New to all this......Pip & ESA

Good afternoon
As my heading says, this is all new to me......
I have been unable to work since September of last year due to Osteoarthritis in my right knee, for which I had a Total Knee Replacement 6 weeks ago. I was successfully awarded PIP, both elements at the Basic rate, without a Face to Face meeting. All ok so far. I was on Occupational Sick Pay up till a couple of weeks ago, and when that ran out I used accrued Holiday Pay - this had to be used as - wait for it - I was made redundant on April 6th this year!!
So, I know that I should be entitled to Contribution Based ESA, but just to add to the mix, I now have severe OA in my OTHER knee, but the specialist wont consider any surgical intervention until at least 6 months after me previous op - i.e. September 2015 at the earliest.
I currently have a Fit Note from my (lovely) GP, but it is for 4 weeks and states "Post Operative Recovery" - but going forward, it will primarily be the newly diagnosed OA in my unoperated knee which will prevent me from seeking employment, and I believe I should be in the Support Group for ESA, as I am unlikely to be in a position to work until maybe this time next year.....and this was supported by my Physio when I saw her yesterday....
SO I guess what Im asking, is do I go back to my GP and explain what the Osteo Specialist has said, and ask for a Fit Note to run up until my next Osteo appointment, which is in July, and also, am I barking up the right tree as far as expecting to be put into the Support Group?
Sorry its a bit long winded, everyt and I hope it makes sense, things all a bit mixed up in my head right now....

Thank you.
I have had a meeting with my GP, she has prescribed further pain relief meds, but better than that, she has provided me with a Ftr note, stating unfit for work, valid for 6 months.
I am now going through the ESA Claim Form, and preparing my case.
On page 4 of the ESA Test Paper, there is a question relating to substantial risk to self or others - would the fact that I am unable to mobilise quickly due to Osteoarthritis pose a "substantial risk" to self and others in the event of fire? I have to walk with 2 crutches at all times, and have extreme difficulty ascending/descending stairs.
Regards
Terri

Good morning
I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU!!!!!! to the Team, I have had a letter this morning telling me that 15 weeks after my initial claim, Ive been placed in WRAG - without the dreaded Medical Assessment!!
I dont think theres any way I would have got this if not for the brilliant advice on here, so thank you all so much!

Hi T,

I have merged your topics for continuity.

Congratulations on The WRAG Award !

The extra WRA Component Additions should be payable from the start of Week 14 of your claim.

If you are being paid Contribution Based (CB) ESA only in the WRAG, you should read the following :

12 Month Limit for ESA(CB)

See also : Work Focused Interviews

Work Programme

&

Changes to ESA Sanctions

From our : ESA FAQ’s

bro58