I might propose to my doctor

Harlansmummy

Well, I won't because my husband might not be thrilled but I was tempted today!

I was assessed recently to be switched over from IB to ESA. They gave me 0 points and declared me fit for work!! :shock: This is despite my husband giving up his career to become my carer because I struggle to get through the day at home.

I have long standing anxiety and depression, and one of my 'things' is that I convince myself there is nothing really wrong with me. I did it with pain in my arm for years and was shocked and relieved when an arthroscopy revealed a problem, that it wasn't all in my head! :oops:

I've had the same with my joint pain, that I wonder if maybe everyone has the same pains but they just put up with it and I am just a wuss. I thought my doctor thought I was a hypochondriac. I often feel like a fake when using crutches or a chair.

But today I explained the situation with the ESA and he was disgusted that I had been declared fit for work, and said he had a few patients in the same situation - but of course JSA won't touch you because they can't get you a job. He wrote a letter there and then without me needing to ask or prompt him, and as well as listing all my medication and medical conditions, he stated in bold type, that I am "def not fit for work, requires bilateral elbow crutches and ongoing pain Mx". I was in there for over 20 minutes and he also suggested a referral to the pain clinic.

I am grateful for his support of the ESA claim, but also feel almost relieved (justified?) that I am not just lazy or cowardly, and I am not unreasonable to expect to get ESA.

I know we hear a lot about rubbish doctors, but I am so grateful for my doctor.

stickywicket

I expect he gets a lot of proposals, HM He sounds like an excellent GP and that's always a huge help when dealing with an unremitting disease.

As for convincing yourself there's nothing wrong - I do it all the time. Sometimes the relief, when I finally get down to the surgery and given something to help, is enormous. I've never done crutches but I felt like a fake for years when using a wheelchair. I still don't like using it where I'm likely to meet people I know. (But these days, I use it anyway.)

It's easy to be self-confident when all is going well in life. It's much harder when it isn't.

mig

Asked him if he can fit us all in his practice.So glad you have a good GP.Mig

bubbles

Good news HM, you are lucky to have a great GP. I too have a GP who listens, cannot stand the hoops that the various "departments" put us through. With his letters and those of my Consultant I had a phone call to say that I would be transferred to ESA from IB, with no further question. I was gob - smacked, as it had been worrying me sick as usually it is one pillar to one post and so on. Goodness knows how many points I scored, I didn't ask. :shock:

Colin1

Hi H he sounds like a great GP, What we go through is awful aqnd things seem to take so long. My GPs is crap, if you do eventually get an answer from the phone you might get an appointment in 4 or 5 days but you rearly see the same doctor. Mt doctors has more turnover of doctors than the local pub with bar staff.
Colin

knuckleduster

Hello

You are so lucky to have a doctor who listens. Mine is exceptionally good at looking at her computer screen. Sometimes I feel invisible.

Janet x

Numptydumpty

Lucky you to have such a lovely GP.
I think we all go through the denial thing. I know I do still.
Good luck with your ESA.
All the best,
Numpty

bubbadog

I have a wonderful G.P, it's so great when they diagnose you and you feel your shoulders relax and you just want to shout YES I'M NOT GOING MAD!! I'm so glad you have found a wonderful G.P just hold on to him tight and don't let him go! The only problem is (like mine!) when they go on holiday (like mine!) . And you have to deal with other G.P's who aren't as helpful!! Good luck!