a little good news

hi folks
i just recieved my blue badge parking permit in the post today!!!
i know it will help a great deal so i can park close to the store and not have to hike for ages using up my enegy.
but i cant help thinking that its a bit final as in thats it now im classed as dissabled??
hope you all are feeling as baest as can be just thought i would share my little bit of good news.
regards bairdy

[Lulu54]

I got the US equivalent of that last year - that handicap placcard for parking sure does make a statement, right?

Just remember that you aren't required to use it all the time - when you feel up to it, be sure to park a bit further out so you can get some exercise.  I do that at work - one day I'm upi close and other times I am at the far side of the parking lot (car park to you!).

take care,
Lulu

[RedFlame]

Hi Bairdy!

It's a double edge sword I think.  Like Lu said it will really help you as you will be able to go to more stores etc.  Sorry about the finality that your disability is now more visible.

It takes a bit to get used to at least for me, I found it hard to remember in the beginning.  

I do things backward, I received mine months before any type of diagnosis was entertained.  

Red.  

[Sparkysarah]

I also got my blue badge this year and it was a real sharp wake up call that there is something wrong. Then when I had informed the DVLA about my MS they reduced my licence to 3 years.    I know this is will only require a visit to the GP in 3 years time and hopefully all will be well but it made me really aware of the potential for this illness to take hold.

Well this wake up call had a positive result for me.   I decided to blow my critical illness insurance pay out with my husband's blessing and I am now the proud owner of an automatic Audi A5 Cabriolet as I decided life is for living right now  If there is a possibility that I may not be able to drive in the future then I am giong to enjoy driving something fun now!!!!

My kids are very embarrassed if I use the disabled badge and I only use it if I am having a bad day and my legs are tired, or at hospital appointments. I have found it invaluable at time and yes and am glad that I have it.

With reference to your comment about being "classed disabled", I think this is just a matter of not worrying how others may see you.  Yes you have a blue badge as you have a life time condition which is a disability but this does not mean that you have to carry the label around with you so be positive and think "I have MS but it does not have me!".

Take care and be well

Sarah

[bairdy]

hi
thanks for your comments, never thought about it like that but your right
regards bairdy

[Lulu54]

That special parking permit allows us to be smarter as to how we use our energy - think of it as a special gift/tool to get you through.

We can choose to conserve that effort of energy from walking in from the car park so we can make  it through a store.  It's a trade-off and I for one am happy to have that option.

take care, -Lu

[twist330]

Out of interest, did you decided to apply for a blue badge or did a medical professional suggest you should? the same question goes for DLA in the UK.

A friend of mine suggested I should apply for both, but I am not DX and no Dr has mentioned it.
Just wondered if I should wait for the Dr to feel I would qualify or what the protocol is?

[Sparkysarah]

Hiya Twist

The application for a blue badge in UK is done through your local council and i just applied online...but i did discuss it with my gp first as I was not sure I was "bad" enough. She was very supportive and suggested that I apply and it is up to me how often I use it. When I was in relapse..it was invaluable but the nature of RRMS means that there will be good times.  The most significant thing is about how far you can walk but for me it was fatigue.

I actually rang my council before I applied and as soon as i said I had MS they told me to apply..so I did.  I think as you are not dx'd it will not be so easy unless you can claim under the walking bit butt the dx appeared to make a big difference (huh so much for labels!!)

My GP also suggested applying for DLA but I have not as my son with Aspergers claims it and as I am his carer I did not think I could also claim DLA in my own name.
It is all going to change soon anyway.....

Hope that helps

Sarah

[bairdy]

hi
i was advised to apply for a blue badge by my gp and the assesor that came out to ***** what addaptations i needed about the house.
hope this helps
regards bairdy

[thornygates]

I am in limbo land and got a handicap tag 6 months ago. I wasn't sure my neuro dr would think i was 'disabled" enough but he didn't hesitate at all. I think that unsettled me most.

I don't use it unless i need to. and yes i've had a couple people ask me why i was parking in the handicap place. I point to my tag. they haven't said anything more.

The PT told me 4 years ago to use the electric carts, but i haven't  yet. i figure there is always someone worse off then me that would need it. Same thoughts about applying for a service dog.

I know i need help or help would mean i can do more. be able to enjoy life again, but somehow it makes it all to real. yes, i do understand that feeling.

[HVAC]

I got mine two weeks ago. I was a whee bit embarrassed, like I was embarrassed to use the ADA section at the Rally but I am glad I did. I had to walk over a mile to the Rally.

Alex

[Rena705]

I have to say that the "disability" card for my car has come in very handy at times and there are other times I just don't use it.  If I am having a few hard days it is invaluable, especially to get groceries because we don't get help out with groceries here anymore.  

Then there are the times that I am feeling pretty darn good and I park as far away as I think I can get back to after shopping or whatever.  You learn after a while just how far to push yourself.

Use it, don't abuse it and if anyone gives you a hard time about having a "great" place to park...just tell them that if they are willing to take your MS, you would be more than happy to give them your parking stall as well!  Someone here came up with that one and I have surprisingly had to use it more than once!  

Lots of Hugs,
Rena