Menieres Disease

Hi all,
Does anyone else on this forum suffer from Menieres ? I was wondering how they were coping with the ESA Atos medicals as I have one next week. Am really worried about it as because of the spins, vertigo ect associated with this disease I cant see how anyone would even want to employ me. I lost my position as a stock manager because of it and dont know how I am supposed to get re-employed if I am put onto the work related ESA? Any advice would be great .

I had it for a short spell and the vertigo meant I could not get out of bed. Although tablets did help it took a while to work.

I would have said that there was a health and safety issule involved if you suffer from vertigo.

Hi Elizabeth,


I too have Menieres , bi-lateral. Have had it for about 8 years. I am now deaf in both ears Each day is a struggle as all my balance mechanism has gone. I am on incapacity benefit and not yet due for change over to esa until Dec 2011. I am also on HRM LRC indefinate. What the outcome of the Dec medical will be is anyones guess. I am not holding my breath, and thinking along the same lines as yourself, as must be many of our friends on this site. I am told by my consultant at Salford that 40% of patients who suffer from this, it doesnt go away, and I am one of them. ( Wonder if there is a tick box for that ?????

San

A couple of links from guidelines, may be a bit of help how to approach it..

From DWP .. A-Z of conditions..

The majority of people have no mobility problems. However, sometimes, individuals may not be able to travel alone. Balance problems can give rise to a need for supervision and/or physical support when walking. In some cases the severity of balance problems and the high frequency of falls without warning may render an individual virtually unable to walk without physical support from another person.

The attacks can be frightening so reassurance may be necessary, but the person is unlikely to be in any danger. Sometimes, however, the fear of an attack can cause emotional effects and behavioural changes. Sometimes even only 1 -2 attacks a year can have profound effects when the sufferer lives in fear of an attack and avoids going out in public. (An attack in public may attract the stigma of drunkenness). The consequence of this may lead to a sufferer becoming housebound with consequential psychological problems.
www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-g...nieres-hearing.shtml

and from the ESA Handbook.. Medical Services Guide for HCP's Page 77

For the purpose of the LCW/LCWRA, consider and carefully record the frequency and duration of the attacks, and also the therapeutic measures being taken to control the condition, and the effectiveness of the measures. The effects of the Meniere’s disease should be fully taken into account when choosing physical descriptors (i.e. the activity must be performed safely, reliably
and repeatedly). Good luck

Thanks for taking the time to look up these documents, it is most appreciated.

San

Thank you for your advice ev1. I thought Ide up date every one as to where I am now after a year since I was diagnosed. I lost my job/career because of this Menieres. Since then , like you all its been a form filling frenzy to get very little support and very slowly. Now I CAN see a little light at the end of a long tunnel. I now receive( with the help of CAB) low rate mobility and Middle rate Care of DLA. I have been for my Medical Ass.! 2weeks ago and still await the reults! But since then , out of the blue, I was awarded severe disablement @ £53.?? a week!!!! Where and why that has come to me I still dont know as I didnt apply for it. So it will be interesting to see what the medical results will be from DWP about my ESA??? lol cant fathom them at all! Hope u are all as well as you can be.