To all the moderators - can i help?

Hi all,

You all give so much on this site regardless of your own problems and i have great admiration for all of you. So, although i couldnt do anything to help on the legal side of things i was wondering how to go about becoming a volunteer although my main area would be living with bowel disease. It is a disease that people are afraid to talk about as its such a private area, but if people would only open up and discuss this in great detail when applying for these benefits it would go a long way i getting a successful award. I have had severe crohn's disease for 9 years and i was embarrassed to talk to anyone about it. In the begining i applied 3 or 4 times for DLA and was turned down. Finally 3 years ago i decided enough was enough and appealed their decision and went to tribunal. Although very distressed about having to discuss such personal things with total stranger i was awarded middle rate care and the decision was unanimous. By the time i went to tribunal i had become used to discuusing these issues with my consultant so found it much easier and less embarrasing. My consultant did say that i tried to make light of my disease and how it was affecting me and it was time that i discussed it openly. Side effects to my medication have caused osteoporosis, diabetes, depression and liver damage.

When my time came to renew my DLA i followed your excellent advice by adding extra information in great detail, to which they increased my award, no appeal or anything.

So i was wondering if there was anything i could do to help anyone else in coming to terms with such a private disease. I never mentioned incontinance, pain or how exhausted it really made me feel due to my embarrassment. I dont know if i can help but i am more than willing in volunteering to help others if i possibly can.

Kind regards
Julie

If you wish to be considered as a moderator, contact Steve Donnison the site owner to express an interest at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You don't necessarily have to have benefit experience to moderate, as you can do so purely in an administrative role. Indeed, we have moderators who only administer posts without dealing directly with benefit questions/enquiries.

Hi I have had similar problems due to an operation which did not go as planned. My renewal is due next year and I would welcome some advice nearer the time.

Have you yet had one of the interviews to see if you are eligible for JSA, ESA or the support group yet and if so to which one have they assigned you.

Thanks.

Hi Rosered

I have had my assessment for ESA and i have been placed in the support group but not without a fight!! To begin with i only had 9 points but the Atos dr wasnt very helpful and totally disregarded the crohn's disease and the problems that come with it. When i initially failed my medical i wasnt aware of this site but i am sure the problems i encountered have made me stronger although i didnt think so at the time!! Please feel free to ask anything and if i can help then i will.

Kind regards
Julie

Hi Crazydiamond

Many thanks for your help i will contact Steve.

Kind regards
Julie

Thanks will get in touch later.