PIP F2F- How to prepare?

I have received my PIP assessment letter. It is next Thursday so not much time to ‘prepare’.

I was immediately in touch with the ‘Independent Assessment Services’ to inform them that, in the possibility I have to go to the centre alone, I will require a taxi as I find it very difficult to leave my home.

My application form, and the time I laboured on it, has all turned to ashes in my mouth. I honestly thought I had dodged a bullet, but then I always was terrible at predicting; especially the future…

I got good supporting evidence from my GP, I could not provide evidence from my Consultant Psychiatrist as she is on long-term sick [oh, the irony…I do have an appt. with her Locum on the 28th though, so can draw attention to that] I also had input from Welfare Rights, who assured me a F2F was “highly unlikely”. Still it was not enough.

I’m staring down the barrel of a gun here, and the DWP are just going to roll me on this, they’re just going to roll me.

A potted history: In May 2017 I was awarded enhanced care and standard mobility at tribunal. I have a Dx of Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalised Anxiety and OCD traits. On the physical side I recently had some blood work done which showed markedly elevated cholesterol [>7] but I have yet to start a statin.

From the start of the process last time, December 2016, to the tribunal in May 2017 was one of the hardest experiences I have ever had to go through. At one point I had lain my head across the railway tracks at the local station just willing it to be over but was chased off either by Police or an eagle-eyed member of the public.

It is a possibility that I will have to attend the F2F alone, I am waiting to hear back from my Sister. I suppose my question is: will it go against me that I attend alone, that I am seen to have managed all my anxieties and gotten to the assessment centre?

I already know the outcome.

I could cartwheel naked across the room, only for this to be written as “excellent motor skills”. The stone will be at the bottom of the hill once again and I simply don’t know if I have the strength to push it back up.

Thanks for reading.

Hello Gordon,
Thanks for reading my message. They were very matter-*of-fact about the taxi just stating "keep the receipts",

The point is rendered moot, hopefully at least, as my Sister will be taking and accompanying me on the day.

I remember being quite composed at the last F2F. I'm not going to 'act-out at this one, but it is coming at a very difficult place within my mood cycle. I cannot keep it together with family and friends just now.

You obviously don't score points for emotional distress, I just need to make sure it doesn't tip-over into verbal hostility. I just cannot stand the abject cynicism behind the whole process. I'm hardly alone in this, but it is an isolating process.

Hello again Gordon.
My apologies for asking a further question.

However considering the amount of mental distress the prospect of an F2F, is and will continue, to cause me is it worth asking my GP to write to IOS to request a paper report? I am certain he would do this if asked.

This may seem a rhetorical question. Would IOS automatically refuse my claim as they have, purportedly, requested the F2F to further evaluate it (to enable them to refuse it would be more accurate)?

Thanks

Thanks for your reply Gordon.

I know my GP on a semi-social basis as well as a professional capacity (she and my partner work together). I don't like to ask for any favours as it can easily start to muddle things, however she has stressed she will do whatever is required .

She has a 'special word' for the DWP, ATOS, IAS et al which still makes me blush...