I have been on Steriods for 5 weeks slowly reducing the dose from 20mg to 5mg a day. I had my results on 23rd June confirming RA. I had a long consultation regarding methotrexate and folic acid etc. I also asked if I could have copies of my blood test and X Ray results to send off with my PIP form. I had to up my Steriods yesterday due to a bad flare up in the usual spots, arms, knees, wrist and ankles. I was wondering if anyone knows the criteria for PIP and how bad you have to be. When my flares are bad I cannot even lift my baby son or dress myself. I wasn't aware how strict the assessment was if I went for one. Thanks all
What is PIP?
Personal independence payments
hello micheis it effecting your life and abilities? its more about what u cant do and if you have active inflammation and can prove that then take all relavant docs tothe assessment. it can take 16 weeks to get an assessment and another 3 for result. talk about your worst days and tell them you have help at home even if you dont. they will ask you if u have pets and say no even if you have. i know with me i have just been awarded enhansed living and standard mobility but i wouldnt b able to look after children etc as cant really use my hands for anything and definatly cannot work. 75% of disabilities are due to arthritis so just lay it on thick, they cant see your pain even it its not swollen!!! xx when did you apply??
Hi
I applied last week had the forms a while because I needed to get some info from the hospital. They had to be back by the 5th July so they should have them by now. I had a bad flare this week so had to up my Steriods. My daughter had to stay home to help with my baby boy as my wrists and ankles were so painful. I have good days and bad but I know it's here to stay and some days I can't walk far without being in agony x thanks for your advise
Michelle, I am in work and with progressive RA, I am waiting for my medical they have asked for all medical notes and evidence to support my claim, I have been honest when making the claim and will be honest when i go for my medical, I know my limitations and i have medical support from my GP , RA consultant and nurse, At the moment though i am sorting of wondering if I truly need to go through with the claim, I see people with disabilities that are far worse than mine, but when I have a flare up it leaves me unable to do much and i am reliant on m husband. I hope you do make a claim, as i was told there is only 2 answers yes and no - and you can always appeal.
Hi Jane
I may be a given a NO with my evidence as my x Ray results show mild arthritis in wrists and my ankles x Rays were fine. I even have a negative rheumatoid factor in my blood but I have raised numbers in my white blood cells which shows I have an inflammatory illness. I know how bad it is at its worst and I do feel disabled. Never in my life had I felt so weak and stiff. It's horrid I spent almost 2 weeks in bed at one point with my mum sister and husband alternating between school runs and looking after my kids.
Hi Michelle, I thought i would give you an update, I was turned down, though like yourself when i have flare ups i am totally reliant on others to help. I asked for the report done by the accessor and crossed ref with decision given by DWP, the decision did not match the report so i have asked for a reconsideration. I hope you are successful
I was successful Jane. It was all done and dealt with within a month.
Please for you, I hope you are feeling a lot better.