Newby

huskyjill

Hello I am new to this forum.I have OA to both hips and knees and right foot and most of myjoints are stiff I also had a Ileostomy 27 years ago I am 54 years of age, I am on middle rate care and high mobility on dla,I think that is all my history.Ithought I would post this as I could'nt believe it when it came through the post. I am on incabasity benifect I had to send my form of for it to change to ESA back last July I just heard today I have to attend amedical assement which is fine but it was the recommended journey which I could not believe, it is to be held 22 miles away and they suggest that I walk to my railway station which they say would take 11 minutes which if you walked fast you could do climb over the footbridge (no lift) catch one train change platforms catch another train for twenty minute train journey catch a bus 6 minute walk to the bus change buses another 6 minute walk get of then 10 minute walk to assement centre. Iphoned and explained I could not to all the walking and asked if there was disable parking to be told there was no parking to use the park and ride which would mean two buses journeys or get somebody to drop me of.I just wondered if this was the norm. Sorry to rant on for my first post :sad:

stickywicket

I am tempted to say it's a ploy, huskyjill ie if you can make it there, you won't get the benefit. How ridiculous!

Anyway, welcome to the forum. We are a very varied lot as far as brands of arthritis go (Mine's RA) but we are a friendly bunch and, between us, we have a fair bit of arthritic experience.

I think, if I were in your situation, I'd have a word with my GP. Surely he/she can get them to arrange something a little more suitable for you? I hope so.

frogmorton

Hi Jill

and welcome to the forums from me.

I think Sticky might be on to something there :???: a method of seeing just how fit and able you are. I woudl try to get a lift there if at all possible so you are not too stressed anyway.

ESA interviews scare the life out of a lot of people, but you should be ok if you don't attempt what hurts you for example and remember they may be assessing you at all times...for instance how long you can sit comfortably and how easily you can get to the WC.

If at all possible someone with you for support and as a witness woudl be a good idea too

Love

Toni xx

janie68

Hello there

Ring ESA back and tell them you want a home visit from their doctor/nurse. You will then need to ask your GP to send a letter explaining why you need a home visit, you can't travel due to your condtion. It is not guaranteed they will accept this, but you can try. ESA will give you a fax number for GP to send letter

Hope this helps

Janie

huskyjill

Thanks for the replys, My husband will give me a lift to the door. I thought about asking for a home vist but as the appointment a week Friday, I will stick with it and get it other with. I dreard the fought of having to go to a tribunal over it, I had to go both times for my DLA had the same panel twice ,I must amit they where very nice. I hate the thought that they think you are scrungger, Thou I have worked all my life to the last 4 years when I could not carry on any longer.

frogmorton

Jill

the panel do not think you're a scrounger...in fact l should think at times they are horrified at some of the bad decisions others have made! :roll:

Good luck for a week Friday.

Love

Toni xxx

Colin1

Hi Mate welcome to the site, you can ask for a home visit, talk to GP or telephone the number on the letter.
Get a friend to drop you off and pick you up
Take care
Colin

bubbadog

Hi welcome to the forum Jill, regarding the letter from the ESA I agree I believe it is a test to see if you can get there on the route it advised. So like others have mentioned I would get in touch with your G.P and tell them what ESA have said and tell the GP there is no way I can get to the assessment that way, and ask the GP what they sugest. Mine would arrange hospital transport or get in touch with the ESA and tell them that you couldn't get to that appointment and ask for a much closer office. But I'm sure your GP would sugest the same or something similar.