Driven to Despair - Report on DVLA medical section

Thankyou Manski for the detailed reply.
My medical is due December but I had emergency spinal surgery in August, my doctor said not to bother with trying for a medical as they will not pass me right now but maybe in 6 -8mths time.
I too have heard of people losing entitlement for their bike licence when just trying to renew a photo, I have scanned mine because of it.
Thanks again.