how do you think it feels

This morning I got a bumper fun pack from my friends at the DWP. This contained:

• Copies of both of my PIP applications
• Notes from both of my assessments
• The DWP's notes on the applications, including the rationale for turning me down in each instance
• Their responses to both of my requests for a Mandatory Reconsideration

All topped off with the following charmingly abrupt statement:

I've considered all the available evidence and considered which descriptors apply for each activity... I agree with all the descriptors selected.

I oppose the appeal and ask the Tribunal to dismiss the appeal and confirm the Secretary of State's decision.

It was not a great start to the day.

Every time I get one of these - and since January 2017 there have been a few - I immediately go into a mood of equal parts rage and despair.

"I don’t know if I can keep doing this any longer"

I can't help thinking that this is exactly the response they're counting on.

I end up ranting to whoever is closest to hand (apologies to the divine Mrs D), then firing off messages to my Dad or on Twitter [FULL DISCLOSURE: it's usually always both].

Then I take a deep breath, look through it all again, listen to the thoughts of the people around me, and think:

"There's no f**king way I'm giving up on this now"

I wish they'd let me stop! I'm not trying to bilk the system and I can think of a million things that I'd much rather be doing.

But if that's the way it has to be...