budget
DLA Assessment
22/June/2010 05:51 PM Filed in: Health | Independent
living
So, medical reassessment for all in 2013?
If by existing claimant they also mean people like me with progressive impairments / life limited then what a waste of money.
I remember my first two medicals when I could walk a few steps. It was tearful and stressful - like most of these things seem to be.
The first test was scheduled in a GP surgery (considering most GPs had never heard of my condition and 20 years later still don't).
The test was up a flight of stairs.
Between my mum helping (pushing, pulling etc) and my wobbly legs, we made it. I was shattered and it took all my strength. It was also a dangerous thing to do because I could have collapsed and tumbled down at any point.
I got to the top, I remember a few questions about how far I could walk - 1 football pitch, half .... and they basically said if you can walk up a flight of steps you must be fine. Failed.
So I had to appeal. This time I went in my leg splints. I obviously did not look disabled enough. I also entered the surgery in my 'buggy' aka adult pram as they were in those days. Mum lifted me out in front of them and I sat on a chair. I can remember what it looked like, how it felt, the colour and feel of the cold wooden desk I clung onto so I didn't fall flat on my face before I sat on the chair. I can see it all now like a nightmare.
I was told to stand up by the doctor/assessor. I moved my legs a bit and said I couldn't. It was the truth.
He said I wasn't trying hard enough and shouted at me ... PUSH, try harder.
I wanted to cry. I held back the tears, they received a large pay cheque for drilling me.
I passed the test. I was awarded it for life eventually. I hope to God the next medical is not like that. A list of endless questions about what you can't do - just like every social care assessment and review is. Some things never change?
If by existing claimant they also mean people like me with progressive impairments / life limited then what a waste of money.
I remember my first two medicals when I could walk a few steps. It was tearful and stressful - like most of these things seem to be.
The first test was scheduled in a GP surgery (considering most GPs had never heard of my condition and 20 years later still don't).
The test was up a flight of stairs.
Between my mum helping (pushing, pulling etc) and my wobbly legs, we made it. I was shattered and it took all my strength. It was also a dangerous thing to do because I could have collapsed and tumbled down at any point.
I got to the top, I remember a few questions about how far I could walk - 1 football pitch, half .... and they basically said if you can walk up a flight of steps you must be fine. Failed.
So I had to appeal. This time I went in my leg splints. I obviously did not look disabled enough. I also entered the surgery in my 'buggy' aka adult pram as they were in those days. Mum lifted me out in front of them and I sat on a chair. I can remember what it looked like, how it felt, the colour and feel of the cold wooden desk I clung onto so I didn't fall flat on my face before I sat on the chair. I can see it all now like a nightmare.
I was told to stand up by the doctor/assessor. I moved my legs a bit and said I couldn't. It was the truth.
He said I wasn't trying hard enough and shouted at me ... PUSH, try harder.
I wanted to cry. I held back the tears, they received a large pay cheque for drilling me.
I passed the test. I was awarded it for life eventually. I hope to God the next medical is not like that. A list of endless questions about what you can't do - just like every social care assessment and review is. Some things never change?
