Disabled Persons Blog

Air Training Corps

2011-05-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

This year the Air Training Corps celebrates its 70th anniversary, The Air Training Corps (ATC) is a fantastic organisation.

When I joined the ATC I lacked self confidence and found it hard to make friends. They taught me self respect and how to mix with other people.

I also learnt to do things that I wouldn't of staying at home watching TV. Because I have co-ordination problems due to my NF I found it harder to do some of thing activities that we did. The Squadron I was part of understood this and had patience with me, I found it hard to learn to march in time with other people but finally mastered it.

The ATC accepts all people of the right age Regardless of your abilities. You get the chance to do things that are pretty amazing such as going flying, shooting, camping and learning to work as a team. Not all teenagers are "thugs" some try to enjoy themselves by doing things like the ATC.

I managed to pass all my exams I took and managed to become a Staff Cadet. I also got to the rank of Sargent. When I was to old to be a cadet at the age of 20 I became a member of staff at the same unit. Unfortunately work commitments took over and I couldn't commit any more. The ATC will always hold great memories for me and I think anyone of age in the UK who gets the chance to join one of the squadrons should take the chance.

Disability

2011-05-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

There are many types of disability. Just because a person doesnt look disabled doesnt mean that they are not. For some people every day is a struggle. They have to work twice as hard just doing basic things compared to other people.

I know people with all different types of disability. Some have mental health problems which are not visable. Some have had severe learning difficulties since they were at school. They are still human and have feelings.

It seems children don't seem to care if a person is disabled. They just want to get to know the person. With the condition I have it causes me to have tumors on my skin. A friends 6 year old child asked me "why are you so spotty?" I replied it was because I was born that way. She just said oh ok then and carried on playing.

If as adults we were more accepting of others then our children would see that we are all different. Learning to accept a person even though they are different to ourselves would make this world a better place.

Epilepsy

2011-05-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in a previous post I now have Epilepsy. I have put some information below about the condtion.

Epilepsy affects the brain and causes repeated seizures, also known as fits.

Epilepsy affects around 456,000 people in the UK. This means that about 1 in 130 people has epilepsy. Epilepsy usually begins during childhood, although it can start at any age.

Seizures

The cells in the brain, known as neurons, communicate with each other with electrical impulses. During a seizure, the electrical impulses are disrupted, which can cause the brain and body to behave strangely.

The severity of the seizures can differ from person to person. Some people simply experience a ‘trance-like’ state for a few seconds or minutes, while others lose consciousness and have convulsions (uncontrollable shaking of the body).

Types of epilepsy

There are three main types of epilepsy:

•Symptomatic epilepsy - the symptoms of epilepsy are due to damage or disruption to the brain.

•Cryptogenic epilepsy - while no evidence of damage to the brain can be found, other symptoms, such as learning difficulties, suggest that damage to the brain has occurred.

•Idiopathic epilepsy - no obvious cause for epilepsy can be found.

See Epilepsy - causes for more information about the different types of epilepsy.

Outlook

Epilepsy is a long-term condition and, for most people, the outlook is very good. Symptoms can usually be controlled using medicines known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs).

It can take some time to find the right type and correct dose of AED before your seizures can be controlled.

With a clear understanding of your epilepsy and good management of your seizures, the risk of SUDEP can be minimised.

I had another seziure at the weekend whilst I was in my local shop. My medication has been increased and I will be monitored on that to see how I get on.

Truck Drivers Prayer

2011-05-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

Dear God above, bless this truck I drive and help me keep someone alive. Be my mortal sight this day on streets where little children play. Bless my helper fast asleep, when the night is long and deep. Keep my cargo safe and sound through the hours big an...d round. Make my judgement sound as steel, and be my hands upon the wheel. Bless the traveler going past, and teach him not to go so fast. Give me strength for every trip, so I may care for what they ship. Make me mindful every mile, that life is just a little while. Amen

Schadenfreude

2011-04-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

Schadenfreude is German for happiness at the misfortune of others. It seems some people find it funny when other people are unhappy. If you try and educate other people about things you have to deal with they find it amusing.

These people are not worth the effort of letting you get upset by them. If you show them that their comments don't bother you, it will hopefully make them get bored and move on to someone else.

They need to grow up and realise that the world does not revolve around them and other people have feelings as well. They must have very lonely life's if they get pleasure from other people being upset.

The person who is being victimised by the other person is the better person. They should not respond to the snide remarks and let the other person show themselves for what they are. The bully obviously has nothing better to do in their life than upset others.

Why let these bullies think they are big or clever when most of the time they do not have the full facts of the situation and know the truth.

Loros

2011-04-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

Loros is another fantastic Charity.

My step father Mick had been seriously ill since Christmas. At first we thought he just had a bug. The doctor gave him some antibiotics but they didn't help. He went to see the doctor again and he sent him for some tests they found out he had cancer.

He started his treatment. He then had further tests they told him he would only have about 4 months to live. They were going to keep giving him medication to help keep him comfortable. After a few weeks they did more tests and found he had even less time than expected.

He was moved from the hospital straight to Loros. Loros treated him with great dignity and respect. They made his last few days although he was in a lot of pain comfortable. Nothing was to much trouble for the staff there and they even made up a room for my mum to stay in. Loros (the Leicestershire and Rutland Organisation for the Relief of Suffering) is a hospices that relies solely on charity donations. They make no profit from anyone who stays their or their families. If you can afford to donate some money whatever you can spare then please do so to the following address.

The Leicestershire & Rutland Hospice Groby Road Leicester LE3 9QE

Miss me, but let me go

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free

Miss me a little - but not too long And not with your head bowed low Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me - but let me go For this is a journey that we must all take And each must go alone It's all a part of the Master's plan A step on the road to home

When you are lonely, and sick of heart Go to the friends we know And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds Miss me - but let me go

Mick will be missed by all that knew him. It was a 5 days before his 65th birthday so he never got to retire. I know he will be watching over all of us and protecting us like he did when he was alive.

New Update

2011-04-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

They finally have decided to give me my higher rate of DLA back. As I mentioned in my last post I am now epileptic. This spurned me to reapply again for the higher rates.

This time they agree that I am not safe to work. It has taken them long enough. But it also proves that if I did work full time it would make me ill. This in turn would cost the government more.

Epilepsy

2010-12-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

This Saturday just gone I ended up in hospital again. I had'nt contacted my parents like I do every day to let them know I was ok. They came to my flat to check on me and found me out cold on my bedroom floor. I had, had an epilectic fit. This is the first time I have had one. The doctors at the hospital have said that I will have them again. I will be having the chance of getting fits now for the rest of my life. I will also be on tablets for the rest of my life as well.

I cannot remember much about the weekend it happened. It has made me feel all confused. If I wasnt checked on by my parents I could be dead by now.

More Stupidity

2010-12-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Coalition Government plans to scrap DLA in favour of a new objective benefit called Personal Independence Payments and will include a medical assessment in order for a claimant to prove entitlement according to a public consultation paper into DLA reform.

So the attack on sick and disabled people is set to continue! Please share this frightening information with as many people and groups as possible so that a proper campaign against scrapping DLA can be coordinated. I can see these changes bringing out a huge number of people onto the streets in protest to show the government that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

The full consultation can viewed and downloaded here;

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dla-reform-consultation.pdf

The following comes from that said report;

THE GOVERNMENTS APPROACH TO DISABILITY BENEFIT REFORM

We propose to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a new cash benefit – Personal Independence Payment – which will contribute to the extra costs of overcoming the barriers faced by disabled people to lead full and active lives.

The benefit will reflect changes in society, such as legislation. Disabled people are rightly not prepared to accept being restricted from playing an active part in society. We need a benefit that helps contribute to the extra costs of living independently, in a way that is right for each individual.

The benefit will continue to take account of the social model of disability. The assessment will be objective, reflect the impact of the barriers disabled people may experience, and make sure they are treated as individuals.

Central to Personal Independence Payment will be a new, fairer, objective assessment, which will allow us to identify those who face the greatest need, in a more consistent and transparent manner. We are developing the new assessment in collaboration with a group of independent specialists in health, social care and disability, including disabled people.

Personal Independence Payment will be based on need not income and will be a more active benefit, recognising changes to individuals’ situations and taking account of the support that disabled people can access to help them live independently. Where possible, we will signpost individuals to support that may help them manage their condition. We will ensure that the award continues to reflect the individual’s changing needs over time by building in periodic reviews.

The new benefit will be introduced in 2013/14, so there will be further opportunities to feed in views on how we might deliver it. We are already involving disabled people in developing the new benefit and will continue to do so.

We will introduce a Bill that will set out the high-level legal framework underpinning the new benefit, with the detailed requirements set out in secondary legislation.

Responses to this consultation will be used to inform secondary legislation on this detailed design, including the new assessment process. Where possible, and in particular on the new assessment, we will be publishing draft regulations during the passage of the Bill.

WHAT WILL STAY THE SAME

We want to be clear about what we propose will remain the same under the new system. We recognise that there are a number of features of DLA which many disabled people value, in particular the ability to spend the money in a range of ways to meet their personal circumstances. That is why Personal Independence Payment will remain an extra-costs benefit, providing cash support and allowing disabled people to spend the benefit in the way which best meets their individual needs.

The new benefit will not be means-tested or taxable, and payment will not depend on having paid National Insurance contributions. It will continue to be available to those who are in work, as well as those who are out of work.

Support will continue to be provided to children and adults up to the age of 65. Individuals who receive the benefit before reaching 65 may continue to receive Personal Independence Payment if their needs continue. We will keep the upper age limit for receiving the new benefit under review, given the changes being made to the State Pension age.

We will continue to support those in the most difficult circumstances by
maintaining special rules for people who are terminally ill. Claims submitted under these rules will be fast tracked to provide financial support as quickly as possible.

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I can not stress the importance of getting this information to as many people as possible. If you run a group which has interests in protecting disabled people please copy this message and forward it on to others.

If you are a member of such a group or organisation please forward this message onto whoever runs the group or organisation or anyone else who may be interested.

This shocking treatment of disabled people can not be permitted to continue!

This I took from the facebook page Welfare Rights. With thanks to Steven Preece.

Update

2010-11-30T02:41:00.000-08:00

Just an update.

I have been contacted by several media outlets interested in my story. The feel that this is of interest to other people.

The government are cutting peoples benefits saying they cant afford to pay out the money yet they can afford to give loans of billions of pounds to other countries. I am not a selfish or greedy person, but they need to think about this country first. Its not just the disabled people who are losing out its pensioners as well.

They are also trying to make people who are on the long term sick look for work. Surely some people who are too sick to work it would make them even more sick working? This would then cost the government more in the long run. I know if I worked full time again it would make me ill and it would be struggle.

7 years

2010-09-23T04:12:00.000-07:00

It was 7 years ago today when I first took ill. It was a normal day woke up it was my day off work so I had a lie in. Did my house work and was feeling fine. Had planned to go to the pub for a drink with my friend Billy. I went to meet her out of Burger King where she worked. I went into the restaurant and she noticed I wasn't looking to good. She made me go to the bathroom. I collapsed on the floor and ended up in hospital.

While I was there they found out I had a brain hemorrhage. They managed to make me stable and I was air lifted to Nottingham Queens Medical Centre. I died twice in the helicopter. I have been told by my boss at the time that she came to see me in hospital and I told her I wouldn't be in work the next day.

After about 3 months in Nottingham I was brought back to Leicester. I spent several months in a normal ward then was transferred to the Leicester Younger Disabled Unit. I was in a wheel chair at this time and was unable to walk. Whilst at the YDU I learnt to walk again and had to visit different specialists such as the Psychologist and Speech Therapist.

The Neurologist said that it is ghley higly unlikley that I would ever work again. I was only 24 24 at time. Now I am trying to get my story across and try to help other people as well as myself. The Department of Works and Pensions have said despite the fact I have 2 tumours on the brain due to my Neurofibromatosis I am not disabled enough to get the higher rates. Because of my health problems no company would be able to employ me. This government would rather I lived in poverty so they can save some money. I have had comments like I am lazy and greedy. This comes from a person who grew up on benefits. .

I attended Headway Leicester for while after leaving hospital. They helped me to settle in a place of my home and send me on a couple of college course. They also helped me to get my benefits.

I try to do some volunteer work once a week at Christchurch in Leicester this is a lunch club for pensioners. This tires me out doing just 3-4 hours roughly. I wouldn't be able to manage a full time job. I also have had comments like I have the net and a phone I don't need them. As a disabled person a phone is essential to me in case I take ill and the net is the way I communicate with people and make new friends. What other people see as luxuries to the disabled person it is a necessity.

2010-09-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

I am again seeking legal adivce about my benefits. I have been told by several people including my own MP Sir Peter Soulsby, that they think that I should be on the higher rates. The DWP have said I am not able to work yet they are saying im not disabled enough to get the higher rates. I now have the support of my local councilor Ross Grant.

I dont choose to be disabled I dont think that anybody would. I would love to be able to go out and work again. That way I wouldnt get comments like im being greedy or lazy.

Most of my family go out and work and it seems that I am the only one not able to. I have to watch every single penny I get coming in. Sometimes my account gets overdrawn and my accoun accours charges.

The government are now going to cut benefits for people yet again. Will we be going back to Victorian times and having poor houses. Pick Pocketing is susposed to be illegal yet with the government cutting peoples money surely thats what they are doing? More people will be turning to crime to be able to live. Then again I suspose that people would be better off in prison. They would get 3 meals a day, no bills to pay and more human rights.

2010-09-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

A brain tumour is a growth of cells in the brain which multiply in an abnormal, uncontrollable way.

A benign brain tumour is a non-cancerous growth. It usually grows slowly in one place and does not invade other areas of the brain or spread to other parts of the body. It is an uncommon condition.

There are different types of benign brain tumour, depending on the type of brain cells they have grown from.

The cause of benign brain tumours is often unknown, although a genetic disease, such as neurofibromatosis, can increase your risk of getting one.

Radiotherapy to the brain, used to treat childhood leukaemia, can also increase the risk. Around five in 100 people with a benign brain tumour have a family history of brain tumours.

Who is affected?
Brain tumours can affect people of any age, including children. Some benign brain tumours, such as meningiomas, are more common in women.

What are the symptoms?
A benign brain tumour can put pressure on the brain, causing symptoms such as irritability, headache and vomiting. It can also prevent an area of the brain from functioning properly. For example, a tumour in the occipital lobe (at the back of the brain) may cause loss of vision on one side. See Symptoms for more information.

Outlook
Benign brain tumours can be serious if they are not diagnosed and treated early. Although they remain in one place and do not usually spread, they can cause harm by pressing on and damaging nearby areas of the brain.

Some benign brain tumours can be surgically removed. Tumours do not normally come back once they have been removed and no further problems are caused.

Symptoms of a benign brain tumour
A benign brain tumour causes symptoms by:

•putting pressure on the brain, or
•preventing an area of the brain from functioning properly.
Increased pressure on the brain
If the tumour causes an increase in pressure inside the skull, it can lead to the following symptoms:

•irritability, drowsiness, apathy or forgetfulness,
•severe, persistent headache,
•vomiting, which is sometimes sudden and for no apparent reason,
•dizziness,
•epilepsy or fits, which can be either major seizures or twitching in one area of the body,
•partial loss of vision or hearing,
•hallucinations, and
•personality changes, including abnormal and uncharacteristic behaviour.
It is important to see a doctor if you develop a persistent and severe headache that does not appear to have any obvious cause, especially if you also have unexpected vomiting.

Loss of brain function
Different areas of the brain control different functions, so any loss of brain function will depend on where the tumour is located. For example:

•A tumour affecting the frontal lobe may cause changes in personality, weakness in one side of the body and loss of smell.
•A tumour affecting the parietal lobe may cause difficulty in speaking, understanding words, writing, reading and coordinating certain movements. There may also be numbness in one side of the body.
•A tumour affecting the occipital lobe may cause loss of vision on one side.
•A tumour affecting the temporal lobe may cause fits or blackouts, a sensation of strange smells and problems with speech and memory.
•A tumour affecting the cerebellum may cause a loss of coordination, difficulty walking and speaking, flickering of the eyes, vomiting and a stiff neck.
•A tumour affecting the brain stem may cause unsteadiness and difficulty walking, facial weakness, double vision and difficulty speaking and swallowing.

Causes of a benign brain tumour
Some brain tumours are congenital (present at birth) and are caused by abnormal development before birth. It is not fully understood what causes non-congenital tumours.

Underlying disease
Some people have a certain genetic condition that increases the risk of growths in the brain. These conditions include:

•neurofibromatosis,
•tuberous sclerosis
•Turcot syndrome,
•Li-Fraumeni cancer syndrome,
•von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and
•Gorlin syndrome.
These conditions tend to cause gliomas (see Introduction, above) that appear in childhood or early adulthood (most gliomas occur later in adulthood).

Other causes
Radiotherapy to the brain increases the risk of brain tumour, but this accounts for only a small number of new cases.

It is also thought that family history of brain tumours and exposure to chemicals (such as formaldehyde) may be risk factors.

Diagnosing a benign brain tumour
If you develop any of the symptoms of a benign brain tumour, such as a persistent and severe headache, see your GP. Your GP will examine you and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Your GP will examine the back of your eye and look for changes to the optic disc (the inside of the back of the eye) caused by an increase in pressure inside the skull. Raised pressure in the skull may indicate the presence of a tumour.

If a growth is suspected, you will be referred to a neurologist (brain and nerve specialist).

Referral to a specialist
The specialist will ask you about your medical history and symptoms. They will examine your nervous system, which may include tests of your:

•reflexes, such as your swallow reflex and knee jerk reflex,
•facial muscles (testing whether you can smile or grimace, for example),
•hearing and vision,
•limb strength,
•balance and coordination,
•skin sensitivity to pinpricks, heat and cold, and
•mental agility (simple questions or arithmetic).
Diagnosis of brain tumour is made based on your symptoms, the examinations above and the results of certain tests (see below).

Tests
You may have some of the following tests to help diagnose a brain tumour:

•Computerised tomography (CT) scan. This produces a detailed picture of your brain using a series of X-rays.
•Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This produces a detailed picture of your brain using a strong magnetic field and radio waves.
•X-ray of the skull.
•Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. This produces an image of your brain by detecting radiation inside your head (after radiation is introduced into your body).
•Electroencephalogram (EEG). Electrodes record your brain activity.
If a tumour is suspected, a biopsy (surgical removal of a small piece of tissue) may be taken to establish the type of tumour and the most effective treatment.

A biopsy involves making a small hole in the skull and using a fine needle to obtain a sample of tumour tissue. It involves a few days in hospital.

Treating a benign brain tumour
Most benign tumours are removed with surgery. The tumour does not normally come back once it has been removed.

Surgery
The aim of surgery is to remove as much of the tumour as possible without damaging the surrounding tissue. You will be given a general anaesthetic (put to sleep) and an area of your scalp will be shaved. A section of the skull is cut out as a flap to reveal the brain and tumour underneath. This is known as a craniotomy. The surgeon can then remove the tumour.

Radiosurgery
Some tumours are situated deep inside the brain and are difficult to remove without damaging surrounding tissue. In such cases, radiosurgery may be used to treat the tumour.

During radiosurgery, a dose of high-energy radiation is focused on the tumour to kill it. The treatment is completed in one session, recovery is quick and an overnight stay in hospital is not usually required. Radiosurgery is only available in a few specialised centres in the UK.

For some tumours in the base of the skull, the patient may be referred abroad for specialised proton radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Occasionally, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be used to shrink a benign tumour. Chemotherapy uses medication to kill tumour cells and can be given as a tablet, an injection or a drip. Radiotherapy involves controlled doses of high-energy radiation, usually X-rays, to kill the tumour cells.

overing from a benign brain tumour
After being treated for a brain tumour, you may be offered physiotherapy, speech therapy and/or occupational therapy. These therapies aim to speed up your recovery and help you cope with any problems caused by the tumour.

•An occupational therapist will recommend any equipment or alterations to your home that may help you carry out daily activities.
•A speech therapist will help you with any speech or swallowing problems.
•A physiotherapist will help you to use parts of the body that have been affected by the tumour.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has made recommendations on the standards of care that brain tumour patients should receive. For more information, read the Improving Outcomes guidelines

Epilepsy may affaect some patients for up to six months or rarely longer after surgery. See Brain Tumour UK's factsheet on epilepsy for more information.

Sports and activities
After you have been treated for a brain tumour, permanently avoid contact sports, such as rugby and boxing. You can start other activities again, with the agreement of your doctor, once you have recovered.

Swimming unsupervised is not recommended for around one year after treatment, as there is a risk that you could have an epileptic fit while in the water.

Sex
It is safe to have sex after treatment for a benign brain tumour. Women should avoid becoming pregnant for six months and should discuss the implications of any ongoing medication with their specialist.

Going back to work
You will become tired more easily following treatment for a brain tumour. Although you may wish to return to work and normal life as soon as possible, it is a good idea to return part-time to begin with and to go back full-time when you feel able to.

If you have experienced seizures, do not work with machinery or at heights.

Help and support
A brain tumour is often life-changing. You may feel angry, frightened and emotionally drained. Your doctor or specialist should be able to refer you to a social worker and counsellor for help with the practical and emotional aspects of your diagnosis.

Benefit Scroungers

2010-09-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

I have taken this from an artcle printed in the Daily Express by John Chapman.

Peter and Sam Smith with their 10 children: They rake in almost £95,000 a year in benefits
Monday September 6,2010
By John Chapman A FAMILY of scroungers raking in almost £95,000 a year in benefits caused outrage last night after trashing one home and then getting a new four-bedroom house at taxpayers’ expense.

Peter and Sam Smith have been given the £960 a week property in Bristol to house their 10 children

The family were kicked out of their previous home in Bath after a wrecking spree caused £20,000 damage and left it unfit for habitation.

Children’s mattresses and walls were stained with human and animal excrement and the floors were littered with rat droppings and mould. Instead of being punished, the jobless couple have been given the four-bedroom house.

The case highlights a shambolic welfare system that pays the Smiths £44,506 a year in benefits and £960 a week rent. The housing payment, incredibly, includes having breakfast delivered to their door each day.

Yet far from being grateful, Mrs Smith, 36, who has not worked in a decade, complains her home is not large enough and her family is not given enough financial help. The family’s total annual handout from taxpayers is £94,426 including the rent and £140 a week child benefits, £120 a week disability living allowance, £53.90 a week carer’s allowance for 40-year-old Mr Smith, £527 a week in tax credits, and £30 every fortnight for income support.

Mrs Smith also whinged that while the family has food for breakfast delivered to the door, they still have to prepare the morning meal.

She said: “It’s very cramped in the new house. We have four bedrooms with bunk beds for the kids and that’s it. We’ve tried housing associations and they turn their noses up at us because we have so many kids, which isn’t fair.

“We are sitting here waiting while they find somewhere else for us. The benefits aren’t much. By the time we have to pay for food and clothes and electricity we don’t have much left. It’s tough because we don’t even have a TV here. We have no aerial and the kids only have one Nintendo Wii between them.”

A spokesman for the TaxPayers’ Alliance said yesterday: “This family of scroungers doesn’t deserve to get taxpayers’ money. It’s disgraceful they they’re being given a new home after they left their last one unfit to live in. This case is another example of how urgently the benefit system needs to be reformed.

“It cannot be right that there are so many cases where couples are getting absurd amounts in benefits – a lot more than the average salary. We need to overhaul the welfare system so that we improve incentives to work and help the poorest, not encourage families like this to waste taxpayers’ money.”

The family has lived in up to nine houses since Mr Smith quit the Army in 2001 to care for his wife after she was registered disabled with a bad back.

Since then, neither have had jobs and Mrs Smith has given birth to seven of their 10 children, pocketing tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ cash. They were moved into the new home in Kingswood, Bristol, three weeks ago.

Social services visited their Bath home in December 2009 and January and March this year after receiving reports that they were living in filth and squalor. When officers investigated, they were stunned to be confronted by filthy mattresses and human and animal excrement covering the floor and walls.

The landlord of the property, Abdullah Khateeb, who admitted he had not visited the house in years, was ordered to clean up. He immediately evicted the family, dubbing them “parasites”, and has since had to spend about £25,000 on renovating the house to make it fit to live in.

Mr Khateeb, 60, from Bath, said: “When they moved in they had five children. By the time they left four years later it had doubled to 10 – and they wanted more. The place was disgusting.

“It’s a miracle the youngsters aren’t ill, the house was so dirty. It’s not fair on the children, they don’t deserve to live like this. I’ve never seen anything like it. It made me want to be sick. The council later told me the family were known to them.”

“The benefits system is to blame. This family are on huge benefits and move from one place to the next.” The family’s current Bristol home is less than a mile from another infamous family – the 12-strong Batemans who hit the headlines last month after complaining they needed a bigger house.

Mr Smith believes his situation mirrors that of the Batemans and even argues that families like his are victims. He said: “Just because we have a big family we are not offered housing big enough for our children. It’s not fair. The amount we are given isn’t that much and I’m constantly having to rob Peter to pay Paul.”

Bath and North East Somerset Council said it had a legal duty to rehouse the homeless children.

It said the £960-a-week bed-and-breakfast deal was a “temporary” arrangement. A spokesman said: “Due to the size of this family there are very limited options.”

Yet they say because "I can manage" I am less disabled. How does that work. I have been told I am greedy or I am lazy because I am complaining about my benefits being cut. Yet the same people are more accepting of families like this.

I wont have a family because I am not able to work and its not fair for the govenment and funementally the tax payer to have to pay.

Acceptance

2010-08-19T04:07:00.000-07:00

Children seem to be more accepting of disabled people than adults. I go to visit my friends and their daughter Shannon runs up to me and gives me a hug. She doesn’t care about anything I have wrong with me. She just wants me to play with her.

With my condition Neurofibromatosis, it causes me to have tumours all over my body. She asked me why are you so spotty. She’s only 5 years old. I explained to her in simple terms and that was that.

It’s the adult population who change the kid’s minds. Children don’t see the wheelchair they seem to see the person that is in it. If people teach their kids to accept others more then they will grow up understanding everybody is different.

Just because a person looks different on the outside or has different abilities they still have feelings. I remember a quote from somewhere I forget where, “if you cut me do I not bleed”. A disabled person still has feelings. Disabled people are not second class citizens if you got to know them you may find that you have things in common with them.

It’s the same with people of different races and sexuality. In this day and age most countries are multicultural and have people with different sexual preferences. If a child is brought up to accept this as normal then they will grow up to treat all people the same.

I don’t see a person for their colour or sexuality I just see them for the person they are. Why should a person be judged for being different to his neighbour or friend?

Benefit Fraud

2010-08-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

Benefit Fraud is not big or clever. I have been accused by somebody of doing it myself. Because I can use a computer and talk in their eyes I am fit to work. I would like to them to find someone to employ me with my health problems.

There are people out there who have families as an excuse not work. If you cannot afford to keep a family in the first place don't have one.

Committing benefit fraud affects everyone. The genuine cases of people who need it are missing out and it is costing the taxpayer more. There has been reports recently of generations of the same family who haven't worked.

I would love to be able to work but unfortunately I cant. I'm not moaning about it but would love to able to do more.

I agree that those families that earn more than over £16k a year should not get family tax credit and child benefit. It needs to be there for people who really need it. If you can work then work if there is a job available. Don't expect to live in luxury on the state.

News Article

2010-08-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

I read a news article today passed on to me by friend. This gentleman had major brain surgery and the DWP expected him to go back to work 2 weeks later.

pa.press.net, Updated: 03/08/2010 06:56
Brain op man told to return to work
A man has received an apology after his benefits were stopped by officials who he claims told him he was well enough to return to work just days after having brain surgery.

Bryan Haigh, 50, from Leeds, underwent the major operation to remove a tumour from his brain on July 20. He said bosses at the Department for Work and Pensions decreed in a letter dated July 22 that he was officially fit to work and they could stop his £65-a-week benefits.

But a spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "Having reviewed the case, we have arranged for Mr Haigh's Employment and Support Allowance to continue. We have contacted him to apologise and inform him of his future payments. If anyone is unhappy with a benefit decision they should get in touch with Jobcentre Plus, and we will look at it again."

The next thing they will be trying to force me back to work. There is already 2.5 million people not working in the uk, if they dpeople who are to sick to work where are they saving money in the end.

Update

2010-07-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

Again I reapplied for Disability Living Allowance at the middle rates. Again I have been turned down. In basic terms because I have coping methods it makes me less disabled. They don't take into account I can never work again.

I have also lost some of my housing and council tax benefit. They seem to let Asylum seekers have no trouble having money, yet people who have lived in the country all their lives get shafted. In London an asylum seeker gets paid £2000 a week in housing benefit, after being moved from a house only costing £800 a week housing benefit because she didn't like the area. I am not a racist but they need to think about the people in this country who need help first before helping others.

There is people who get high rate disability for having an addiction or just being depressed. If they have an addiction surely giving them more money gives them more money to spend on it. If someone is depressed, they should go out and get a job perhaps that would stop them feeling so depressed.

I have been told by people to stop complaining and be grateful for for what I get. If I could work I would are they or anybody out there, willing to find me a job that I can do for 3 hours a week for a full weeks wages then I would work.

I read in a news paper about a war hero who lost a leg. He has been told hes not entitled to some benefits. This is completely wrong. He was fighting for our freedom he deserves all the help he can get.

This government and the last seem to think if you can cope your not entitled to help. It needs sorting!

Volunteer Work

2010-03-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone should try and do some volunteer work if they are able to. Regular readers of my blog will know that I am not fit work.

I try to do some volunteer work once a week. I help prepare lunch for pensioners at a lunch club. I do this because I feel guilty claiming benefits. Volunteering can give a person a sense of pride. Again as I have said in previous posts its passing on skills to help other people.

I wish I could do more volunteer work but I get tired quickly. I am happy if I know I have made one persons day. I may not be be able to have a full time job but doing voluntary work gives me something to do. There are plenty of opportunities for people to do some good in their commuities. So go out there and try to do it!

Welfare Rights

2010-03-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Those who commit benefit fraud make it more difficult for those honest and genuine claimants to successfully claim benefit's by forcing the Department for Work's and Pensions to raise the criteria, and dramatically slows down the time it takes to review a claim.

Benefit thieves are the enemy of all people, benefit claimants and Tax Payers alike. If someone is committing benefit fraud they WILL eventually be found out no matter how hard they try to hide it from the public eye.

Should you know of someone who may be claiming benefit's and services by immoral means you should report them immediately, even if they are close friends or loved one's. Doing so is in everyone's best interest including the Benefit Thief themselves due to saving them from a long spell in prison and/or a hefty fine.

Report a Benefit Thief on-line. You do not need to give your name and you only need to complete the area's in the form that you know about. You have nothing to fear as the case will be investigated fully, so if the person concerned has done nothing wrong it will come out in the investigation. It is 100% secure and any information you give will be treated with the up-most secrecy.

https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/benefitfraud

Thankyou again to Steven Preece

Harrassment

2010-03-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

This will be the first and only post on this subject.

I have 2 "women" obsessed with me. They seem to think they know everything about my way of life. They are claming that I am bullying them when I want nothing to do with them.

They both seem to find this blog funny. In their eyes im not disabled just lazy. I have asked them to research Disability before they pass judgement. The response that I get is go away little boy. Hard to believe they are mothers in their 40s

Because I have experience in things and pass it on to younger people I am a pervert. They are the ones who try to add me and my friends on facebook to get pictures of me. They give out my secondary email to strangers and post my pictures on blogs.

I had no contact with them for over a month and they keep coming to my blog and taking what I put on it and putting it on their own and calling me "thick". I have a twitter account and had to change the name to stop them reading it. Yet they find it even though I have blocked them and keep calling me for what I put on it.

If anyone has got any advice feel free to contact me.

Helping Other People

2010-03-13T15:25:00.000-08:00

If a person has got something to offer no matter what the age of the person then they should do so. We can all learn new things from each other. I have been reading a 14 year old girls blog about her life with Neurofibromatosis.

Her blog is refreshing to have a younger persons view on the condition. I like to share information with as many people as possible. That's why I started this blog. If one persons views are changed by it then I'm happy. You can learn just as much from a young person than an adult.

I have been getting negative opinions about my disabilities. The people in question seem to make comments without doing any research of their own. If I make statements or say something I always research it first to make sure I have my facts right.

It is dangerous just to assume something is right in your eyes. If someone is going to comment on someones way of life, they should make sure they have the facts first. You can do more damage just speaking without thinking than just taking a moment to think before you speak.

MRI scans

2010-03-07T15:51:00.002-08:00

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI), is primarily a medical imaging technique most commonly used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structure and limited function of the body. MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than computed tomography (CT) does, making it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging. Unlike CT, it uses no ionizing radiation, but uses a powerful magnetic field to align the nuclear magnetization of (usually) hydrogen atoms in water in the body. Radio frequency (RF) fields are used to systematically alter the alignment of this magnetization, causing the hydrogen nuclei to produce a rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner. This signal can be manipulated by additional magnetic fields to build up enough information to construct an image of the body.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a relatively new technology. The first MR image was published in 1973 and the first cross-sectional image of a living mouse was published in January 1974. The first studies performed on humans were published in 1977. By comparison, the first human X-ray image was taken in 1895.

Magnetic resonance imaging was developed from knowledge gained in the study of nuclear magnetic resonance. In its early years the technique was referred to as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI). However, because the word nuclear was associated in the public mind with ionizing radiation exposure it is generally now referred to simply as MRI. Scientists still use the term NMRI when discussing non-medical devices operating on the same principles. The term magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) is also sometimes used.
The body is largely composed of water molecules which each contain two hydrogen nuclei or protons. When a person goes inside the powerful magnetic field of the scanner, the magnetic moments of some of these protons align with the direction of the field.

A radio frequency transmitter is then briefly turned on, producing an electromagnetic field. In simple terms, the photons of this field have just the right energy, known as the resonance frequency, to flip the spin of the aligned protons. As the intensity and duration of the field increases, more aligned spins are affected. After the field is turned off, the protons decay to the original spin-down state and the difference in energy between the two states is released as a photon. It is these photons that produce the signal which can be detected by the scanner. The frequency at which the protons resonate depends on the strength of the magnetic field. As a result of conservation of energy, this also dictates the frequency of the released photons.

It is this relationship between field-strength and frequency that allows the use of nuclear magnetic resonance for imaging. Additional magnetic fields are applied during the scan in order to make the magnetic field strength depend on the position within the patient, providing a straightforward method to control where the protons are excited by the radio photons. These fields are created by passing electric currents through solenoids, known as gradient coils. Since these coils are within the bore of the scanner, there will be large forces between them and the main field coils, producing most of the noise that is heard during operation. Without efforts to dampen this noise, it can approach 130 decibels (the human pain threshold) with strong fields.

An image can be constructed because the protons in different tissues return to their equilibrium state at different rates. By changing the parameters on the scanner this effect is used to create contrast between different types of body tissue or between other properties, as in fMRI and diffusion MRI.

Contrast agents may be injected intravenously to enhance the appearance of blood vessels, tumors or inflammation. Contrast agents may also be directly injected into a joint in the case of arthrograms, MRI images of joints. Unlike CT, MRI uses no ionizing radiation and is generally a very safe procedure. Nonetheless the strong magnetic fields and radio pulses can affect metal implants, including cochlear implants and cardiac pacemakers. In the case of cardiac pacemakers, the results can sometimes be lethal[8], so patients with such implants are generally not eligible for MRI.

MRI is used to image every part of the body, and is particularly useful for tissues with many hydrogen nuclei and little density contrast, such as the brain, muscle, connective tissue and most tumors.
[edit] Safety
Death and injuries have occurred from projectiles created by the magnetic field, although few compared to the millions of examinations administered.[33][34] MRI makes use of powerful magnetic fields which, though they have not been demonstrated to cause direct biological damage, can interfere with metallic and electromechanical devices. Additional (small) risks are presented by the radio frequency systems, components or elements of the MRI system's operation, elements of the scanning procedure and medications that may be administered to facilitate MRI imaging.

Of great concern is the dramatic increase in the number of reported MRI accidents to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since 2004, the last year in which a decline in the number of MRI accidents was reported, the full spectrum of MRI accidents has increased significantly in the following years. The 2008 FDA accident report data culminates in a 277% increase over the 2004 rate.

There are many steps that the MRI patient and referring physician can take to help reduce the remaining risks, including providing a full, accurate and thorough medical history to the MRI provider.

Claustrophobia and discomfort

Due to the construction of some MRI scanners, they can be potentially unpleasant to lie in. Older models of closed bore MRI systems feature a fairly long tube or tunnel. The part of the body being imaged needs to lie at the center of the magnet which is at the absolute center of the tunnel. Because scan times on these older scanners may be long (occasionally up to 40 minutes for the entire procedure), people with even mild claustrophobia are sometimes unable to tolerate an MRI scan without management. Modern scanners may have larger bores (up to 70 cm) and scan times are shorter. This means that claustrophobia is less of an issue, and many patients now find MRI an innocuous and easily tolerated procedure.

Nervous patients may still find the following strategies helpful:

Advance preparation
visiting the scanner to see the room and practice lying on the table
visualization techniques
chemical sedation
general anesthesia
Coping while inside the scanner
holding a "panic button"
closing eyes as well as covering them (e.g. washcloth, eye mask)
listening to music on headphones or watching a movie with a Head-mounted display while in the machine
Scan Rooms with lighting, sound and images on the wall. Some rooms come with images on the walls or ceiling.

Alternative scanner designs, such as open or upright systems, can also be helpful where these are available. Though open scanners have increased in popularity, they produce inferior scan quality because they operate at lower magnetic fields than closed scanners. However, commercial 1.5 tesla open systems have recently become available, providing much better image quality than previous lower field strength open models.

For babies and young children chemical sedation or general anesthesia are the norm, as these subjects cannot be instructed to hold still during the scanning session. Obese patients and pregnant women may find the MRI machine to be a tight fit. Pregnant women may also have difficulty lying on their backs for an hour or more without moving.

Acoustic noise associated with the operation of an MRI scanner can also exacerbate the discomfort associated with the procedure.

Guidance

Safety issues, including the potential for biostimulation device interference, movement of ferromagnetic bodies, and incidental localized heating, have been addressed in the American College of Radiology's White Paper on MR Safety which was originally published in 2002 and expanded in 2004. The ACR White Paper on MR Safety has been rewritten and was released early in 2007 under the new title ACR Guidance Document for Safe MR Practices.
In December 2007, the Medicines in Healthcare product Regulation Agency (MHRA), a UK healthcare regulatory body, issued their Safety Guidelines for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Equipment in Clinical Use.
In February 2008, the Joint Commission, a US healthcare accrediting organization, issued a Sentinel Event Alert #38, their highest patient safety advisory, on MRI safety issues.
In July 2008, the United States Veterans Administration, a federal governmental agency serving the healthcare needs of former military personnel, issued a substantial revision to their MRI Design Guide which includes physical or facility safety considerations.

Benefit Changes

2010-02-28T05:56:00.001-08:00

Following recent releases from the Government and the DWP it has become clear that they intend on making it far more difficult to successfully claim Income Related Benefit's.

This will be partly done by forcing sick and disabled people back into work by working out exactly what they believe those people would be capable of doing. Many Welfare and Disabled charities have shown contempt and dread at these prospect's pointing out that sick and disabled people in the work place poses a real risk of injury to both themselves and others. Not to mention the probability that forcing such people back to work to early, or when they are clearly unable, will only aggravate their conditions causing them to go back onto sick and disabled benefit's; if they can get them.

So what happen's if they can't? It's simple really; they will simply plunge even further into poverty, possibly losing their homes and maybe even loved one's because of the mental and financial stress it would put on the family structure. Either that, or they will have to work, making their health even worse and possibly end up in an early grave. I could be critical and say that the Government would welcome this because of saving's to the NHS and the Welfare System, but then that could get me in trouble, lol. But this is how it comes across. A kind of discreet Social Genocide, and if any Government personal are reading this don't bother suing because I ain't got nothing, lol. Unfortunately it looks as if it won't matter which party is in power after the election as both major parties look set to cut welfare and reduce the number of people claiming them.

Britain has the highest rate of Sick and Disabled benefit claimant's in Europe but maybe they should start looking at the reason's behind this. It is not necessarily down to people being "work shy", but more to do with the poor quality of living standard's in many communities like overcrowding or housing that poses a health hazard to their occupant's. This is the link to crime too! Instead of throwing money at constant welfare research and reform they should pump it into improving the quality of living for so many of Britain's citizens. Only this can improve people's health, where applicable, and will eventually bare fruit in the form of less people off work sick and improved life for all. Those saving's could then be put into improving the lives of disabled people by providing better services and standard of care as well as making the job of carer's much easier.

The problem is those in a position of power have mostly lived a financially stable life and have never had to learn how to live on nothing. Program's life "Tower Block of Commons" on channel 4 have tried to address this matter and in my own personal opinion, very successfully. Politicians who have volunteered to participate in the program have finally seen just how difficult it is to live of state benefit's and are also beginning to realise that the majority of those people DO NOT do so through laziness or simply to get some "free" cash. Of course there are those who choose not to work but they are in the minority and at a time when unemployed people out number available job's by as much as 10 to 1, it is both irresponsible and unfair to label unemployed people in such a manner. If you haven't yet seen this program on channel 4 I would definitely recommend it. You can view the episodes here;

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/tower-block-of-commons/4od#series-1

So let's see where some of that wasted money is going. The following research probably cost the tax payer more than your average sick or disabled person per year, and show's how the Government and the DWP see falling number's in those claiming Income Related benefit's. One of the most frightening of which is the one on Pension Credit. If they think our mature citizens will not be claiming the money on which they depend, just where exactly will it be coming from. You surely can't expect these people to work,....can you?!

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/projections-of-entitlement-to-incomerelatedbenefitsjune2008.pdf

With thanks to Steven Preece for sending this to me.

Disablity

2010-02-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

Again I have received comments that because I can use a computer and I can talk I am not disabled. The person says I'm just lazy and that other people are paying for me to sit on my arse all day.

Would they rather that I worked and ended up in hospital costing more money to the government?

There are jobs out there that disabled people can do. I get tired easily so I wouldn't be able to hold down a job.

I have made many friends with disabilities and a lot of us would love to be able to work. People need to have a lot more compassion with disabled people.