IB to ESA

Hello, can I first say a big thank you to all those responsible for this site, you are doing a worthy job and I wish I had come across you before I completed my ESA50 form. I have been on IB and DLA for 23 years as a result of a major road traffic accident. !5 years of re constructive cervical and lumabar spinal surgery, neuro-stimulators and an intrathecal morphine pump for pain control. The pump was great but I could not function cognitively, so had it removed 4 years ago. Result chronic crippling pain and immobility. I have spent over £10,000 in training and studying to become a homeopath, hoping I could support myself. Sadly my condition does not allow me to work.

In January I was sent the ESA50 and took my time completing it thinking that the DWP/ATOS would refer to my medical reports/records. I now realise I was wrong and the mistake I made was to put down 'varies' for my mobility and incontinence. Did not realise I needed a law degree....

Six weeks i was notified I had to attend an assessment at a local centre. When i checked it was on the second floor. Spoke to ATOS and told them that because of my spinal problems, if I had a spasm which occurred at least twice a week, I could not move and would become a liability. They agreed to reschedule it to another centre. I then received a letter asking me to attend a location which meant I would have to walk 1 mile to the underground, go to the mainline station then take an overground train to the town, then walk to the centre. I then called and explained that I can't even stand without crippling pain, let alone do this marathon. They said i would need a letter from my GP to say why i can't use public transport. My GP wrote a letter and is so angry at what is happening, but that's another story. I then called to see if they received the letter which they did. They then told me that they would pay for a cab. Two days later they called and said they have decided that I need a home visit, OK great I thought. Following week I receive another letter informing me they have agreed to pay for a taxi!! I called again and was told i should not have received the letter as they are scheduling a home visit. I told them that on two occasions now I have had to arrange and cancel having someone accompany me, and I am still not sure what's going on. They said they will reconfirm in writing that i will have a home visit. That was a week ago.....

I am sorry for this long winded explanation but it shows the incompetence of these people.
My questions are.

1. Is there a time frame for a home visit?
2. Is it just possible they have decided to write to my GP/reconsider my case?

Thank you all for your time and support. I have found the guides indispensable and will use them if they decide to find me fit for work.

Thank you Gordon. I forgot to say that I am 62. When i asked my GP for a letter he said that he had not been contacted by DWP/ATOS regarding my disabilities. I will let you know what happens.

Agaricus