ESA medical - worried

Hi staffielover

I should point out that although ESA assumes that almost everybody is capable of doing some work, from what one or two members have posted, there are some JCP staff who have the common-sense to recognise people in the WRAG who are clearly not fit for work. In such cases they waive the WFIs.

Hopefully they will do this for you.

Best wishes

Derek

Hi Chrissyb,
I am new to this site and concerned about your E.S.A assessment have you arranged a home assessment? or are you actually going to attend an assessment centre? I have lumbar canal stenosis had my first spinal op.last July expecting the another early next year.I have recently been awarded D.L.A higher rate mobility and have been summoned to attend an A.T.O.S, E.S.A assessment.My symptoms are very similar to yours cannot sit,stand or walk for long so I have sent them all my medical evidence,a nice letter from my consultant and a covering letter from myself asking how I was expected to attend an assessment.(awaiting a reply).My main concern is if they offer to send a taxi for you which involves sitting for any period of time it may already shed doubt upon the period of time you can sit.Also why put yourself through so much pain and the risk flare up's when they can come to you.

A relative of mine has trouble sitting for long periods. He told Atos that he wouldn't be able to get to their medical for DLA unless they sent an ambulance with a stretcher. They declined but instead of doing a home medical instead, the DM awarded him his DLA without a medical. I don't know what they would have done if it had been an ESA claim. Doubtless in due course my relative will find out.

Thanks for all the support it's what you need at times like this.
I've just phoned Atos and been told by the advisor that the seats are just normal plastic seats without arms which are as much use to me as a chocolate fireguard. I was also told I could wait up to an hour depending how far behind they get in the day so was asked if I wanted to change my appointment from 3.00pm to first one on the morning but explained it takes me a couple of hours to motivate and get up and ready on a morning due to difficulties and thats why I asked for an afternoon appointment in the first place.
I have to phone back in the morning as the medical centre was not available to answer my question about the chair.

Like you bad back bill I too suffer whether I stand, sit, or walk and have wondered how long it will be before they say as they are in pain no matter what then they may as well do some work or sign on every fortnight and save the country money.

At the end of the day Dean if you are in a lot of pain like you and I it takes us all the time to live a respectable normal life never mind a working life too. What we need is a quality of life to be able to cope with everything else that gets thrown at us and I certainly cannot get that trying to juggle a working life with my normal everyday life.
As explained in a previous message I have now been finished from my job on ill health retirement medical grounds because I cannot deal with my pains and illness and try to work at the same time therefore am not 100% efficient for the workplace and there is no hope for my future as my illnesses are degenarative therefore how do I get this across to the DWP and ATOS without a fight?