New member saying Hi and going slowly mad... :-(

Hello everybody, I am Cat and very pleased to have found this forum. Ive been simultaneously going through both ESA and PiPs (transition from DLA) Assessments. I had my ESA medical in November and despite my health being much worse since my last medical, Ive been moved out of ESA support group into ESA work related group. I'm told this is not neccessarily a bad thing, as at least I wont have to apply for UC. Having submitted a Mandatory reconsideration (with a lot of skullduggery from DWP I felt, in them not sending me info about their decision etc) and almost missing the deadline due to their delays, my MR was turned down flat. Am now about to submit my appeal to tribunal. I have severe Narcolepsy and Cataplexy but around 8 years ago, I had the first of two brain aneurysms and strokes. Since then, additional problems with heart arrythmia and other stuff. Was awarded 15 points at medical and moved to WRAG without actually being told. I only found out when DWP wrote to tell me my benefits had changed due to 'a change in my circumstances' (the change being that they moved me out of support group group) So thats the ESA situation. The PiPs situation is a transition from DLA. I had a face to face assessment last August. Heard nothing until October when I was told that due to an audit, I had to have a second face to face assessment. Since then, the IAS have rescheduled and cancelled my appointments at least 8 times now. I was due for a home visit this morning between 9-11 and they rang and cancelled (again) at 8.55 and rescheduled yet again for Feb 26. Im currently also waiting for an urgent GP referral to maxillo facial cancer specialist to have an ulcer checked out that Ive had since before christmas. In between all this, Ive got cardio and neuro appointments at hospital Ive been trying to keep up and frankly, its really stressful. Went through appeal process 8 years ago when atos medical scored me zero points and took my appeal to tribunal. It was incredibly stressful then (and I believe the stress caused the aneurysm) so the prospect of fighting all this again is pretty daunting. In addition to the big cut in my benefits. I know Im not alone but any advice would be hugely appreciated. Sorry for the long and sorry intro guys. Glad to have found you. Big hugs, Cat

Thank you Gordon. That certainly gives me plenty to work with. You've also confirmed my belief that IAS is 'ATOS re-brabded'.