Depressed Help.

Helenwales

Member
Messages
14
I need advice badly as i don't know where else to turn...

My right hand is very bad with Carpal Tunnel,my hand on some day's is very numb and i can hardly open the fingers some day's.
I have been to see a specialist at the local Hospital,but was told i can't have the surgery as the wound might not heal and the operation might not work anyway.

My knees hurt bad on day's some day's are better than others, i have trouble getting down the stairs i take one step at a time.

I have difficulty in getting in and out of the bath i wont bath unless some one is in the house.

I also suffer with high blood pressure and i am on two different tablet's for this also i am trying hard to lose weight and i have cut out all salt.

I also find it very hard to sleep at night i am on tablet's for Depression and they help me sleep at night.

Also of course on top of all this i am Diabetic and new to injecting,once a night slow release at the moment my bloods are 14.1 i am trying to sort all this out with Diet excesses and my medication.

After all that i decided to try and claim for DLA just to see where i stand on principle as at the moment with everything going on i feel on a huge downer,i filled in the form a few weeks ago and then had a chat on the phone with a man from the DLA office told him my situation.
A few day's later i received a letter saying that basically i don't qualify for anything at this present time.
Too be honest i couldn't belive it it hurt me bad that i was basically told that i am fit for work.
I am an honest person and if i am not entitled to anything fair enough,at this present time i have excepted the fact that i can read in black in white that there is nothing wrong with me that i can work,so iv 3 interviews next week chamber maid at a Hotel a job i love to do i did it for years before i gave the job up as i was too unfit to do the job with one thing and another,anyway im going back to work as there is nothing wrong with me.
What pisses me off is i know of people that get DLA and a mobility car and not much wrong with them my sis being one of them she admitted to lay it on thick to them,but i couldn't lie i told the truth and got nowhere i am on a downer as i know im going to go back to work i don't feel to good in myself but i want to prove to people that id much rather be a honest person and earn my money than lie how do they sleep at night.
I am at a college doing my first year ECDL course IT so hopefully by next year i can do easier work at the hotel.
Sorry about the moan everyone just some people can and some cant.:(

I want to work just thought i would see what i am entitled too.:)
 

bluebird

Well-Known Member
Messages
132
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Dislikes
Grumpy folks and taking tablets
Hello Helen

Have you had a word with your doctor? Maybe he/she would be willing to write a letter explaining your health problems and that at the moment you are unfit for work. If you could have a few weeks at home then perhaps your mood and health will be improved and you will be able to find a job.

Keep your chin up
Val
 

Dennis

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,506
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Non-insulin injectable medication (incretin mimetics)
Dislikes
People who join web forums to be agressive and cause trouble
Hi Helen,

A few years ago my wife was a volunteer adviser with Citizens Advice Bureau and I remember her saying that the DLA people always caused them problems. It seems that their first reaction to any claim is "you don't qualify". It doesn't matter how bad a disability you have - everyone is told the same.

This link has some information and a questionnaire that might help you.
http://www.bhas.org.uk/dla/index.shtml

When you've had a look, if you still feel you have a claim, then get yourself an appointment at your local CAB and they will fight your case for you. Believe me, their success rate on DLA claims is phenomenal.
 

Fugs

Well-Known Member
Messages
72
Helen you must appeal against their decision. Many people get turned down when they first apply for dla. I've often wondered if it's their way of seeing if someone is genuine but that's just my opinion.
They should arrange for a dr to come and give you a medical examination in your home. It should help you as they will have an independent report.
If you need any help or advice email me and I'll do what I can

Out of my mind,
Back in 5 minutes


>^..^<
 

Debra41

Member
Messages
15
Dislikes
Sprouts
Hi Helen, I agree with Bluebird, you must get in touch with your GP. You clearly need some help with you sleeping/depression and he/she could help with referrals to DLA to support you, also with regards bathing - perhaps even Occupational Therapy? My mum needed help because of a lack of mobility and her GP referred her to OT, they were brilliant and came out to assess her needs and helped modify her bathroom, but I doubt she would have got anywhere without the GP letter.

Try to stay positive :)
 

jfairy

Active Member
Messages
31
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
rude people who show no respect to people in wheel chairs
I have tried twice for dla but turned down ! have not worked for four years .I have difficulty walking and will not go out on my own but because I am able to do injections myself and able to cook a meal from scratch I am not eligible .Reviewing it again and will try to fight it again ! It is like banging a brick wall .They do not realise the pressure it puts on all the family.Think I will become a immigrant ! :(
 

Buachaille

Well-Known Member
Messages
139
Dislikes
Blondes with small...................................
Dennis has the best solution. A friend was taken off dla and went to the local CAB who provided support for an appeal. Outcome was she scored higher on the system, was awarded a higher rate allowance and paid arrears.
 

chocofrolic

Member
Messages
5
Hi,

I don't know where you live, but your local council may have a Welfare Rights Service, who could help you appeal against decisions made by the Benefits Agency. They are extremely helpful where I live and give good honest advice. Try looking on your local government website.

The other thing is, you have to have had the disability for (I think) at least 6 months before the DLA will entertain you.
There is also something (or at least used to be) Disability Working Allowance but I'm not sure whether that would apply to you - might be worth asking though.

If you do go back to work - contact your Job Centre about the Access to Work scheme - this helps your employer to provide any equipment you may need to help you at work and in some cases even provides an assistant (ie for admin work) if you have a job where you would need to type a lot etc in your job and are unable to because of a disability.
There's actually quite a bit of help out there but most people don;t know where to find it.
There are also various aids you can get to help you type if you have carpal tunnel - ie arm supports that fasten to the desk (i have some of these and they are great), special type of mouse etc. These really do help to releive the symptoms somewhat.

Good luck and hope this helps a bit.

Anne.
 

Lynda Kay

Active Member
Messages
32
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Helenwales</i>
<br />I need advice badly as i don't know where else to turn...

My right hand is very bad with Carpal Tunnel,my hand on some day's is very numb and i can hardly open the fingers some day's.
I have been to see a specialist at the local Hospital,but was told i can't have the surgery as the wound might not heal and the operation might not work anyway.

<font size="2"><font color="maroon">My mother had Carpal Tunnel in both wrists. She had surgery on one and while she was waiting for it to heal before they did surgery on the other someone told her that Carpal Tunnel was caused by a deficiency of vitamin B6. She started taking vitamin B6 and did not need to have the surgery in her other wrist.

I too started having problems when I first got a computer. I started taking B6 and the symptoms went away.</font id="maroon"></font id="size2">

My knees hurt bad on day's some day's are better than others, i have trouble getting down the stairs i take one step at a time.

I have difficulty in getting in and out of the bath i wont bath unless some one is in the house.


I also suffer with high blood pressure and i am on two different tablet's for this also i am trying hard to lose weight and i have cut out all salt.

I also find it very hard to sleep at night i am on tablet's for Depression and they help me sleep at night.

<font color="maroon"><font size="2">I was almost bedridden from chronic fatigue and insomnia. As I began to eliminate refined sugar and processed foods I began to sleep better and regain strength. I have a life again.</font id="size2"></font id="maroon">

Also of course on top of all this i am Diabetic and new to injecting,once a night slow release at the moment my bloods are 14.1 i am trying to sort all this out with Diet excesses and my medication.

<font color="maroon"><font size="2">Nutrition is key to your health. I tend to ask, "what do I need to eat," rather than, "what can or can't I eat."</font id="size2"> </font id="maroon">
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

<font color="maroon"><font size="2">Hope you get the financial help you need and regain your health so you can live life to the fullest. </font id="size2"> </font id="maroon"> :)

Happy Trails,
Proverbs 17:22
 

Helenwales

Member
Messages
14
Thank you to each and every one i am alot better in myself today i am not one to go to the doctors but i feel i must have another review on everything the B6 sounds fantastic thank you so much for the info i will be sorting that out i am so glad i found this site i dont feel so alone i will let you know the out come as it happens Thanks again i am so gratefull for all your advice :)
 

Dennis

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,506
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Non-insulin injectable medication (incretin mimetics)
Dislikes
People who join web forums to be agressive and cause trouble
Helen,

Although Choco is right about the normal 6 months rule, you can be assessed on an "immediate needs" basis. This is why it is absolutely vital that you get professional help from the CAB in completing the application. They deal with these kinds of claim every week and have a fantastic success rate. When it comes to an assessment or appeal they can either support you or can represent you if you don't feel up to fighting the case yourself. And their service is free.
 

Helenwales

Member
Messages
14
Dennis i shall go to my local CAB first thing Monday morning,the thing is iv already been to the local job centre and redgistered for work iv filled in loads of aplication forms and deep down i just know i am not capable health wise or right frame of mind thanks for the advice again i will keep you updated.
 

whitemare

Well-Known Member
Messages
82
Type of diabetes
LADA
Hi Helen.

I am sorry that you are having all these problems & feel no one is on your side.

If you have aching joints & limited easy movement, perhaps you could try taking cod liver oil, 1000mmg a day, with glucosamine at the same level.. Bromelian might help too, or tumeric.

I have a dodgy knee & this regime has helped. It even helps limit my partner's gout.

And DO see the CAB. They helped me lots when my father was hospitalized & I was run ragged with the Social Services over his final care home. With their help, I managed to stamp back & would you beleive it? They ( Social services - unsocial service if you ask me) found the funding that had been holding me back finding my father a place.


If there is any way you can get the help you need, the CAB will be the brokers.

And DO talk to your health professionals. They are pretty good here, making it very clear what help is available, & that managing type 2 is a partnership. The practise nurse & I talk a lot about what may or may not help.

There is help here too. Good luck & remember you are NOT alone.

I will give you a cyberhug & hope that everyone here will join in.

Group hug, you guys![[[[[[:D:D:D:D:D]]]]]]<font face="Arial"></font id="Arial"><font color="teal"></font id="teal">

Whitemare

[[[[[group hug]]]]]]
 

Helenwales

Member
Messages
14
Great news I saw my DR last night,and she is as we speak sorting out for me to see specialists for my knees and hand(carpol tunnel) she told me to try the injection in to the wrist as a last resort i must try the opperation.
My knees are grinding she could feel them both,i am on new tablets,and she has given me pain killers also a few sleeping tablets for the next few weeks,on a good note my blood pressure is fantastic which we both larfed as it should be shy high the mess i was in crying at the surgery,also she has signed me off work only until i am on track again.
At the moment i am part time at a college doing IT ECDL and i am hopeing to get a job in the future at a desk,i am feeling so much better thanks to you all,i realy am not trying to sponge the DLA i realy need the help until i am well again,i want a future working and healthy to see my kids have kids and do all the things i want with them,i am also on a healthy eating plan and i will keep you up dated how i am going.
I love you all i feel alive today and without this site and you lot that understand you realy are amazing friends THANKS.:)
 

bluebird

Well-Known Member
Messages
132
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Dislikes
Grumpy folks and taking tablets
So pleased to hear that you are feeling happier and getting the required attention. Keep smiling.
Regards Val
 

ChocFish

Well-Known Member
Messages
963
Good news at last Helen, you have done well there, have you done something about the DLA?

I am sure that you will be eligible, these benefit assessors sre as set of jokers, I have a client in a wheelchair, they refused DLA twice, we had to go to appeal, dont let snything put you off there.

You could also apply to charities for a lump sum/one off payment if things are desperate (you can email me on [email protected])

All the best

Karen x

Challenges can be stumbling blocks or stepping stones, it depends how you view them
 

Guest
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Buachaille</i>
<br />Dennis has the best solution. A friend was taken off dla and went to the local CAB who provided support for an appeal. Outcome was she scored higher on the system, was awarded a higher rate allowance and paid arrears.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"><b></b>:)
 

Helenwales

Member
Messages
14
I havnt re-applied for DLA as i just think i cant be bothered i had an interview for a job last week,it is easy work in a hotel very near me working nights,security and desk work just have to check around the floors of the hotel through out the night and set up breakfasts in the morning,i am quite excited of getting this job it is only part time 2 nights a week.
The thing is i am on new Anti-Depresants and i have to take them at night and they going to make me drowsi,i dont know what to do for the best to be honest,iv also an X-Ray at the end of the month for my knees i will see the out come if i get this job before i decide anything with the DLA as i would realy like to get out to work.
 

sugarless sue

Master
Messages
10,098
Dislikes
Rude people! Not being able to do the things I want to do.
Check with your doctor if it would be all right for you to take your tabs in the morning,after your night shift,that is if you go home and go to bed!Do you work consecutive nights or are they split?

Knowledge is the key to control
 

ChocFish

Well-Known Member
Messages
963
Helen congratulations on getting an interview, I guess working a couple of nights would help with depression and self-confidence - I dont know, I am only thinking back to when I was in a similar situation to yours.

You can still apply for DLA though even if you are working, see what the knee exam brings about, you may well qualify for the mobility care component.

All the best
Karen x

Challenges can be stumbling blocks or stepping stones, it depends how you view them