advocacy

[Guest guest]

Hi there, I'm new to the group and hope that someone will be able to

advise me.

I've been on thyroxine for more than 15 years, and in all that time

have continued to have symptoms, which, since I had been diagnosed

with depression, I was told, and believed were caused by the

depression. Over the last couple of years the symptoms have become

gradually worse and worse - mostly absolute exhaustion, quite severe

pain in joints and face, weight gain etc. Following a heart attack

last year, I was started on beta blockers which have really helped

with the anxiety and depression. I still have cognitive problems which

are really bad at the moment, in fact sometimes I can barely string a

sentence together.

I've been getting lower rate DLA (care+mobility), but have now been

told my renewal has been declined, so it'll stop in Feb 09. I'm in the

process of appealing, but am worried because it's so difficult to

concentrate and remember thing important points. Unfortunately I

filled in the claim form on my own - I know now that I should have got

help.

The point is, I need help in how to deal with this. Does anyone have

any advice, or could give me some pointers re advocacy/support/etc.

Any information greatly appreciated.

thanks,