Hello

In the last week in March my husband became seriously ill with a possibility of losing a leg or extreme surgery, my sister had an accident resulting in a brain injury and I received an application form to change from IB to ESA, at the end of that week, on Mothers day, my own Mother died.

As you may imagine my my head and my nerves were in shreds, so l phoned the number on the pack and told them that my Mum had died and would they document this so that they would understand if l was late sending the forms back. Despite this l received a letter telling me I hadn't sent the forms back!! They weren't due back for another 2 weeks at this point and l did in fact send them back before the due date, l considered this as harrassment as l had let them know my situation.

A few weeks later l had a phone call to tell me l would need a medical, this l attended and was shocked that the "Doctor" was more interested in the computer screen than me and the things she asked me to do bore no resemblance to what l would need to do for work! ie. stand on one leg whilst holding onto a table! The questions l was asked were all closed questions ie. did you drive yourself here today? Thankfully l gave a comprehensive answer, otherwise the overall impression would be very different to reality. Following this l had a nasty flare, thankfully only lasting a couple of weeks.

After a few weeks l had a phone call to say that l had been assessed as unfit for work but only for a year, the whole process will begin in April next year, I have no idea why l have to go through the stress again, do they think l will get better? I despair of Atos and the way they do this, its unbelievably stressful and they seem immune to the heartache l had at the time they sent me the forms. Its a very bad system made very stressful and totally lacking in empathy.

Thankfully my Husband recovered without surgery and my sister was able to fly back to the UK for our Mums funeral, though still not completely better. Unfortunately l was admitted to hospital in early July with a heart problem, this, l think, is due to the extreme stress l have experienced this year.

If l were to give anyone advice following my experience l would urge them to get as much advice and information and l think one of the reasons l was successful was to get letters of support, l reasoned that the 2 people who knew my joints and problems very well were my Physio and my OT. They were more than happy to give me letters which l gave to the Doctor doing my assessment.

Christine xx

Hi Christine

My goodness, what a terrible time you have had, I m not surprised you ended up in hospital, I m sure your heart problem was stress related and hope all is ok now.

I m very sorry to hear that your Mum passed away, its a very sad time as I know, I hope things are getting a little easier for you now. Thank goodness your husband made a good recovery and that your sister is continuing to get better.

I m glad all eventually went well with your ESA, I know Rich, on the forum, always advises that you should send as much documentary evidence with any applications to substantiate your case.

Take care Julia x

Oh! Christine. You poor love. You have gone through hell and still get all the hassle from the people who are suppose to care. I am so sorry about your mum, sister and husband and all that you have had to go through. I will keep you in my prayers and I hope that you will be feeling better soon. Lots of love.

Sheila x