hello to everyone on this very usefull site.. ill try to keep this as short as possible (Please bare with me).. at 14 i woke in hospital paralysed from the neck down, i had caught herpes encephalitis and bassically it caused a stroke. i recovered but my left side arm/hand are useless( and constant dull pain if i dont support arm properly with lots of pillows) leg is not great it drags alot but at least i can walk, my left knee doesnt always lock when walking and i fall a fair bit. my speech isnt great, i can slur alot and not really notice it. as my left side is much weaker i lean that way, and after 20 years i get back pain nearly constanly. if i pick heavy items it can just go and im bed bound for a week or more. on top of this i have epilepsy sinse i woke up in hospital, i take tergratol retard and i sort of have siezures under control. (i can have between 3 to 20 a year). i have been on dla (low rate) forever and incapasity benefit for over a decade. ive done assesments with other doctors who signed me off straight away, but ive always stressed the fact i want to work or train for a job, but im told no (think thats cause of epilepsy). after hearing lots of bad things about ESA ive recieved a letter saying to expect a call to be assessed in 2 weeks. and im craping it big time. so what should i expect and what should i do. ive sent a letter to my physio to explain my back as he says without dout i have spinal damage, should i be asking my doctor for anything to take with me to assessment to prove epilspy (which i gather they will have access to??) if i fail will i be put on JSA? i can appeal but are there people that can help me. and finally are there places which help disabled people with back pain and epiepsy get a job (i wouldnt have much faith with people at JSA). half of my brain is dead, but im not stupid and i can learn, are there job i can do at home as that would be best for me.. thanks for any help you can give me stuart..