Spitting Feathers

I find my OH has good and bad days - it drives me nuts when he goes to medical appointments, as he puts on his best bib and tucker and presents a good face. They do not see him awake for whole nights with his tremor bad; or collapsing in a heap through weakness; and shuffling about etc. Superficially he looks reasonable (apart from the obvious tremor) but they do not see how very ill he is.

I can imagine that on a good day he might be passed fit to work (although he is now retired). But 5 minutes after the assessment he could suddenly collapse, as he often does.

It is a silly system; and it was better when it was decided on a doctor's signature - someone who actually knows the person.

Your DH has Parkinson's? Was this not part of his assessment?

Another travesty. The assessors will fail the claimant on the slightest thing. How in any sense is your DH fit for work? Did they give you a clue?

Luckygirl is right about having to know the correct jargon. I was helped many years ago and keep the original form on file. When they ask me to complete an update I simply copy the original form and tweak it for any changes.....I'm deteriorating. That way if they turn me down and I produce evidence that they accepted I was too ill the previous time based on the same answers.

I hope your DH doesn't get over stressed by this turn of events.

Keep us updated and vent on here as much as you need to.

I spent many years locked into similar battles as a social worker for adults with disabilities. I am so sorry that you are having to fight your corner against this crass system.

In the end I used to ask clients (and their relatives) to send me the forms and I filled them in with all the right buzz words and gave it to them to sign.

It is so very stressful I know - and anyone making these applications has quite sufficient stress anyway.

I am glad that Parkinsons UK have a benefits advisor who can help you.

This is a bad state of affairs for you and your DH Hopehope , it's not rare either. It seems the assessors are not medically qualified for the job, I think other GN ers have posted similar terrible experiences. Good luck with everything.

Hopehope, I am not at all surprised you are so angry. Hearing about the way your husband has been treated makes my blood boil. As you say, it's a travesty. I have no experience and no practical help to offer, I'm afraid, but didn't want to go to bed leaving your post unanswered. Sadly, others on GN will have been in this position too and will be here in the morning to offer their support. I hope you get some sleep .