Testimonies

This is where you can share your story about the care system.

Carer Watch.com / Testimonies / Disability Living Allowance / I don't want to be housebound!!!

Name

Your Story

# Posted: 13 Sep 2010 03:39
Reply

Hi All

I just hope to god that these changes to DLA don't happen - I have a lifetime award of DLA Mobility and am dependent totally on my car. I have a condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, an incurable, progressive neurological condition. I walk ok-ish - very short distances, and use an electric scooter for longer distances. Many people with CMT don't get DLA because of the dire lack of knowledge on the part of the adjudicators. I know of folk who have had corrective surgery for their problems (a common "treatment") and are then deemed to have been "cured" by the DWP - far from it, surgery can sometimes increase pain and walking problems, although the aim obviously is to make life better! But the condition continues progressing regardless of intervention, so it's all academic, anyhow.

The trouble is, I also look fairly "normal", but I honestly don't know if I'd qualify for DLA if these assessments come into force. Without my car, I can't get the kids to school/college (my daughter has inherited the same condition), I can't walk to the nearest bus stop, and even if I could, services to our area are so limited I'd not be able to go where I wanted at the times I want to, and I'd effectively become house-bound.

As I'm only 46, a life-time of being reliant on other people for lifts and/or just staying at home is a pretty awful thought.

I just hope that some one, if they have their DLA lifetime award challenged, takes the buggers to the High Court - that might stop them in their tracks. They have no right to go back on what is effectively a promise to help me with my disability for the rest of my life!

Copyright © Carer Watch.com 2007-2008 and Copyright © miniBB.net 2001-2008 All rights reserved. | Contact

Carer Watch is not responsible for any material whatsoever posted by any third party, and therefore
disclaims any and all liability for any claims resulting from any such postings.