Hi Susan,
My DLA is due to change soon to PIP and I receive Contribution-Based Employment and Support Allowance in the (Support Group). I got multiple disorders most are nerve related.
Over the years we have over £17,000 worth of Disability Funding Grants for major adaptions to our bungalow, I rely on my wife 24/7, I cannot cook, or even make a sandwich, even a drink is beyond my capabilities. My body is in constant spasms, cramps with swollen legs, ankles and feet. My doctor managed to get me an hospital bed to make it a bit easier for my wife to get me dressed and out of bed.
I have seen the PIP form, which my wife will need to fill in because I am unable to write, well not for anyone else to read it anyway. I used to work, but had an accident and damaged my spine. It took nearly 2 years for doctors to even diagnose me, by which time I had progressively become much worse. The company I used to work for could no longer employ me because I was a danger not just to myself but others around me.
I dread to think what my assessment will be like, I cannot walk, I cannot even steer a wheelchair, I rely on my wife to push me around to appointments with doctors and consultants. I take over 30+ tablets a day, every 10 weeks attend hospital for BoTox Injections, and see other consultants.
At the moment I am on DLA for indefinite period, but that will change with PIP. I have nearly died 3 times from cancer (which I have just came out of remission from), and Intestinal ischemia which is a serious condition that can cause pain and make it difficult for your intestines to work. In severe cases, loss of blood flow to the intestines can damage intestinal tissue and can lead to death, because the intestine turns gangrene. I spent nearly a month in hospital and more than 10 months to fully recover.
All these changes the government is making is just way over the top, there is people out there like myself and worse, and they think by sending us back to work it will make us better! I would like to see Iain Duncan Smiths medical diploma stating he knows more than my neurologists and other consultants on making such assumptions. It’s a joke!
Regards,
Les.