Worried sick over new ESA issue

kickyloo

Hi,
Today I received through the post a medical form from ATOS for me to complete and return for my ESA. But, it was only 3 months ago that I received confirmation that my original claim was agreed and I was put on limited capability for work. After going to the medical in January, which was stressful to say the least, I was sooooo relieved to have been accepted in February without needing to appeal as seems to be so many others experience. I thought I'd have a year before having to go through the whole process again. So I can't believe the whole process of the questionnaire and then medical is starting again so soon. It's so stressful, why do they put us through this? Can this really be right that I have to start again just 3 months since I got through the assessment phase?
O/H says don't worry, just go through the same thing as last time, but it just feels like its hanging over me. God we really need that money to make ends meet.
Has anyone else experienced a similar thing?
thanks, Nicky

skezier

Hi Nicky,

I don't claim esa so can't help but was just wondering if they remember they have already seen you? would it be worth a phone call to them do you think?

Leaving a hope and a wish they wouldn't do this to people as its just not fair. Try not to worry flower. Cris x

rugbygirl

I know that with my DLA it can be reassessed at any time just to ensure that the entire procedure has been correctly followed. It might be that they are being audited at the moment and they have been asked to reassess a selection of people. Unfortunately you are the chosen one.

I have recently had my DLA assessed because originally I was in so much pain I couldnt move and then I had a final diagnosis. When I had the reassessment back they still only gave it to me until October and i have got to start the reassessment process again soon to see if I qualify for any longer.

I think it is basically them making sure that we are getting what we are entitled to and making sure they all have jobs.

Dont worry about it too much as it will make things worse with your arthur.

Look after yourself and I hope things work out for you

sharmaine

Hi

I thought you had 3 years before they re-assessed you. It does sound a bit on the quick side! Give them a ring - they may have made a mistake

Sharmaine

lorica

Hi, I too have just been awarded ESA, I have to go to the job centre next week for an interview, from what I have read I will need ti fill in a questionnaire, not sure what they ask in it could this be the questionnaire you have been asked to complete?

Mark

elainebadknee

Hi

I had my medical last march and got turned down within 3 days of that. I started an appeal right away which took until last october when i got a local from community legal solicitor that they had overturned the decision and not needed to go to tribunal. The guy at jobcentre (I am in category that says i can get work but need help...There is no jobs ever for joe normal)...said on telephone at end of feb that i would be hearing from them soon to be re-assessed...So i waited and waited and eventually have relaxed about it as its been nearly 3 months since he told me that...Im quite sure however that when i least expect it and life is going good for me the brown envelope will fall on the mat and the whole shambles of a process will start again...
Im 42 and need a new knee but due to age and weight I had to seek second opinon...

Elainex

kickyloo wrote:

Hi,
Today I received through the post a medical form from ATOS for me to complete and return for my ESA. But, it was only 3 months ago that I received confirmation that my original claim was agreed and I was put on limited capability for work. After going to the medical in January, which was stressful to say the least, I was sooooo relieved to have been accepted in February without needing to appeal as seems to be so many others experience. I thought I'd have a year before having to go through the whole process again. So I can't believe the whole process of the questionnaire and then medical is starting again so soon. It's so stressful, why do they put us through this? Can this really be right that I have to start again just 3 months since I got through the assessment phase?
O/H says don't worry, just go through the same thing as last time, but it just feels like its hanging over me. God we really need that money to make ends meet.
Has anyone else experienced a similar thing?
thanks, Nicky

kickyloo

Thanks for your responses.
I phoned the JC first thing to double check they hadn't made a mistake. The bloke spoke to me like a piece of something nasty on his shoe. Yes i do need to fill it in again and be re-assessed. "obviously they have decided that my condition means i need to be assessed every 3 months". Well there you go!
hugs to all.
Nicky
x

angry

My wife jennifer has been going to her doctors for over 18 mths complaining of pain in her joints and swelling, i recently have been finnished up with work and she is claiming Employment Support Allowance
she is also about to go on an assesment this week and is understandibly very worried and so am i that she will be forced into work. Her doctor is sitting on the fence as for the last 3 mths he has wrote down on her medical note Muscular joint disease. He says there's nothing he can do about the pain. She has had a blood test for R A and it came back negative he said to her there's no test for O A but there are x rays that can be undertaken i feel she isen't getting the right care considering her delibitating illness which is getting worse by the day. We both have no faith in doctors

rugbygirl

Hi Angry

I can sympathise with your wife on this issue. I had been on holiday last year and during that time I ended up with a bad back but thought it was because I had been walking. I decided that I would leave it and see how it went. I saw one doctor and was told that I had sciatica to take the tablets she had prescribed for the pain and to keep moving. It was no better 2 weeks later, saw the doctor again and was told that I hadnt been doing enough to exercise the back. More pills were given, this time stronger. Another 2 weeks later I still hadnt improved so I went back again. I was told there was nothing she could do and all I had to do was lose weight!

I had had enough already. Anyway the pain was unbearable and I hadnt slept for a while. I got my hubby to drive me to the local walk in clinic to see if they could help. During my first visit I was referred to Physio and Orthopaedics. I was given some stronger pills ( after having an allergic reaction to some others) and finally I felt more human.

It took 6 months for me to see the specialist from the problem starting and within a month I had my MRI scan, with the results of OA, slipped disc and sciatica. I have had a caudal epidural to help with the pain in my back which has eased it but obviously not cured it. I have also been referred to a nerve clinic to see what problems i have with my arm- I cant do too much without it hurting but that took some attempts to get things sorted.

I think it is important that she keeps pushing and pushing for the answers. If she gives up and puts up with the pain she is going to end up feeling really low. If she has seen the same doctor every time then try a different doctor. Keep trying until she gets the answers.

As for finding work that is another matter. I have been looking since January and its only now that i am waiting to hear on a job. There are so many people out there looking for work that anyone with a disability regardless of their ability to do the job are over looked.

No one can force you to do anything. Tell your wife to keep her chin up, and keep fighting if she can. There is nothing more draining than pain and not knowing why it hurts. Once you have an answer it still hurts but it can be treated and you can deal with it.

Look after yourselves and I hope things work out for you

Ros33

Hi there

I went through all this last year was asked to come back for assessments several times and each time worried myself sick but when i attended the appointment I found the staff very sympathetic and the assessment not to be nearly as bad as i thought (as the first medical and interview I attended). I totally understand how you feel it's hard enough to deal with the arthritis without worrying about money and benefits but I hope it makes you feel better to know that the last assessent I had was in November and I have been left alone since with a decent amount of benefits coming to manage and focus on getting better.

I really hope this is your last assessment and you can focus on getting better now.

Love Roslyn

angry

Thanks folks for your reply's my wife has had her medical assesment and we are waiting in anticapation of her results. The assesment itself was more of a question and answer by the doctor and she thinks it went well
since i become unemployed i have witnessed how her arthritis has got much worse, i can now help her around the house with the chores, but maybe i need to go on a cookery course :roll:

Ros33

That's great the assessment went well and you sound like you are doing a wonderful job supporting her Which is invaluable I don't know what I would do without my husband. Good luck to you both

Roslyn