DLA Medical Examinations

[Sez]

Mine was awful. The statement the doctor read out to me and had me sign was worlds away from what he actually gave the DLA decision maker. According to him I can walk 200 yards in "tree minutes" (his words, not mine!) and could get up and sit down without using my hands. Also, he stated that I had "normal callouses" on my feet, which apparently means that I can walk perfectly well! My advisor from Welfare Rights said that this particular doctor doesn't seem to realise that some people just have naturally calloused feet, and others don't - it's rarely an indication of being able to walk. Also, he apparently uses exactly the same statement and just changes details on it, i.e. the person's name, date of birth, etc.
He manipulated my joints, but asked me nothing about pain levels (although he was disgusted by how mobile my ankles are!).

It was based on this report NOT on any information on my form, or from my doctor or consultant that they turned me down. TBH, I don't think they even bothered with the other paper work.

[midnightangel]

Not sure if it is progress, but following my request for the DLA to reconsider, I got a letter telling me I was going to have a medical assessment next week. I am not sure if this is just to shut me up, as I had been in contact with my MP!, anyway though I am still half convinced that they will turn me down (as they do to so many people) I am getting really stressed about what to expect from the appointment, as they are coming to my home (is that normal?) and what will be done when they are there...help!!!!!

[hannah]

Hi Midnightangel,

I had a DLA medical about 2 months ago - and have been awarded something (I have recieved some back pay but no paperwork yet!)

A doctor visited me at home - they don't always do home visits, but if what you say on the application is bad enough, they realise you can't trek halfway across the county to their offices.

The Dr asked the same kind of questions that are on the application form - how far can you walk without severe discomfort/resting, can you cook a meal etc. (if you have a copy of your application form re-read it to remind yourself what questions there are).
then she briefly examined me, looking at things like muscle wasteage and movement problems and dislocations etc. If you get asked to do something which you know is going to really hurt for the next few days - tell them - don't just do it. I refused to touch my toes because I think the extra pain would have made me throw up, and the doc accepted it.

I don't think the doctor sees your application form before the visit, I think they just get the diagnosis (somebody shout if I am wrong..), so I expect the assessor will also look at whether what you say matches. Don't miss things out because you feel it is whinging - you are just stating the facts, and yes, sometimes facts suck!

If there is someone who has to help you with things in normal life then it is handy to have them around. they can help answer 'what does she need help with' questions. Also to give some moral support.

I was having a genuinely hideous day when the doc came, and I think it helped because it was pretty clear there was something quite wrong with me. don't try to put a brave face on (which I sometimes think is quite difficult once you're in the habbit ).

The doctor asked me at one point whether I would recover. I said I had no idea, maybe I would improve slightly, maybe I would improve a lot, and maybe I would get worse. It is impossible to tell with this HMS. (yes I intend, through hard work and excersice and stuff to improve, but a DLA application is not the place for optimism - keep that for real life!. )

Ok, so now I have really written a load of nonsense. basically, it is like an interview form of the application, be yourself, and be brutally honest with how life is on bad days - they will only know if you tell them, and a friend on hand is always a plus!

Good luck, I hope it goes really well for you cos you are due some good news.

take care

[hannah]

Me again!

This link is to the 'disability handbook' hypermobility section http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/handbook/hypermobility.asp

When the assessor gets the report back from the doctor that visits you they have to use this book as a guide to whether you are elligible, so if you are nodding your head at what it says, make sure you get those points across to the doctor.

Good luck and take care,

[midnightangel]

Thanks for the info Hannah. First I knew was a letter today saying they were going to visit me at home, I thought I would have to fight for that!
I took a look at the web link you posted, all seemed pretty relevant. I guess as a rule I am not great at 'letting on' how bad thingsa are for me sometimes, because it does feel like moaning and complaining, and I guess sometimes its hard to face up tp myself, let alnoe to a stranger!
Anywys, thanks so much for the link, and the encouragement. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!..so long as it doesnt hurt!

[GLYNIS]

Hello Angel I had one. So Make sure you have a realy bad day,Dont be afraid to tell them , after all you might not ever see the same one twice .Perhaps that might make you feel better on the personel side. I made a mistake of being not so bad ,Got low care . Its a joke because if I did not have hubby I would have to go into care some days , I should re apply but I have had a time with them over my mobility , I know get high mobility, And if all goes well with the MP thing I will try again on the care basis, So you see you have to make the most of the visit ,You dont want to find yourself doing it all over again do you, hard ..

[Mari]

If I were you I would write a diary for a few days to point out to yourself how bad things are. Write down every time (I mean it - every time) you feel a stab/shooting pain/ache etc and how long it lasts. Wrte down how well you sleep. Write down every time you do something differently because of your condition, like how you get down the stairs, reach for something onj the floor or in a cupboard, pour some tea, get in the bath, get off a chair, make/eat food, use the telephone. As you say, you are so used to being brave but you must be a realist on that day.

I've had one of these assessments and it seemed to go well in some ways,. but I'm afraid he told lies about me and about the visit. He also knew nothing about hypermobility. I would advise you to have info to give him, preferably from a medical website. The reason I say this is because the doctor I saw turned his nose up at Support Groups and wouldn't read what I offered him.

Hope it goes well for you Angel. It is normal for them to visit you at home, by the way. You really need someone there with you, make sure you make a note (or whoever is with you does) of when they arrive and when they leave so you know how long they spend with you, and make a note of what they do, what examinations they carry out, in case you need evidence later. Your companion should open the door and let them in and do things for you when they are there.

Mari x

[midnightangel]

Just to say I had the medical today. The GP seemed quite friendly and all, did what you had all said, asked some questions about waling, cooking etc, wrote down what i said, and gave me a quick examination.
When he asked for my meds, I directed him to the kitchen to get them, same when he asked for ID, I asked him to get my bag for me. I was genuinely not having a good day, as I had been awake most of the night worrying about it! and had cancelled a dental appointment for that morning as I felt so rough.
He did ask me to walk across the room which I did, I am guessing because I had not moved from the sofa since he arrived he wanted to see me walk!
Anyway, I guess now I just have to wait. He said I would get a decision in about 2 weeks, possibly a little longer due to the bank holiday.
So here's hoping!

[hannah]

Glad it went OK, fingers crossed for the outcome.

Good luck

[midnightangel]

I just got a copy of my EMP report, as I am taking my DLA claim to appeal...and I am horrified!!!!
How is it possible for someone who has met me ONCE for half an hour to state that 'I did not look pale or tired'...compared to when exactly???
How can he tick the box saying I have no trouble in the kitchen, when on other pages I state clearly the difficulties I have.
His estimation of how far I can walk is WAY OVER what I indicated at the time!
How can he say I do not seem depressed...well, hello, he saw me 2 hours after I had taken my anti depressants!
And ambiguously state that my condition was 'unlikely' to fluctuate....I have M.E, Depression and Hypermobility...all of which of course are known not to fluctuate at all....NOT!
Oh, and I can walk steadily...with severe hip pain and a knee that bends back the wrong way...of course I am strady as a rock!!!! Idiot!
I am furious!!!

Sorry for the rant, but I just am really upset by this!!!! What I need to figure out now, is what I do next, and frankly I am so angry I just cant make any sense!

[Dom]

So sorry to hear of your news Angel, hang on in there

Take best care



Dom

[nonyanomemory]

Hi Angel,

Very stressful for you - Try this link for help.

benefitsandwork.co.uk

nonya

[hannah]

[Retro]

Hi Angel,

Sorry the report was so bad although not surprised. Check the sticky at the top of this section (Benefit guide). If I remember correctly there is a bit in there about appeals. You need to get help with you're appeal, you have a much better chance with it.

Take care

Lindsey

[Guest]

i've been asked to attend a medical examination for my benefits and i'm really worried that the doctors there won't know anything about hms.

this is not for dla - but for my income support - has anyone else had to go through this?

is it normal for them to do these check ups.

what if the examining dr is anti hms? could they stop my benefit?

if it goes badly - this could effect my dla aswell.

i'm at my wits end, worrying about it.

i'm on new meds which are working really well - so i'm moving around alot better and not in so much pain. my pysios have worked wonders too -but i'm still only about 50% there as far as coping day to day.

i don't know what to do - any tips / advise greatly received.