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Diabetic Neuropathy & Mobility

snag

snag

Member
Messages
9
Location
Lincoln, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Excuse me if I am re-visiting a subject already discussed, but having searched through the Forums, I have been unable to find any mention of this problem. I am a 54 year old male, diagnosed with T2 diabetes 7 years ago. On diagnosis, my consultant formed the opinion that I had probably had the disease for 10 or 15 years before diagnosis. I spent several months trying various combinations of medication to get the BS levels under control. The amount of medication needed further suggested a long-standing but undiagnosed problem (I have never been good with going to see the doc). About 12 months ago, I noticed that my left foot was swollen, and there was a loss of sensation in some of my toes, coupled with a nasty ache, and occasional stabbing pain. Since then the condition has steadily worsened, in spite of good BS control (HbA1C @ 6.8), until I am now reduced to walking only with considerably clenched teeth, and constant severe aching in the front half of the foot, together with tingling and burning sensations. The consultant has given me some anti-depressant pills for the pain, but they make me so sleepy, I can onlt take them at bedtime.

The pain is now having a seriously detrimental effect on my life. My wife, who does not drive, relies upon me to take her out for shopping and all other activities, yet I cannot walk without being in considerable pain, and even then, am lucky to do 50 yards before I need to sit and take the pressure off the foot. The question is, will my condition allow me to claim for the mobility aspect of disability living allowance, and the issue of a Blue Parking badge? My consultant has said that this is a chronic condition, and will not improve, although it should worsen only very slowly. Has anyone else had any experience of this type ?

Snag
 
Hi Snag,
I would recommend that you apply for DLA.
I would also suggest that you apply for the care component as well. The criteria for the care is being able to stand and cook a meal which with your pain would be a problem. It doesn't matter that you don't have to cook.
Make an appt with the CAB and they will help you with the forms.
Don't be dispondent if they turn you down initially as it appears to be standard practise. Appeal and you will be reviewed.
If you need any help email me or send a pm
 
I would also say go for disability Living,my husband has been on this now for 8 years since his stroke,he can hardly walk any distance at all.You may also be able to get a modified car with hand controls only so that you do not have to use your feet while driving.What is the difference between a blue badge and the yellow disabled badge?
 
Hi, sorry you have all these problems, but yes do apply for DLA, if possible get a benefits advisor to assist with completion of the application form, preferably make an appointment at the CAB.

I had severe neuropathy as a result of years of uncontrolled diabetes (my own fault), to cut a really long story short, I ended up in a wheelchair, I was VERY, VERY lucky in that I had specialist treatment, complementary treatment and it worked for me,

You could try benfotiamine and alpha lipoic acid and cut out all transfats/arftificial/additives from your diet, but do check with your doctor first before you take any supplements. But the supplements that I mentioned may help with the pain that you are experiencing.

I hope you feel better quick, and if DLA is refused then go straight and ask them to review your application, if it is still rejected go to appeal!

All the best

Karen
 
For all who were kind enough to read and comment, especially to Fuggsy who wrote to me - thank you. Today I received a letter from DWP advising me that I had been awarded the Higher Rate Mobility component of DLA with effect from 7 May 08, but had not been awarded any care component.

Obviously, am delighted with the award of the Higher Rate mobility, particularly as it has been awarded indefinitely. However, am now left wondering whether or not I should appeal against their decision not to award any of the care component. There are times that I really do feel I need my wife with me. For example, twice in the last month I have slipped whilst in the shower. I cannot carry anything when going up and down stairs. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has experience of this type, or who has any advice to offer.

All the best,

Snag
 
I've been caring for my husband ever since he had his stroke.I don't think he gets much care component either.I always help him re showering etc.It's not worth the risk letting him go it alone.
 
Hi Snag,
Good advice given by Sarah (as always), but an alternative would be to make an appointment to see your local CAB. They have experts on hand who deal with this type of case every day and will be able to advise you and/or help you to make the claim.
 
You will get DLA no problem. Its awarded even if your type one with no complications. Also one you get the highr care componant and/or mobilty you will be entitled to disability working tax credits if you or your partnr work. I would wish you good luck but you really won't need it.
 
Diabeticskater - not knowing anything really about allowances / benefits having worked all my life does that mean that I (as a T1 diabetic) could claim DLA? If so under what pretext - mobility? Is this only if I don't work or in addition to working?

Sorry if this seems dense but I know very little about these things - it was over a month before I found out that I qualified for free prescriptions (and that was due to my sister, no Health professional has mentioned it to me)
 
Working or not you are entitled. If you have an inncurable conditions which directly affects your life day to day you are entitled. Disability tax credits are given due to the fact we are at a severe disadvantage in the employment sector.
 
just getting my head around this - so I qualify even though I have no complications yet, just because I am type 1..... Blimey

Anything else I should know about?
 
you just have to be honest when it comes to how hypos and hypers affect you. personally I rely an awful lot on others to help me out with certain things but I have lost hypo awareness and often need someone to check on me when sleeping.
My freind has claimed since the age of sixteen and has no complications apart from the usual day to day rubbish we have to endure.
Its a very serious condition.
 
TROUBR said:
just getting my head around this - so I qualify even though I have no complications yet, just because I am type 1..... Blimey

Anything else I should know about?
Click to expand...
Hi Troubr,
Have a look at the information about DLA on this website - it is far more readable and informative than any of the government websites on DLA.
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23069009/
 
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