So scared after 7 years

I recently received the E50 after 7 years and almost finished completing it, but so scared. It all seems much harder than 7 years ago. Back then I had no medical, put in WRAG, appealed and put in support group. It seems now you can't go straight to appeal. I don't have time to get an up to date Consultant letter so will be relying on a GP letter which probably won't be enough to be accepted without a medical.

I am now 61 and 5 years off getting my state pension and worried about how I will survive for those 5 years if I get turned down. I struggle with health these days - pain and lack of mobility.

Such a pressure wondering if you have put everything right in each box and submitted enough good evidence.

Thank you. I know you are right. I felt more in control today as had an appointment with GP to ask for a letter. Only to be told they don't do letters any more as they don't have time. That they refer people in my situation on to a welfare team. That is a new one on me. I suspect they have already had the form asking about me and ticked they haven't seen me for ages or something. I left my note with them anyway saying, that might be helpful to update them on how I am managing in case they are asked (I had taken it along to say the info may be helpful for any letter).

Hi Eleanor

Some GPs practices (including mine as a pilot study) can now refer their patients, with the patients consent, to what is called 'social prescribing.' I have used this service myself via my surgery and whilst I did not need help re welfare rights I was told that amongst other things this was available via the scheme. It may be then that the service you mentioned may be part of a social prescribing initiative or it may be under a different arrangement altogether. Whatever the scheme though your GP would need your consent to refer you to it. I gave my consent during a GP appointment but then had to complete a written consent form at a separate meeting with someone from the social prescribing team itself.

I hope the above may be of some use. Good luck with your ESA reassessment.

Kind regards

Mr B

Thank you. I suspect I may get a letter if I am lucky as I wasn't referred to a welfare team. The Doctor took the notes and mumbled something about maybe if she had time. Luckily I managed to get an appointment with my Consultant the following day (today) so had another appointment to ask for a letter and an up to date consultation, which he will be doing for me. However I am now in blooming agony and will have difficulty getting the form completed in time. I will get it done but it will hurt like xxxx and take me a couple of weeks of rest. Unless I can get someone to type for me but am not good at dictating what I want to say.

I had a very gentle examination but it triggers massive pain. Anyway - a stage further.