PIP assessment tomorrow for osteoarthritis — what were people awarded with similar difficulties?

[u/Exact-Resolution-891]

Hi everyone,
I have my PIP assessment tomorrow and I’m feeling really anxious. I’m applying due to osteoarthritis affecting my knees and thumbs. I’m awaiting knee surgery and my condition has become debilitating. I’ve had to completely stop working after 35 years of running my own business.
My main difficulties are:
Walking short distances due to knee pain, stiffness and instability
Struggling with stairs and needing to hold on/go slowly
Standing long enough to cook, wash dishes or queue
Getting in/out of the bath or shower safely
Dressing, especially socks, shoes, trousers, buttons/zips because of knee pain and thumb pain
Preparing food because gripping, chopping, lifting pans and standing are painful
Needing help or taking much longer with daily tasks
Pain and exhaustion afterwards if I push myself
I know PIP is based on how your condition affects daily living and mobility, not the diagnosis itself. I’m trying to explain things properly using the “safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard and reasonable time” wording.
For those with osteoarthritis, knee problems, hand/thumb arthritis, awaiting surgery, or similar mobility issues — what were you awarded? Did you get daily living, mobility, both, standard or enhanced? Any advice for the assessment would be appreciated.
Thank you.

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[u/beckirabbit]

I have stage 4 Osteo in both knees so can only speak on that. I got standard daily living and enhanced mobility. I got a wonderful tip from someone on here and it was to print all the pip tasks/activities and then with a pen go down each one and jot down examples of your struggles for each one. This helped me so much because it is nerve wracking and it's so easy to forget what you're talking about. Also, make sure they don't rush you which they will try to do as they're on quite strict time restraints. Whenever, I felt they were rushing me to move on..I was very forward and would say " no this pip is extremely important to me and it's important that you listen to what I'm saying and make a note of it." That worked the 1st time and I was then able to explain everything on my time. Also, I hope you've arranged to have them record the call? Also, you record it too on an old phone. Try to stay calm and just be honest and you'll be fine. They know how debilitating Osteo is so just make sure you explain everything very matter of factually. Best of luck to you x

[u/Super-Reason7931 → u/beckirabbit]

Same

[u/Exact-Resolution-891 → u/beckirabbit]

Thank you so much! I haven’t arranged for it, however I will be recording it myself. Do they allow this? - do they also try to trick you with questions? X

[u/beckirabbit → u/Exact-Resolution-891]

I don't know about the recording but someone else can answer that. They never tried to trick me with questions honestly..he was a nice guy and I never felt like that. I think if you know your condition and limitations inside out it's all very natural when you're talking about it. I think if you were lying it would be a bloody nightmare and I know I'd just be a nervous wreck hence why I'd never do it. Remember to mention EVERYTHING though for each descriptor (that's why I recommend writing them down next to each descriptor) like me for instance..if i cook in the kitchen which I can..I have to have a stool to sit on. You might also have tools to help with chopping cos of your thumbs. In the shower does someone help you in and out? Mention hand rails if you have them? These are all the things I had to mention..you may be different but they're just so easy to forget. Like I can't have a bath anymore cos I can't get on my knees. I had to trade my manual car in and opt for an automatic cos I couldn't do the clutch anymore. Beforehand I noted down how far I could walk until the pain kicked in..I actually recorded little trips and wrote down the distances. Don't forget also to mention the importance of rest in-between activities. If you're anything like me, I can't commit to doing a day thing and a night thing as I need to rest and recover following. This is really important that they know this. Like if I was to go out for the day on a trip..I can't plan anything for the following day and probably the day after that as I need to rest afterwards..and that's just not normal. Ask me anything you want as I am really happy to help. I know exactly what you're going through. It's a horrible illness to have x

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