Medical assessment help please.

[pete123]

I don't know what to do. I am on high rate mobility and low rate care indefinately. I never go out, (maybe twice in the last year) I get groceries delivered and buy everything and pay bills online.

It is several years since I saw a doctor (I was out of the UK most of my early adult hood and this was the just a medical practice in the area I set up home) and have lost touch with any friends or family.

I have managed to cope by staying in my own little bubble but I have been asked to go for a medical assessment about 30 miles away. I am in a blind panic and have been for several weeks.

I phoned the incapacty section of Dss and explained I could not physically or mentally go to the assessment and she said there was no way I could have a home visit without a doctors letter. No amount of explanation could change that.

I phoned my surgerie and was put on to a doctor and he said I could only get a doctors letter if I went to the surgery.

I don't know what to do, I can't face going out and I don't know what to do? The thought makes me panic and is pushing me into dark places.

[andypandy]

How about writing to your GP Pete perhaps you could explain it as well as you have here for us to read, may be worthwhile ?

[pete123]

I know none of the Doctors personally and I had explained to the nurse yesterday and the Doctor called me today. Now he said if I could not come in by tomorrow morning he could not help me as he is going away and will not be back until after my assessment on 25/09/11.

I have been beside myself. Its all catch twenty two.

[Mayhem]

You need to get back onto your gp surgery and ask for a home visit as you have agoraphobia. I'm assuming you have mental health issues? Get on google RIGHT NOW and find mental health advocates in your area. My local advocates were invaluable to me, they did all my communicating for me. Don't fear them! Even if your original illness isn't psychological it's obvious you have issues in that area-I'm agoraphobic too. Find advocacy help right now, tell them everything you put in your post above and they should help you! If you get nowhere with your gp surgery, contact your local primary care trust or local health board and ask them for help. Google is your friend! All information is there. But do these things NOW.

[pete123]

You need to get back onto your gp surgery and ask for a home visit as you have agoraphobia. I'm assuming you have mental health issues? Get on google RIGHT NOW and find mental health advocates in your area. My local advocates were invaluable to me, they did all my communicating for me. Don't fear them! Even if your original illness isn't psychological it's obvious you have issues in that area-I'm agoraphobic too. Find advocacy help right now, tell them everything you put in your post above and they should help you! If you get nowhere with your gp surgery, contact your local primary care trust or local health board and ask them for help. Google is your friend! All information is there. But do these things NOW.

Thanks I'll google now. I have mental health issues, but although just the thought of going out sets me in a panic and has been that way for a year or two, I can't see that I'm Agoraphobic,as I am 55 and I just looked it up and it says it affects people in their twentys and thirties?

[Mayhem]

It can affect anyone at all. Mine developed from my social anxiety disorder. Good luck with the advocacy and gp.

[Carneucopia]

As Mayhem says pete agoraphobia can affect any age, and can be a side effect of other health problems. If you don't go out you are bound to be anxious and panicky about it and it becomes a vicious circle.
Unfortunately not being able to see a GP for many years doesn't help these days when it comes to assessments or even renewing any benefits like your DLA. If a GP never sees you they can't realistically be expected to comment on your condition.
Please seek advice as people have said above. The fact that there are Advocates out there shows that many people are in the same situation. And when this is sorted try to maintain contact with your GP. There might be a Community Transport organisation in your area which can help you get to appointments when needed. The best of luck.

[pete123]

Thanks for the replys and support. I phoned with thanks to "Mayhem" Norwich mental health advocacy. They are sending me a consent form. Hopefully some help will come.

Because I have built a bubble I really don't dwell on my problems (to do so would take me into dark places).

I realised the problem. Yes I could get a taxi, but I have a mobility scooter and could just ride there (I bought it new over a year ago and have only used it 3 times). But entering the surgery (or getting on a bus) is a different matter, thats what fills me with panic.

So yes I might be able to get there, but whether I would go in, or the thought of that endeavour is just to much.

[Mayhem]

I completely understand how you feel. I'm so pleased you've found an advocate, I hope you find their assistance as invaluable as I did. Any joy with the GP surgery?