I had some good news at the start of the year, an offer to be referred to a private provider (paid by the NHS) who can assess me this year. I started the referral process back in 2019, and of course Covid-19 has slowed things down considerably since then, so I took the chance and agreed.
Last week the provider contacted me with details of how to login to their online portal and review my case notes. I now need to complete an online self-assessment and fill out two questionnaires — one for me, one for another family member — and upload the results, they'll then review those and schedule an interview via video call.
Doing the questionnaires has meant returning to memories of my childhood and adult life, which has been tough for all my family. But I'm nearly done, and that will be a weight off my mind, literally.
I'm realistic about what the outcome of my assessment will be. At age 53 I'm not expecting much in the way of help, but honestly just having a diagnosis to point to will be a major step forward for me.
