I've been off work since Mid July with Trigeminal Neuralgia, awaiting a Neurologist's appointment as I shouldn't have this condition at my age.
I was referred initially to ATOS after being off a fortnight or so, more or less at my request, just so RM would know I wasn't swingin the lead.
I was then referred again as I'd had a holiday booked for my one in six (booked since April) in August and my DOM wanted to know if going on holiday would be detrimental to my health. The only reason my DOM referred me for that one is because I went by the book and asked her for permission to go. AFAIK, if you're off sick, you're meant to be available for interview etc and if I was out of the country, then I wouldn't be available would I?! For some reason, she said "I'll ask the question" even though it's only her that needs to give permission.
Anyhoo, my Dr had said it would do me good to get away (and out the house!) and ATOS agreed. My DOM then told me I could go (I was gonna go anyway, just hoped it would be by the book!).
This evening I received a phone call asking when they can book me in for an appointment. I said that I didn't know I'd been referred again?! Told them I've no problem at all having another another appointment but that it would be a waste of their time as nothing has changed since I last spoke to the nurse. She said she'd just send it back to the DOM asking them to refer only when I've got the Neurologist appointment.
My DOM hasn't really contacted me at all. I sent her emails (my meds make me sleep for a lot of the day and by the time I've woken up, she's not at work) telling her what the Dr said but never got a reply. I've been sat at home all the time, apart from the short city break, and have been easily contactable (even when abroad).
Isn't the DOM meant to tell you you've been referred again?!
It's not as though I can return to work on light duties either. I can't drive (definitely not to the office I'm working at which is nearly 30 miles away), I can't concentrate, my balance is buggered and that's on the good days! On the bad days I can't get out of bed because of the headaches. Even if I went into work on the good days, I can't say that I will definitely be able to do a certain number of hours or certain days.
I'm turning into one of those people that keeps the postie/anyone who'll listen talking because they doesn't see anyone else for 8 hours a day...
Sorry for the essay. See above paragraph
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and they never bothered informing me until I got an appointment to see one of Atossers finest quacks through the post. 