Am I too late?

[up2meears]

Afternoon all,

 

I filled in and returned my ESA50 in Sep last year and have just received an appointment for my medical (I'm on CB ESA by the way)

 

I did not seek any help when I filled in the form, (didn't occur to me to) and only listed my mental health condition, as part of my illness is undiagnosed and quite embarrassing (problem with controlling my bowel). Also I did not send any supporting evidence.

 

Since sending in the form, my mental illness has gotten worse, although I am finally receiving counselling via my GP and am under the local psychology unit. My other illness (still undiagnosed but under the hospital for investigation) has also gotten worse plus for the past 16 weeks or so have been extremely fatigued to the point where I cant physically keep my eyes open (recently fell asleep on a bus and ended up on the other side of town - a place I'd never been before) and I ache all over, sometimes to the point that I cant get out of bed straight away, or do things like housework/shopping etc.

 

I've heard/read all sorts of horror stories about ATOS, and in hindsight I should have looked past my embarrassing illness and included it on the form, (not so embarrassed about it any more) but will I be able to mention this at my medical or will they automatically disregard it as I didn't include it on ESA50?

 

I am having a colonoscopy next week and am already anxious about this, the ATOS medical is soon after so am getting even more worked up .

 

I'm going to see my GP tomorrow to see if she will write a report for me, and I will ask the same of my counsellor next week when I see him, but am I wasting my time?

 

Also, if ATOS do not take it into consideration would I be able to use it in an appeal, or is a case of a fresh claim?

 

I hope I've made sense, any advice greatly appreciated.

 

Up2

[up2meears]

Hi,

 

Think I may have posted this in the wrong forum... Could site team please move this thread to the main benefits forum please

 

Many thanks

 

Up2

[antone]

OK, moved as requested.

[up2meears]

Thanks Antone

[Life-Goes-On]

AFAIK You can update info until they make a decision.

 

I would be sending all updates to the DWP ASAP.

[up2meears]

Thanks Life-Goes-On

 

I'll contact DWP today.

 

Up2