I have just received appointment for atos interview in January. I am currently on esa suffering from depression and recently suffered a TIA. I am so scared and nervous of going...cant sleep worrying about. Have arranged someone to come with me as cant go on my own. But heard so many bad things am struggling to cope with going. Have suffered from depression for about 18months and tried to take my life before. Just so worried and feel so alone..just keeps going round in my head
I'm on ESA too not had the atos mob interview yet
Sorry to hear about the TIA must be a worry for you try and keep calm the more you worry it will only make things worse for you on the day try to take your mind off the interview little things can help read up of others will depression that have been to the interview see how they coped with it it's wise your taking someone with you
Always say what your worse day is like and the things that you can't do
There's plenty of sites to look at
Benfits and work is a great site plenty of good info
Wishing you luck
Thank you for reply. Am just not good in face to face situations and the thought of trying to explain how I feel on a daily basis is very stressful for me. I couldnt even handle counselling at this time as was too upsetting for me. Feel like I will be intimidated and not be able to explain. Trying not to worry but so hard to explain what goes on in my head especially to a stranger face to face.
Thank you again taking time to reply.
I'm not very good around people either I think I would end up telling jokes to put myself as ease which is not really the point of the interview I've had counselling when I lost my father and brother did nothing for me at all was just words can't change how ones feel inside it's easy for me to say don't worry everybody would say the same I get stressful just going to the gp's i stuffer from chronic pain I maybe bipolar too but I'm too scared to admit it I take amitriptyline for sleeping it's the only drug that's works for me
Sorry to hear about yr dad and brother. I take fluoxatine. Been put on heart tablets, blood pressure pills and blood thinners after stroke. Feel like I rattle when I walk lol. Well guess things can only get better as they say!.....well then I got atos appointment through post lol
Yes they do say that lol I watched my father suffer heart attack that killed him and my brother took his own life it's been really hard to live with everything since then I don't cope very well at all use to love Christmas but it's never the same now.
Hi Debbie,
At least you have someone going with you, that's a positive on your side to start with if you have problems getting points raised. What you want to do, is before you go write down a list of problems, pains, medications, names of any consultants you are seeing, etc. And anything else relevent to your case. Many stories get around about ATOS, some maybe true, I can assure you I have been in the same sort of situation, but because of what is wrong with me, and the numerous Consultants I have to see regulary my case was dealt with quickly as it was obvious I cannot work under any ciircumstances. I even applied for higher care component which was also awarded with no face-to-face interview. If you feel they are intimidating you in anyway you can ask them to stop the interview, so having someone with you would be a good idea Debbie. Ask them if you can have a break, so you can pull yourself together. If you feel yourself becoming upset at any point, do the same.
What you don't want to do is get yourself worked up over nothing, I know that may sound easy coming from me. There is a lot of things going on with ATOS at the moment, if they may turn you down on the initial interview, don't worry this happens in many cases (hoping you will not appeal). If they do this then appeal against the decision. Noiw, you're probably thinking "why?" - there is a good reason actually and it's because of the mess ATOS is currently with our Gov't. ATOS must clear the 11 month backlog of Appeals, so if you appeal you're just adding to their backlog. To appeal, obviously you need to supply. They state you must appeal within 28 days, write to them stating you need at least 6 weeks to gather further evidence - they have to allow for this by law. On some occassions they are letting through cases that are awaiting for appeals, because it is just adding more to their backlog, which they don't need at the moment. The increase over the past month of appeals being successful as increased by 7% over previous months. So the best time to do this is now, ATOS is under pressure from our Gov't whom have asked ATOS to finish the current mess, before they are sold by the DWP. Then MAXIMUS takes over from the US, and these are much worse than the current ATOS, and further guidelines are being added to the initial guide to filling in the forms.
May I ask who filled in the actual ESA forrm? Some people go to CAB or another advice center, because depending on how the form was filled in, depends on whether or not you have to attend a 'face-to-face' interview. I have started writing guides to filling in these forms, and what should be on them on this website - you may find the information interesting regarding ATOS, DLA, PIP, ESA, etc.
The posts are located here:
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/advice-on-applying-for-dla-disability-living-allowance--313511
I will be adding more write ups shortly, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect, etc. I need to write one up regarding appeals, etc.
I am hoping what I have told you as taken the worrying off a bit, remember it's not your fault, what has happened to you - so if they try to intimidate or cause you unwanted stress tell them that you would like a break, because of the circumstances. One thing is many people say that ATOS caused the mess in the first place, are not actually correct - its the actual form from DWP that catches many people out, and the way it is worded makes questions look like they are asking the same thing twice, the fact is they are not.
All the best,
Les.
Awww💖💖💖Debbie relax Hunny I had mine today I was same anxiety panic attacks hot sweats goi g toilet and Belive me it's not as bad as you think, not sure how mine has gone as it was a fair walk and my mobility is bad I felt physically sick with pain after the walk, and was told I could of asked for a wheel chair but there was no one around to ask so that could of messed things right away who nos but the nurse who assets me was great didn't ask me many questions teally I was shocked I took lots of notes and she didn't read them so im just going think the worse and if it's good news i its a bonus I have fibromilgia please don't worry it's not as bad as you think good luck just enjoy christmas xxx
I totally get whete your coming from Hunny im the same I don't really thinki got it all off my chest as they can tell by your body language there not daft xxx
Hi les how's you Hunny good I hope had my medical today at asos got myself all worked up and it was y half as bad as I expected the distance I had to walk once in the centre was quiet far there was no ones round to ask for a wheel chair so was in very bad pain but once I was in there I was in more pain they couldn't trad the form that cab filled in for me she asked me few questions but not as many as I thout they would I wrote notes and wanted her to read them but she didn't so not really sure how it's gone fingers crossed xxx
Hiya Jackie,
Me, well I could be better but at the moment I have pleurisy, spent last tuesday in hospital, then on Wednesday Abdominal Ultrasound scan - when I asked the radiologist she said it looks like a few stones but nothing worth worrying about. She said phone your Doctor in 7 days time, I thought fine everything seems okay. But on Thursday evening my Doctor phoned me, and asked what they had said in the Ultrasound Department, so I told her. Then she said to be honest, I think we need to get you back to see your Urology Consultant - I thought oh no, what I wasn't, or more to the point didn't want to hear. The reason for that scan was because I may have Prostate Cancer, only myself and my wife knows, and it's not the right time to tell anyone else in the family.
I told you not too worry to much, I know it's easy for me to say - but getting through that part alone is a step in the right direction, regardless of the outcome. If you get it awarded then it's all good, if you fail then it's still good from your side of the equation. You'll have the 28 day appeal notice, which you can get extended to 6 weeks for getting your notes together, basically putting your case together. I guess they will be marking you on your Mobility Descriptor points, which will either go to the Award or not. Even if it doesn't, don't worry - many people panic, thinking they failed - it is not the case at all, as you said you needed a wheelchair but did not have one available, you could use this in your appeal amongst other things.
Anyway, lets hope you won it, if not you can still try - my motto, never give up!
Have a nice Xmas Jackie,
Regards,
Les,
Do not worry Debbie I was also concerned before my interview.I have Rheumotoid arthritis and I was also nervous but if it is a genuine condition you have nothing to worry about.I was in so much pain on the day of my interview I was not even examined and I was only in there approx 10 min.If the interview is upsetting do not be afraid to cry and have your friend comfort you.Also when answering questions make sure you only inform them of your worst days and no other which you will probably have a LOT MORE BAD DAYS than good.Well good luck I hope this has helped and try to have a great Christmas.PS THE INTERVIEWER seems very stern when you walk in but it gets better
Thank you all for taking the time to reply. Trying not to worry. ..think its hard to begin to explain how I feel to a stranger what I am worried about.i tend to just totally withdraw from the situation. guess I will just have to take it a breath at a time.
Again thank you all for replies. Merry Christmas xx
Do not worry Debbie what will be will be.I have been om motability for about 20 yrs and I still worry about the medical.It is the media highlighting the government campaign against the disabled.Do not be scared to lay it on thick when you go.I am not saying lie but if you feel intimidated and want to cry you cry girl.The problem is we know we can not hold down full time employment but it is convincing the doctor the trick they try is they ask if you will do half a day a week voluntary work and if you say yes just to placate the dr you will end up losing your disability component.Also revise the medical form you filled in because he will have it in front of him.I always make copies.Good luck and let me know how you get on .Please stop worrying at least for the holidays I know it is easier said than done.
Hi Debbie,
That is fact, we are all strangers to one another, but we use the information that we have gain from our own experiences and other peoples opinions. I found, and gain friends on here over the months, okay we never see one another "face-to-face", but does that really matter, we are here to help each other.
Come to think of it, I have never really thought about talking to strangers, then again no one knows who or even where you are, unless you actually state in a Private Message, I certainly would not post my full address on here. Take your time, Debbie your not being seen until January, and believe me it's not that bad at a "face-to-face" interview is not that bad, you'll probably find it is quite different to what you imagined, most people worry over it - even I did initially, I even appealed against the decision and won the case. The main reason my award was stopped was because of my own doctor at the time. I had just moved and my medical records were still at my old doctors, so my new doctor filled the DWP questionaire in that I was fine walking around and in no pain. When I found this out, I wrote to my new doctor demanding an apology and that he should contact the DWP regarding all my problems, and medications I was on. My new doctor couldn't apologise enough after I pointed out what he had done.
Anyway, Debbie have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Regards,
Les.
Hi Michael,
I just read that you have been on Motability for about 20 yrs, I assume you meant the Mobility Component of DLA, Motability is the Finance Company for fleet vehicles. I just wondered why the DWP has not put you on DLA indefinitely, I assume you are on DLA and not PIP? I have been on DLA Mobility Component High Rate and Care Component Middle rate for about 30 years, but that changed recently to the Care Component High Rate as well, since I have become worse over the years. Good advice about keeping copies of all documents sent to the DWP, any additional sheets you attach should also be copied.
I have given up the Mobility Allowance for a vehicle on the Motability Scheme, they also pay 50% of a holiday if you want to go away as well. I did not find that out until last year, but unless you visit their website or have their magazines, you wouldn't know. Our first car on the scheme was a Mini Metro, box-standard no electric anything - but it got us from A to B. The problem over the years is I needed to take upto 3 mobile aids, so small cars were out of the question, the latest car we have is a Mitsubushi ASX3 which looks like a 4x4, big car and a big boot - well we can squeeze in my wheelchair and quadseat-push and thats the boot full, we had to remove the parcel shelf that gets in my the way and no way of shutting the hatch. And, we had to pay a deposit of £499 for that car. We did look at a Kia Sportage, one problem - it was too big to fit though our drive gates even if we pulled the side mirrors inward. Gawd, knows what car we will go for next, we did look at a Outlander - but the deposits on these cars is ridiculous
Regards,
Les.
Hi les love chatting to you well it's just a waiting game now but like you said I'll either get it or I won't like you say I'll never give up , the lady didn't really ask me much I was shocked and she couldn't read the form as the writing was so bad CAB filled it in for me as my hands are to sore to write so she couldn't understand it so I thout she would of asked more questions I was in a lot of pain as I had to walk to get to the medical down 2 long corridors so I was in really bad pain I couldn't sit still she could tell I wasn't comfortable so she said she would finish as soon as she could she got me a wheel chair to go back, I had wrote down lots of notes what my typical day was like and how my life has changed but she didn't read it I wanted her to as I can express my self better on paper my daughter wrote what I asked her but she wasn't intrested I was very shocked so have wait and see if I have to appeal you will have guide me Hunny I would be very grateful xxx merry Christmas to you and your family x
Hi Jackie,
If you need help with an appeal, I will gladly help you. From what you mentioned you maybe bordering on the Mobility side, you'll soon find out in the New Year! Could be a new start for you at the same time. 
Well, you had the "face-to-face" interview - the chances of getting through that and winning the Award is actually 7% higher this month than last month, so your chances are better than normal. With the current situation with DWP and ATOS, whom the Gov't wants to pay-off, so ATOS is out of the equation, then again MAXIMUS will be taking over but not before the current backlog of 11 months of appeals is cleared. Yes, that's how bad it is, between the DWP and ATOS they created a right mess, and that was to get more people off disability benefits or ESA. Okay, I have seen some of the programmes on TV showing numerous people caught on camera saying they were disabled. I remember seeing one guy getting up at 8 o'clock in the morning driving a lorry, picking up scaffolding poles and loading his lorry, then on Sundays playing Golf, yet he was claiming DLA stating he could hardly move because of his back problems!!! Needless to say he was caught on camera which was used as evidence in court. These people are a disgrace to the UK, and should be dealt with accordingly.
A bit about me... typical of me really!
Even with a rail attached to the bed and having my wife helping it takes me 45-60 minutes just to get out of bed and dressed, and the pain is unbearable and so annoying. Getting in to bed is just as bad, and wait for the painkillers to kick in, hoping it will make me drowsey enough to fall asleep, even though I am in pain. Then of course there's trips to the toilet in the night, I have no choice but to wake my wife up, same problems all over again - what I try and do is stop drinking after a certain time, to try and avoid getting up in the early hours. I did one time try by myself, and what a mess that turned out to be!!! I can look back now and laugh, but not at the time it happened. I needed the toilet so I tried as hard as I could to pull myself up on the bed rail, got that far after about 10-15 minutes, but then I went to stand up however mis-judged it and kicked the radiator, gawd did that hurt - then I fell off the bed, saved myself by grabbing the bedrail, but lost my balance and went down again, by this time I had made that much noise I had woke my wife up, she ran around the bed to get to me and stubbed her toes on the bed leg. The following day I looked at my foot, 3 black bruised toes, and my wife had 2 - and all that happened because I was trying to be independant. I know there's a lot things I cannot do now, that I wish I could. Every morning is the same, my back locks up, my legs are swollen so moving just causes moire pain, if I bend one the wrong way, well then I get cramp and spasms. ..And all this is the same everyday, I try to avoid taking too many painkillers, because they only make me sleep during the day, and I lose track of time.
I used to wear jeans, that was okay until my feet, ankles and legs started swelling up, now it's jogging bottoms. Basically, I have had to re-adapt the way I used to live - it's a nightmare in itself. And like you, I cannot write anymore - if sign something, then again straight after you would think it was 2 different signatures from 2 different people. I cannot use normal cups to drink from, I just spill the drink down myself - so my wife bought some disabled cups that are anti-spill and keep the drink hot. Both my arms spasm so holding anything is very difficult. Even Nurses and Doctors have said good luck if you need to take blood from Les, he's a constant moving target - well, they're not wrong - 3 weeks in hospital and both my arms and hands were black from burst veins where drips had failed.
Anyway, enough about some of the problems I have, lol. I still have a laugh and joke with people and doctors.
Don't worry about what your daughter wrote and they didn't want to know about (keep them in a safe place, in case you need them), that may come in handy if there is a need to appeal. They refused to look at it the first time, at an appeal they will have no choice but to read it, and more if you add to it. The more indepth you go the better, because even if 2 people have the same health issue, it does not mean they are both feeling the same pain, or even lengths of pain. Walking distances is measured and they also have to take in to account at any point where a person is in severe pain or becomes out of breath. There is a distance threshold, basically if you fail to reach it then you gain points on this as well. The Gov't did try to alter this distance so many more people would fail the mobility side of DLA, PIP or ESA. There is many rules the current gov't is trying to get passed by parliament, but are failing because many disability organizations are against them.
The things people that go through their heads at these interviews is worry, being the main culprit. What you should be thinking is you know your own body more than anyone, so someone who is just a standard general practitioner is not going to know exactly every health problem, in and out - and what medications are used, or can be used. The only people that would know any of that would be a specialiist or Consultant, or in some cases a Professor that has studied numerous variations of a condition. Now the DWP cannot afford people of this stature, so they employ health companies like ATOS, which as you know has caused more problems than anything. A 11 month backlog of Appeals is appalling for any business, which is why they have to clear them swiftly.
So, if you have to appeal then go for it - many disabilty associations are also informing failed interviewers to Appeal, basically causing the DWP more work and adding to the already long list. Anyway, I wish you all the best for Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Best regards,
Les.
Haha I know it's not funny but the toe stubbing episode made me giggle! I love reading your posts. You and Mrs Les sound lovely 💖
Well, we have our moments! Being disabled is difficult, but I had to adapt my life around it. It's difficult to do, but we still have fun - our relationship is very close, and so is our family - we all have one thing in common and that is we are all down to earth! Like all families we have our ups and downs, we have all lost loved ones over the years, and the youngest was only 14 months!! That was our nephew and it hit us hard, that did take a lot of time to get over.
Funny you should mention toes though! Our daughter has her leg in plaster at the moment after falling down some stairs at school, she has a phobia about toes, she hates having to look at them, don't know why, it's strange.
Toes and our families do not get on! My eldest boy was staying at his nans one year, and he heard the ice cream van outside so he ran out, course his nan went to run after him, but on the way she kicked a housebrick which was around a downpipe! lol She actually broke 2 toes in that accident. Our son whos 25 now, still remembers it, and still jokes about it.
Another time my wife and I, this was before I was disabled like I am now... lol We were putting together our solid pine bed, anyway she asked me to lift it so she could get a screw to go in, something got up my nose and I sneezed and dropped the full weight of the bed on her big toe!! In the end she had to have the in grown toe nail removed. She has never let me live that one down!
I don't think a day goes by when something doesn't go wrong! We are just one of those families I guess. They say laughter is the best medicine! That certainly applies in our case.
Regards,
Les.