fazer
12 posts
Aug 30, 2008
5:50 AM
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My wife has recently applied for DLA which has been supported by her Doctor. Her MG is currently erratic and effects her breathing. She is on a raft of meds 6 X 60 MG mestinon on bad days, just upped to 10 MG prenisalone (Consultant delayed due to her being unwell with heat etc).
Attends hospital monthly and consultant is building up prenisalone levels with a view to azaphioprine etc in future. She has difficulty with walking particularly when its warm and suffers pain in hips and hands. She is on Calcium meds which effect her badly when she takes the one that forces calcium into bones.
At present GP has prescribed diclafenic for pain (suggested by Neuro). The question is we have recieved a letter from DWP (Quick response to application) stating that they have requested a consultants report. I wonder is this normal with MG, The NEURO has said he hopes to settle MG however does not know if problems with joint pain etc will settle. With regards to Consultants report does any body have any experience or comment on how they normally respond :- Strikes me that variable nature and uncertainty of symptoms and prognosis are a very subjective thing to comment on and could be effected by professional confidence/arrogance of Nuro.
GP has a clear understanding of how things have effected her (emotionally as well) through regular contact. Her records clearly state that MG has and does effect breathing, walking and swallowing on occassion. Stress is a big issue with her and DLA itself in my view is
not that important (although it could make things a little easier for her). I just wonder how can anybody make a definitive statement on needs for an MG Sufferer with displayed symptoms.
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rachel73
14 posts
Aug 31, 2008
7:16 AM
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Hiya,
Im going though the DLA application process myself at present. However my sister is disabled so I know the process pretty well. She has ME and fibromyalgia.Its totally normal for the DLA to request a report from your consultant. They also contact other health professionals that see you so they feel they can get an accurate picture. The application process on average takes around two months. Which is why they back date the application to the date you requested the form. Doesn't help you when you need the money now, but the lump sum is nice. On the internet I stumbled across the DWP assessors website, MG is on there, its saying initial awards are 3 years with anyone who has had the condition over 3 years getting it awarded indefinitely. That web page was updated june 2008.
Did you get any help filling out the application, your area organiser could probably of helped you as assessors are looking for key phrases. They aren't medical people so they look for key phrases to judge your application. Remember if your application is turned down lodge an appeal and you dont have long to do this. 50% of people that appeal get awarded DLA on appeal. Its all fun an games and designed to make a condition thats made worse by stress even better!!! I wish you well with your application.
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Levitas
715 posts
Aug 31, 2008
9:26 AM
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http://www.ceimh.bham.ac.uk/documents/dla_guide_2007.doc Birmingham University published the above on “CLAIMING DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE.”
It includes a guide to the “key phrases”. ----------
Levitas
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mrloz
56 posts
Sep 01, 2008
4:16 AM
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The most important thing about getting the DLA is that your local council will give you a Blue Badge without further ado. That will make a huge difference to you both as you will have confidence that you can go where you like and park easily. Do persevere and as advised above, if you are turned down, appeal! Good luck
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Laurence in London
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fazer
13 posts
Sep 01, 2008
5:09 AM
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Thanks for comments. We have no doubt that neuro will say that her symptoms have effected breathing,walking etc.
It does not say on letter that they are contacting GP, GP has been excellent and in my view probably has a better understanding of the impact and additionally has seen my wife at her worst. GP has completed her section of form however this does not give much opportunity for comment.
My wife has concern NEURO's confidence to settle things down, He has however made quite strong statements to her in past about condition not going away etc (she had remission for 6 years post thymectomy however symptoms at times now nearly as bad as prior). The main thing that is new with symptoms is pain in joints and hands (Even with a slight increase in temperature). It's the variable nature that concerns us - Will Decision Makers base their decisions on overall information supplied from ourselves,GP,Consultant or is it possible that if consultant is confident that he will over time have symptoms controlled refuse on that basis
(althought i do not personally think there can be a definitive either way).Regards
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rachel73
17 posts
Sep 02, 2008
8:53 AM
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Hiya
me again. Depending on whats said, DLA are probably going to award for three years. Could be less if consultant says recovery due in 2 years lets say. So they may award you the higher rate for two years and then you have to reapply after that. Where if your wife has made a good recovery they may lower the rate that you get or if condition the same keep her on the same level.
You have to remember that you have the right of appeal and tribunal if needed. So just take it one step at a time. You may not need to any of these things it may just go smoothly.
Good luck
Rach
Last Edited on 2-Sep-2008 8:53 AM
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Bea6407
61 posts
Sep 02, 2008
10:13 AM
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It sounds like your wife is really having a lot of problems. Question???? did your wife have Polio as a kid?
The two desiases are a lot alike in systoms. Pain in the joints is something that flags my question. Sense she has so much going on, may I suggest contacting Mayo clinic. I have a friend that just got back from three weeks there and they ran a battery of test. He now knows totaly what is wrong and it wasn't what the Dr.s here thought. Good luck to you both.
Bea
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Rita
100 posts
Sep 08, 2008
6:56 AM
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Just an update on some new rules. DLA is now only backdated to when your claim is received. It is no longer back dated to when you requested the form. You also now only have a couple of weeks in which to complete the form - all the disability groups have protested over this without success as advice groups such as CAB can take up to 12 weeks to support you with completing the forms.
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chairman
MGA Chairman
863 posts
Sep 10, 2008
10:57 AM
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Keith You are mixing up DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority) and DLA (Disability Living Allowance)!
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 Peter Finney
MGA Chairman
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Keith8120
79 posts
Sep 10, 2008
11:22 AM
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Sorry Mr Chairman and others,
I didn't confuse DLA and DVLA, I posted my comment in the wrong thread. What an idiot I am. Can I blame the Myasthenia?
Keith.
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