Thank you for this. I fully understand & respect your need for confidentiality.
"TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: (PLEASE KEEP E MAIL ADDRESS CONFIDENTIAL)
DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE REVIEW FOR CHRONICALLY SICK:
I am currently undergoing a review of my Disability Living Allowance. I was diagnosed with AIDS in 1991 with Karposis Sarcoma skin Cancer, and had Tubercolosis in 1994 for which I had one year of treatment. I have been taking anti-retroviral medication since 1991 and suffer many side effects as a result of taking 21 pills per day; my quality of life is poor, the side effects I have to suffer and try to manage are numerous and very unpleasant and I am unable to work as a result.
I just about manage financially on my current benefits; i'm able to keep my heating on during the winter to keep warm, buy the food I need to maintain good health etc however, this DLA review is having a negative effect on me due to the anxiety and worry of having my money reduced or even stopped, and a fear of going into poverty. My mental and physical health is suffering, as if I didn't have enough to cope with already.
I am very concerned about the 'Decision Makers' at the DWP; how much do they know about HIV/AIDS? Are they medically qualified and knowledgeable enough to make such important decisions about people with my condition? I doubt it very much.
I am thankfully one of the very lucky people who has survived an AIDS diagnosis in the early 90s and owing to the excellent care and support I receive at my Hospital and my own great determination to maintain body weight and manage illness and pain, I am still living, but now feel that the 'rug is being pulled from under my feet'.
Shame on this so called 'Socialist' government for targeting those with chronic illnesses such as AIDS and Cancer, when there are thousands of healthy people in this country receiving benefits who are working illegally etc. I intend to write to my MP to make my feelings known, and I ask readers to sign this petition to give support to all of us at this difficult time, thanks.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/DLA-Review/ "
This was also submitted to Positive Nation. I hope they won't mind it appearing here. It does so at the authors request. Also those that do not have easy access to the magazine can keep in the loop.
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5 comments:
Hi,
I so feel for you at this critical time. Although I haven't YET had the review forms myself, a close relative did & had A POSITIVE RESULT, I like to think that there is still hope.
I know of several people undergoing the review BUT ONLY MY CLOSE RELATIVE has had a positive result so far, the decision was made with in a week & half. Has any one else had a response of any sort as I cannot find anything on the blog indicating a result either way?
Unfortunately in my relatives panic to get the forms in on time he didn't think to make copies of the forms as he was also undergoing the INCAPACITY review at the same time, which sent him into crisis mode.
I wake every morning filled with dread & spend the hours before the postman arrives having panic & anxiety attacks, praying that a thick brown envelope doesnt hit the mat.
I am now starting to over use prescribed valium because of the anxiety which of course doesnt help the situation in the least. Except to ease the stress which some would say is good for my immunity (stress = Suppression of immune system.)
All the best & luck to you. My heart & thoughts go out to you.
A
It is difficult to get a picture of how this is affecting our community.
Thats why I have set up some polls.
Can you please complete them on behalf your relative. The decision poll allows for multiple selections.
For some a positive outcome is subjective. We need the data on whether this means no change or a "case of I have got something and not lost my benefit"
Over time this data will hopefully reveal exactly what is happening and feed out campaign moving forward.
Thanks.
I tested positive in 1985 and started medication in 1992. DLA was awarded 1996.
I received the form from DWP with a red biro 'MU47' on it 11th January 2008. I looked on the internet to find people already discussing this. When I phoned my consultant his secretary said she had about 100 to complete and just to be honest with my medication. I returned the form 22nd January and have not heard anything since.
My partner got the same form 2 weeks later, he phoned the same consultant and was told that they are not in any hurry to return the forms to the DWP 'They have more important things to do'
I will continue to document my experience here. I would like to know what the form sent to the consultant asks? afterall they were the ones signing the ds1500 to begin with.
It does make you want to say to the DWP 'Sorry I'm not dead yet'
Ed
Ed when I looked there was no one discussing this which is why I started the blog.
The medic's get a standard medical form.
Unfortunately I have not been able to get hold of a copy to scan and make availible.
Thanks for your posts. At least we can try and help each other through this online.
John.
The only discussions I could find at the time of my search earlier in the year related to people with cancer and other illness' that were issued with a DS1500. It was not until I attended my clinic yesterday that I discovered this one relating to HIV so am grateful.
Ed
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