Chronic pain
CHRONIC PAIN - PIP renewal when your condition is variable
SingToTheSky · 11/03/2021 12:34
Starting the thread before I wimp out. The dreaded form arrived today. I’ve not actually done a renewal before - stupidly when renewal came around for DLA I was so scared of it that I just didn’t bother. I waited a few years before getting PIP in 2017 and it was extended a few months due to covid.
I have fibro, CFS and PoTS diagnosed. But they all vary hugely and this is the problem. Sometimes I can barely shuffle round my house, I get stuck on the stairs. I don’t get medical input for this stuff because since the diagnoses they can do nothing anyway.
Other days I almost feel I could be normal. I still can’t do what most people can, but still a huge improvement from the housebound days. It’s like I’m two different people. And that is what makes me panic about doing these forms. Along with the fact my brain just doesn’t fucking work right now (am autistic and since the last form I was diagnosed ADHD).
I don’t know what I’m asking really, I am just in a slump now, I really don’t want to think about it, but I guess I’d like some advice or even just commiserations from others who have done these forms with these highly stigmatised, invisible, variable conditions.
Whenigrowupiwanttobea · 12/03/2021 18:19
Write out the renewal form as if you are having a bad day! If you Google help with PIP there are lots of charities and advice groups that give examples of how to answer the questions. Some might you think of things you didn't know were pertinent for example if you wear Tena Lady for urinary incontinence that is a medical aid.
Sansaplans · 14/03/2021 18:31
Is there anyone who can help you fill it in OP? There's usually a section on the form which you can put who has helped you, if it's overwhelming and you're struggling to complete it please do consider doing that and having some support. Fill it in as your worst day.
jennyfromthesock · 14/03/2021 18:34
Have a look at www.a1benefitsupport.com/?fbclid=IwAR2jHok3Oo55h8QoSL3BCcsViYzGiDfMsFL5iacSo2VWXS9EI8QM7x2GnfY
It's free and will take you through the form step by step- you have to join though fb but they will also help with any questions you have
Hazelnut5 · 15/03/2021 10:17
I was advised to include 2 diaries, one for a bad day and one for a better day. I drew up a table with all the indicators down one column, then in the second column I wrote how I managed on that day. So eg:
Preparing food | I was unable to prepare food as I was bedbound. My husband brought me all my meals in bed.
Say at the top: This day was below average. About 2 days a week are like this.
Akire · 15/03/2021 10:37
That’s a good idea I think on our average days we can over estimate how much better we are. Tonis it feels like good day but that’s doesn’t mean that you can do normal things or basic stuff no one else would think twice about.
It does give you time to think oh yes I’m using this pre- chopped, I’m getting someone to lift this in and out of oven.
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.