Feeling Vulnerable

[Pip]

This dates back to the 6th May 2026 as this was the day we had a slow moving impact accident.  At the time I didn't think much of it so didn't think I could have shock. 

A few days later I started having pain in my right shoulder and the right side of my neck.  Then I started to think maybe I get my shoulder checked out and that's when the 'fun ' started'.  The following day I rang 111 and was told to ring my GP who, in turn, sorted out a physio appointment. It was at our surgery but I felt it was a waste of time.  She sent an email with a few exercises in it to do and told me if I felt worse to make another appointment.  I did and her attitude was bad and asked me what I wanted to happen  so she got a 'Pip standard answer to a stupid question' which was she is the physiotherapist she should have answered me.

From her I got an appointment with a GP which I wanted in the first place.  He actually listened and I got the advice I needed including a plan to get me into recovery.  So far I have had an x-ray taken of my right shoulder, commode for the bedroom, a raised toilet seat for the bathroom, care connect alarm just for emergencies such as falls.  I'm waiting for a scan as I shouldn't be in so much much pain

[Amanda_George]

I'm so sorry you're going through all this, Pip!  I'll listen if you need to talk or rant or vent or scream or cry?   

[Pip]

Thank you, my mood has been all over the place over the past couple of weeks where the different care planners are concerned particularly with getting assessments done.  Hardly surprising I got 'brain fog' who people were and which department they come from.  At least I have an electric bed (like a hospital bed) which means it's easier  to lie down and for getting up.  Some times I can manage without help, others when I need a bit of help and occasionally need extra help to sit up.

This is calming down now and fortunately our Bandit has been quite good so far.  It's on my care plan we have a dog, who is friendly, and two cats.  The carers have all fallen in love with him and think it's acceptable to have a 'conversation' with them.
 
I requested a new PIP form mostly due to the mobility issues I have that are worsening although I'm expecting WWIII to erupt.  The first PIP I received the standard rate of PIP which I had expected and the enhanced rate for motobility but it went down down on the next assessment despite osteo-arthritis getting worse.  Thankfully this time I can prove I have carers in twice a day, I have aids to help me and care connections.  Rick worries about me falling when he is out so we have care connect as well, at least  someone will come out to help.

What really infuriates us is we helped a friend get PIP and enhanced motobility.  The point is she is far more mobile than I am  yet I can't get the enhanced rate.  She's had at least 3 holidays abroad this year, she could cope with walking up and down the stairs of the airplane and went on a camel ride on one of the holidays nor did did she  use crutches at all.

[Amanda_George]

I'm so sorry Pip.  Are you able to get advice/support from your GP and can your carers write letters to support your new claim too?  If you can get someone like a physio or social worker to support your new claim too then hopefully you'll get it without any problems - it certainly sounds like you need the money and support that PIP provides!

[Pip]

I am fortunate that I do have a helpful GPs surgery.  I saw one of the GPs two weeks ago on the Saturday and by Monday he had been in touch with the relevant people together to access my needs.  On the Monday I had a care plan in place and by the end of the first week I had the electric bed set up.

On the PIP form I explained how bad my mobility has got since COVID (they acknowledged that fact but disregarded it). Now they will see that I have got carers in twice a day who also help me get washed (thank goodness for wet rooms), dressed and any other jobs that need to be done.  Having Care Connect will also help.

If PIP don't pull their fingers out I will make sure the relevant people will get involved and supply care plans.  It's that sad I haven't been out at all today. I find if I'm out for a few hours it completely knocks me out the following day.  I just want to get back to some sort of normality.

[Amanda_George]

It sounds like the accident really knocked you for six, but I'm glad that your GP surgery were quickly on the case to get you the support you needed so quickly.

Unfortunately you have to be very careful about what you say to the PIP bods and describe your worst days in detail without even mentioning any good days - apparently they are looking for ways to deny your claim rather than wanting to know what you're usually like.  Get your carers and GP and any other professionals in your corner now, rather than having to dash around at the last minute.

You can do this, Pip and I'll be rooting for you every step of the way.

I am fortunate that I do have a helpful GPs surgery.  I saw one of the GPs two weeks ago on the Saturday and by Monday he had been in touch with the relevant people together to access my needs.  On the Monday I had a care plan in place and by the end of the first week I had the electric bed set up.

On the PIP form I explained how bad my mobility has got since COVID (they acknowledged that fact but disregarded it). Now they will see that I have got carers in twice a day who also help me get washed (thank goodness for wet rooms), dressed and any other jobs that need to be done.  Having Care Connect will also help.

If PIP don't pull their fingers out I will make sure the relevant people will get involved and supply care plans.  It's that sad I haven't been out at all today. I find if I'm out for a few hours it completely knocks me out the following day.  I just want to get back to some sort of normality.