Okay, I admit it. It has been so long since I last updated this blog that I couldn’t remember my login details. I may have forgotten those, but I hadn’t actually forgotten View from a Walking Frame, the people who read it, or that an update was long overdue. I could spend ages writing a rambling apology, but instead I thought I’d just get straight into updating you all on everything that happened in the last six months of 2019. Grab yourself a cuppa, this may take some time.

My PIP decision

My PIP decision wasn’t as straight forward as I  was hoping it would be. I was given an award on the back of  my initial application and assessment in the end. I was happy with the outcome  at first, but when I discussed it with friends who understand the points system better than I do they felt that I should apply for a mandatory reconsideration because I should’ve been given more points than I had. The links I’ve included here explain the process far better than I could!

I wasn’t going to do it. I really, really wasn’t. As far as I was concerned, they’d given me something and I’d got through the process with my mental health in as good a place as it ever is, given my usual levels of anxiety and history of depression. Then, after much reflection and gentle nudging from almost everyone I know, I decided to go through it, in support of all the other disabled people who end up having their original decisions overturned at mandatory reconsideration or tribunals.

I was lucky. I was awarded more points at mandatory reconsideration in a way that more accurately reflects the way my cerebral palsy impacts on my daily life. For once, I felt like I’d stood up for myself rather than just accepting things as they were. I am proud of that. It wasn’t easy, and certainly didn’t come naturally to me. But I did it.

I have my first ever permanent job!

As of this month, I’ve been in full-time, paid employment for two years. I started out on a six month contract, and, as of October last year, I’m now permanent at work instead of being on short contracts that keep getting renewed. That’s something that felt impossible two years ago. This is my fourth role at my organisation so I’ve certainly gained a wide range of experience in that time.

I have a new consultant

Towards the end of last year, I decided to ask my consultant if she could refer me on to a colleague of hers for a second opinion on what could be done about my hip and pelvis pain. It was getting to the point where I couldn’t sleep because the pain was so bad and I thought someone new might be able to come at it from a different angle we hadn’t tried yet.

I’ve now met with this new consultant twice, seen a hip specialist, had an MRI, had a gait analysis a steroid injection, and have been fitted for a pair of custom made Lycra shorts that should help hold my hips in place. I’ll blog about all of these things separately though, so that I can talk about them all in more detail.

How are things with all of you?

Love,

Nic xx