doing a job. No wonder my case was through out.

Im now waiting to see my GP on monday to discuss whether I should return to work, or whether I should re-claim for arthritis (not a broken bone).

hopefully you will get the outcome you need, Id cross my fingers but i cant so, ill just mentally do it for you

barbara12

Im so sorry you having having a flare, but hopefully for once it has worked in your favour.
My god what do you have to do, its awful how people are put through all this, but I am glad they where human and understood you really were in awful pain.
I really do wish you well with it.
Love
Barbara x

speedalong

Hi Purplestorm, no one ever wants to be experiencing a flare - but for once this was good timing. Hope to goodness it works in your favour and that you can start to relax now you have had the assessment and the flare is shortlived.

Speedy