Wasn't sure about starting a new thread but, here goes (sorry if it should be linked in with an existing thread).

I had a phone call last week from Atos Origin (sp?) they made and appointment for me to attend for a medical. Anyway, when I later checked my diary I saw that I had a Consultant appointment on the same day which has been arranged for months.

So, when the letter came through on Friday I phoned to re-arrange (as it says on the letter). The woman I spoke to was abrupt, verging on the point of rudeness. I explained that I have a consultant appointment and asked for an alternative date for the medical. She snapped back that they wouldn't be able to give me another appointment after this.

So, I have another appointment date, but now I feel really panicky that if anything happens and i'm too ill to make it to the medical that my benefit will be stopped - I assume that's what she was inferring? It's a few years since I last had a medical.

I've now somehow got to try and manage with little one and feel panicky already.

I also need to provide ID, and as I don't have a passport I need to take three other items of ID. My driving license is still a paper one and doesn't have my new address on - does anyone know if that would be acceptable? Not sure what else I can take other than the letter they have sent me, which obviously confirms my address. I don't have any utility bills in my name, but I do have a debit card with my name on, would that be ok?

I don't want to have to phone them again as after speaking to that woman it upset me for a couple of days, I just sat and cried my eyes out when I put the phone down. I know she probably didn't mean to sound so harsh, but the slightest things upset me and I hate using the phone at the best of times.

Wasn't sure about starting a new thread but, here goes (sorry if it should be linked in with an existing thread).

I had a phone call last week from Atos Origin (sp?) they made and appointment for me to attend for a medical. Anyway, when I later checked my diary I saw that I had a Consultant appointment on the same day which has been arranged for months.

So, when the letter came through on Friday I phoned to re-arrange (as it says on the letter). The woman I spoke to was abrupt, verging on the point of rudeness. I explained that I have a consultant appointment and asked for an alternative date for the medical. She snapped back that they wouldn't be able to give me another appointment after this.

Yes, they have to. If you have an appointntment, it should be accommodated.

So, I have another appointment date, but now I feel really panicky that if anything happens and i'm too ill to make it to the medical that my benefit will be stopped - I assume that's what she was inferring? It's a few years since I last had a medical.

If you couldn't make a medical, without good reason, then your benefit could be stopped.

I've now somehow got to try and manage with little one and feel panicky already.

I also need to provide ID, and as I don't have a passport I need to take three other items of ID. My driving license is still a paper one and doesn't have my new address on - does anyone know if that would be acceptable? Not sure what else I can take other than the letter they have sent me, which obviously confirms my address. I don't have any utility bills in my name, but I do have a debit card with my name on, would that be ok?

Bank cards are good enough. If you have your NI card, or NHS card, they should be fine. To be honest, your NINO should be enough, as without that you wouldn't be paid. It's only to show to security who you are.

I don't want to have to phone them again as after speaking to that woman it upset me for a couple of days, I just sat and cried my eyes out when I put the phone down. I know she probably didn't mean to sound so harsh, but the slightest things upset me and I hate using the phone at the best of times.

She'll be working in a call centre in Weeds arranging these things. That's where these things are arranged from. Try and relax and take care.

You have my sympathy Bonny. When the government starts up with its "getting tough on benefits" rhetoric, what this means in reality is that they intend to make life even more difficult for genuine claimants as well as the others.

Can someone else go with you to the medical, to give you a bit of support? It's also worth remembering that some of the doctors that do the medicals are alright.

I always used to have someone accompany me to these medicals & it was surprising how different they could be. I also think it's worth writing and providing a well presented and substantial report setting out the effects of your condition on you. Send it in good time for the interview so they cant say they havent had time to read it but even if you take it with you they must still read it before seeing you.

Thanks for the advice. Happy Hippy (I just love your username btw)! I've got my NI card somewhere - in my purse. I say 'somewhere' because i've not been able to find my purse for over a week :rolleyes:

I think i'll make some notes before hand. It'll be in short bursts because I have trouble writing - it goes from super neat to illegible in a few sentences. When I get stressed my mind goes totally blank and I find it difficult to even get the next word in a sentence out.

It could be an interesting medical - for the most part (and I know I constantly seem to winge on here) I bottle things up and put a 'front' up. Even so, I know OH is finding it more and more difficult and our marriage is getting closer to breaking point under the strain. He hasn't even spoke to me for three days :(

But, i'll try really hard at the medical to be objective and unemotional. Trouble is, I can just see all the probing questions making me think about things and it might trigger a total breakdown.

Thanks for the advice. Happy Hippy (I just love your username btw)! I've got my NI card somewhere - in my purse. I say 'somewhere' because i've not been able to find my purse for over a week :rolleyes:

I think i'll make some notes before hand. It'll be in short bursts because I have trouble writing - it goes from super neat to illegible in a few sentences. When I get stressed my mind goes totally blank and I find it difficult to even get the next word in a sentence out.

It could be an interesting medical - for the most part (and I know I constantly seem to winge on here) I bottle things up and put a 'front' up. Even so, I know OH is finding it more and more difficult and our marriage is getting closer to breaking point under the strain. He hasn't even spoke to me for three days :(

But, i'll try really hard at the medical to be objective and unemotional. Trouble is, I can just see all the probing questions making me think about things and it might trigger a total breakdown.

Really feel you for you. Sounds like you could do with loads of hugs. Hope it doesnt sound too callous but my thought is that if you have a breakdown at this interview, it'll just prove the point you've been trying to make.

I talk reasonably openly on here, but even on here I try to be positive and jolly if I can. If anyone comes to see me (rarely I know :rolleyes:) I never let on how bad i'm feeling or that i'm struggling. I know it's not the best way of getting the help I need!

I've only had one medical before, a few years ago, and I went in determined to be positive and upbeat. It was only after quite a few probing questions that I had to admit to some things that I couldn't do and like the big girl that I am the tears started falling and I felt such an idiot. I suppose it's about self-respect, it's about all I have left.

It helps to be able to 'chat' on here though. I've drafted some quite long posts, got things off my chest, and then deleted them before posting! LOL

if at all possible, get someone who has their wits about them, from, (EG) the CAB to accompany you, Bonny, because they can (*coff) try to baffle you with science, as it were, and it's easy to get befuddled.

also, if you have difficulties walking (A word to the wise) they cannot make getting into the building part of the examination, so if you find there's a long path, that you cannot easily manage, you can refuse to traverse it, and ask them to assist you.

I don't think I know anyone with a disability who hasn't made a habit out of putting up a front and looking as able to cope as they can to the outside world Bonny. The vast majority of us live in a state of 'I know I have disabilities, but look at all the things I can do' rather than 'I have disabilities, look at all the things I can't do'. If I lived looking constantly at all the things I can't do then I hate to think about the effects that would have on my mental health- I'm sure you can identify with that too.

Medicals, form filling and the like (to do with disability benefits) can be such hard work because of the need to shed the facade that we use in daily life- and I find that both very hard to do, and very hard to get back to 'normality' from.

Totally agree with you Medusa. Everytime I think about it I start to feel panicky. Guess i'm feeling ultra fragile at the moment and it's probably like you said - worrying about the impact at the time, but also how to get back to 'normal' after it.

IF, for some reason I was unable to attend the medical, I understand the incap benefit can be stopped. But what then? If i'm unable to have any more appointments for a medical, does that mean it cannot be re-instated?

I talk reasonably openly on here, but even on here I try to be positive and jolly if I can. If anyone comes to see me (rarely I know :rolleyes:) I never let on how bad i'm feeling or that i'm struggling. I know it's not the best way of getting the help I need!

I've only had one medical before, a few years ago, and I went in determined to be positive and upbeat. It was only after quite a few probing questions that I had to admit to some things that I couldn't do and like the big girl that I am the tears started falling and I felt such an idiot. I suppose it's about self-respect, it's about all I have left.

It helps to be able to 'chat' on here though. I've drafted some quite long posts, got things off my chest, and then deleted them before posting! LOL

Every time I go to see the doctor, I'm determined that I won't break down and snivel all over her! I start off nice and jolly (the front I usually put up to the world!) but the minute we start talking about my depression and how I'm coping, I'm afraid the tissue box comes out. I console myself that she must be used to it by now, and she's always very understanding and doesn't let me beat myself up too much for being such a wimp.

If you can find someone to go along to the medical with you, I'm sure that would help you enormously. But I wouldn't worry too much about breaking down, just make sure you take plenty of tissues with you. The "front" you normally put on is definitely not going to help you - you're going to have to own up to your problems, like it or not.

Self-respect is about doing the best that you can - and that's obviously what you're doing all the time. Crying because it gets too much to bear is normal, and helps relieve the stress. Strength is carrying on trying, despite all your problems, and that's obviously what you're determined to do.

Every time I go to see the doctor, I'm determined that I won't break down and snivel all over her! I start off nice and jolly (the front I usually put up to the world!) but the minute we start talking about my depression and how I'm coping, I'm afraid the tissue box comes out. I console myself that she must be used to it by now, and she's always very understanding and doesn't let me beat myself up too much for being such a wimp.
You sound just like me and the more I try to hold everything in the the worse it is when it all splutters out :o
If you can find someone to go along to the medical with you, I'm sure that would help you enormously. But I wouldn't worry too much about breaking down, just make sure you take plenty of tissues with you. The "front" you normally put on is definitely not going to help you - you're going to have to own up to your problems, like it or not. Some poor doc may end up with a very wet shoulder.... :hihi:

Self-respect is about doing the best that you can - and that's obviously what you're doing all the time. Crying because it gets too much to bear is normal, and helps relieve the stress. Strength is carrying on trying, despite all your problems, and that's obviously what you're determined to do.
Thank you, hey just had a thought - if they could conduct some medicals via the internet using a web-cam that's make life a lot easier, I can talk easier to a computer screen coz it doesn't give me funny looks! LOL and it'd mean I wouldn't have to leave the house and that'd be brill too!

I don't think I know anyone with a disability who hasn't made a habit out of putting up a front and looking as able to cope as they can to the outside world Bonny. The vast majority of us live in a state of 'I know I have disabilities, but look at all the things I can do' rather than 'I have disabilities, look at all the things I can't do'. If I lived looking constantly at all the things I can't do then I hate to think about the effects that would have on my mental health- I'm sure you can identify with that too.

Medicals, form filling and the like (to do with disability benefits) can be such hard work because of the need to shed the facade that we use in daily life- and I find that both very hard to do, and very hard to get back to 'normality' from.

That's the point though, Medusa. It's the difference between enabling and disabling.

A lot of the world doesn't see past disabilities or illnesses (hence the reason for the Radio 4 programme "Does He Take Sugar?"), as we all know.

If everyone with any difficulties looked at the perfect day, then there would be no help for anyone. The fact you call it a facade is interesting. I know what you mean, but that's the whole point. If the good days are a facade, or the good moments, the it's not the real you.

By your own definition, 'normality' is the bad times, not the ones where you strive.

There are days when I function very normally; others when I can't even make a cup of coffee. I do agree though, that having to look at the bad days is soul destroying.

if at all possible, get someone who has their wits about them, from, (EG) the CAB to accompany you, Bonny, because they can (*coff) try to baffle you with science, as it were, and it's easy to get befuddled.

also, if you have difficulties walking (A word to the wise) they cannot make getting into the building part of the examination, so if you find there's a long path, that you cannot easily manage, you can refuse to traverse it, and ask them to assist you.

The entrance to the Medical Admin area at Hartshead is uphill. for about 10 yards. Inside it's all on the flat. There is a reply slip on the letter 'inviting' you which asks about specific problems, such as going uphill.

The problem is, that unless you know the building, you may not know there's a hill there until you get there.

If you can find someone to go along to the medical with you, I'm sure that would help you enormously. But I wouldn't worry too much about breaking down, just make sure you take plenty of tissues with you. The "front" you normally put on is definitely not going to help you - you're going to have to own up to your problems, like it or not.

It's up to you Bonny, but I often think that taking someone along to the medical is counter-productive. If it's a friend, they can jump in and say the wrong thing; if it's a welfare rights adviser, they may jump in when not wanted.

The doctor isn't there to diagnose anything, or discuss your problems, but to see if you are legally unable to work. If you can't cope with how the medical goes, it won't go against you. All that will happen is that you will be asked the questions from the IB50 (reclaim to Incap) form that you'll have filled in ages ago.

Don't put on a front though, as Dozy says, the last thing it will do is help, and you must be honest about the bad days.

Take care, chuckles.

Pewrsonally I agree with Dozy about having someone with you. Although there is really nothing that can eliminate the stress and anxiety of these interviews, it was certainly far more tolerable to have a friend go with me so that I wasnt sitting on my own in deepest anxiety which I would then find ways to exacerbate.

It was also helpful that my friend understood the system and what was required. They were sensitive, didnt speak out of turn or act inappropriately and treated it like any other meeting.

Pewrsonally I agree with Dozy about having someone with you. Although there is really nothing that can eliminate the stress and anxiety of these interviews, it was certainly far more tolerable to have a friend go with me so that I wasnt sitting on my own in deepest anxiety which I would then find ways to exacerbate.

It was also helpful that my friend understood the system and what was required. They were sensitive, didnt speak out of turn or act inappropriately and treated it like any other meeting.

Glad to hear it went well for you, but professionally, I've found it iffy. That said, as we all know, each situation is different. I've often found that people try to 'help' at just the wrong time.

I do find these exams very worrying but I refuse to feel guilty about it. Usually they give me a time which is inconvenient because I need someone to assist me and in the past I had children to look after as well. If my husband can't come I ask for a home visit. I remember one time they wanted to call me in when I was 8 months pregnant. The GP phoned them up and asked how good were they at delivering babies. They cancelled the appointment. I hate the whole thing. I really wish I didn't need benefit. And the forms too. They ask such personal questions about toilet habits etc.. How would they feel if before they got paid they had to answer such personal questions?

I do find these exams very worrying but I refuse to feel guilty about it. Usually they give me a time which is inconvenient because I need someone to assist me and in the past I had children to look after as well. If my husband can't come I ask for a home visit. I remember one time they wanted to call me in when I was 8 months pregnant. The GP phoned them up and asked how good were they at delivering babies. They cancelled the appointment. I hate the whole thing. I really wish I didn't need benefit. And the forms too. They ask such personal questions about toilet habits etc.. How would they feel if before they got paid they had to answer such personal questions?

As I've said before, all they do in the Incap review is go through the form you've completed already. The thing is it needs corroboration as you hadn't scored enough points not to need a review.

As for the booking, that is done by people who receive your details and have no idea about your condition. They're admin staff who wouldn't have had a clue. Don't hold it against them! Good for your GP to get involved personally too!

They have to ask about persoanal capabilities, and the toilet, whether we like it or not, is one of those things. They're not there for personal enjoyment, but are GP's who are also knowledgable in the law regarding IB.

Believe me, none of the procedure is nice. In the same way, being ill isn't nice, as we all know.

I don't mean to sound harsh, and I know I do, but they're parts of the forms which need to be filled.

It's far from consolation, but I'm sure the doctors would rather see people in much less pressurised situations. Unfortunately, there's no getting round this one.

I've been disabled for 36 years now and have mobillity problems and have chronic pain. I've seen others even more disabled than me at interview so just how disabled or sick do you have to be not to be constantly reviewed ? The forms are getting longer and longer every year. It costs the government over £100 per person per review so there must be a better way than this.

Well, went for the medical on Monday so just got to wait now to see what happens.

The Dr talked over me a lot though and I didn't get to say half of what I wanted to. It didn't help that I had to take babybonny with me - which meant waking him up, something that's guaranteed to upset him, so it wasn't the easiest of interviews for me or the Dr.

Well, went for the medical on Monday so just got to wait now to see what happens.

The Dr talked over me a lot though and I didn't get to say half of what I wanted to. It didn't help that I had to take babybonny with me - which meant waking him up, something that's guaranteed to upset him, so it wasn't the easiest of interviews for me or the Dr.

Well, this is one of the things I was trying to make clear. All the doctor will do is go through the form you filled (it was probably in front of him as he spoke). Unless there was anything extra you needed to say about how your difficulties had changed for the worse, really it's about reinforcing how you have troubles.

He's not there to act as a GP, or to help medically, but to send information to make a decision. It really is as clinical as that.

I really hope you and babybonny will be fine!

Well, went for the medical on Monday so just got to wait now to see what happens.

The Dr talked over me a lot though and I didn't get to say half of what I wanted to. It didn't help that I had to take babybonny with me - which meant waking him up, something that's guaranteed to upset him, so it wasn't the easiest of interviews for me or the Dr.

You have my sympathy. I know what its like. These interviews don't allow for parents with young children. Doesn't allow for privacy either if you have to bring your child in as well.