A productive yet infuriating day

[Catbrian]

I've had a very productive day   %^%    but also an infuriating day   

I received another letter from the NHS debt recovery. I DON'T RUDDY BELIEVE IT!!!!   

Apparently my circumstances do not entitle me to free dental treatment.   Because I worked most of my life, I receive what is called a "contribution-based benefit". 

Someone who has never worked receives an "income-related benefit".  And even though we both receive exactly the same weekly amount, they are entitled to free dental and free prescriptions, but I am not! 

What kind of a country do we live in.......aaaaaarrrrrgghhhhh.

Direct.gov uk advised me that the NHS think I've got more money than I've declared, but I'm absolutely skint. The adviser said I need to claim money from DWP for the dental treatment and then get my benefit changed or claim more benefit like DLA!!!

The NHS sent a bill for 200quid for the dental treatment, plus a 100quid fine for making a false declaration, by claiming free dental treatment in the first place.....ouch!   They state in their nasty letter that "ignorance is no defense"....eeek!!! 

They have now added another 50quid onto my bill because I didn't pay within 28 days.  This is the NHS we are talking about, their very own debt recovery unit....TUT.....The grand total 358quid....cheeky robbing gits!!!!

Trouble is, I've been so depressed lately I haven't had the energy to visit Welfare Rights.  Each day I have been struggling to find a reason to live...hardly surprising I actually forgot all about this business.  This is my problem, I always forget, my memory is shot to pieces.  I don't know if that's depression or whether it comes from some other reason, like drug abuse in a previous life.

I phoned my Care co-ordinator from the Mental Health Team.  She didn't receive my message from yesterday (typical).  We've arranged to meet on Monday morning.

Tomorrow I have an appointment to see the GP.   I hope he's not annoyed because I started back on my Citalopram anti-depressant five days ago.  It's all right for him to suggest my waiting until I visit the Psychiatrist on the 27th, but it is me who is dragging this miserable depression around every day.....lately I've been going out of my mind. 

I might ask Gp to try Matazipine because my anxiety levels are through the roof.  I must admit, I feel a little better today and I put that down to the Citalopram and a good few nights sleep.

And to finish off....I've got terrible sinking palpitations.  I think its a side effect from Quetiapine.  It's also causing breathlessness, even though I am not moving....how peculiar.  I think it's because I took an extra 75mg today, but I'll do anything to keep me chilled out

So, there we go....my daily moans! 

[Zaf]

That sounds absolutely outrageous, can you appeal or something?  Perhaps the CAB  people could help.    A stiff letter to your MP seems in order if you can muster the strength  $£"

Z xxx

[Sweetpea]

I can't believe that the NHS has their own debt recovery dept.  I feel angry for you, people who have never worked and have no intention of working just because they don't want to get everything free.  Yet people who are genuinely ill struggle to get any type of help.  For goodness sake we would rather be well and working, but we are not and can't and then we get penalised for it ggggrrrrrrrr.

Hope you get on ok tomorrow with your gp.

Take care

S x x x x

[KateG]

That's ridiculous charging you that amount and fining you too.

Mirtazapine is great as an AD as long as you don't mind spending half your day asleep and eating loads. You can also give it to cats to improve their appetites (I am not kidding!)

Hope your appt goes ok tomorrow  !+_

[tharidler]

hi catb
when i read your post i felt absolutely disgusted for you for a start have they sent you a letter showing you where you hid your millions i mean surely it can't be just because of your motor cruiser or your harley and living in monaco half the year is no ones buisness but your own i'm so sorry you have to deal with this sort of thing it's bad enough when we are well but to kick you when you are down is unfair as for ignorance is no excuse actually it is because the meds and depression have made me quite forgetfull i hope this gets resolved for you and that you get the help you need maybe we will see each other in the grand casino in monaco

[whiteadder]

 !£!   Hug for you Cat

[Catbrian]

Thanks everyone for your posts.  Yes, yesterday I forgot to add that I did email the NHS debt recovery - I spit blood every time I mention them - to explain my mental health issues.  What I forgot to mention to you guys... the letter states, if I don't pay up within 7 days, they will proceed through County Court.  In my email, I ask for more time to seek advice.....I await their response and will keep you all up to date.

[Zaf]

Keep all evidence in case it goes to court, and if they say its going that far tell them you will make a counter claim for the added stress and anxiety caused by them not recognising and allowing for your illness.  If you could cope with it I'd phone your local radio or TV programme as they might highlight your case and help to sort it out.

Z xxx