Just wondering.....

[abihel]

Does anyone have a blue badge disability badge for their car. I am wondering about applying for as I really struggle to walk very far at all and when shopping just walking from the car park to the shop I have rest about three times to get my breath and the strength back in my legs. I'm okay pottering around my home.

I sometimes feel like a fraud and embarrassed I am taking 10mg of Bisoprolol and warfarin daily. I don't really want to go down this route..but thinking anything that might make my life a little easier while I get sorted might be worth going for as I'm avoiding going out more and more because of the fear of walking.

[BobD Volunteer]

Difficult one. AF is not a disability per se but you may be able to persuade the powers that be of your problems and get a badge. I do know what you mean as my knees are really bad (need new ones) and struggle to walk far but would feel a fraud with a disabled badge.. Trying not to go that route while I am still vertical.

Bob

[abihel in reply to BobD]

That@s exactly how I feel BobD a fraud because at home I can manage...I just feel as though I'm losing my independence and I am avoiding going out on my own because of the walking. When with my husband he drops me off at the door and then he parks the car.

[shirlygirly]

When I read your post I thought straight away thats a big dose of bisoprolol

you are taking, I started off with 2.5mg and couldnt function on that and when

the dose was reduced life became much better. So Id certainly go down that

route or even try something else, theres plenty of options. Feeling half dead

and lethargic is awful so I think you need to see your GP or maybe cardiolo gist

to see what can be done, Ive just had a couple of hours in my garden it was

great, forgotton how good it is to have a good old potter around, I feel so

much better and my garden certainly looks better. Take action today you

will feel so much better after taking the first step. Good Luck.

[abihel in reply to shirlygirly]

I have just had an appointment with an EP who has doubled my dose of Bisoprolo from 5mg to 10mg even tough I protested and ask for something else she said ' You might not feel it's doing you any good but it is the best thing for you' I am very disappointed I was bad enough on 5mg. I've only been taking the 10mg for 4 days...can't honestly say I feel any worse (yet) but I certainly don't feel any better.

[shirlygirly in reply to abihel]

Oh dear I dont know what to say what else can you do, I dont know

only get another opinion. Its an awful drastic step to take but it

might be your only option. I can quite understand you not being

very mobile and I dont know what other option you have. Maybe

others on here may have some suggestions. You have my sympathy

you are obviously in need of some help. Take care Shirley.

[Hidden in reply to abihel]

I'd ask for a 2nd opinion unless you already have, or get back to the EP and make it clear you can't stand it. Have they tried other drugs on you? I was put on Biso, felt awful, so they put me on other drugs which have worked well but it took about 4 attempts.

Just a thought, you've probably already been through this or considered it.

Koll

[Pdotg in reply to abihel]

I halved my dose of bisoprolol to 1.25mg daily and feel better. The EP may disagree when I tell him! My reading tells me it's all a matter of tweaking doses and medications until you find the right combination.

[abihel]

Thank you

[carriewoods]

Don't feel guilty, your situation is similar to mine. I applied for a badge because I couldn't walk any distance plus replacement joint pain and was awarded a blue badge immediately. It makes such a huge difference to my life, being able to park more closely to my destination.

[abihel in reply to carriewoods]

Thank you Carriewood....I'm hoping my condition improves and I don't need it forever I don't want one but I need one there is a difference...I do feel a fraud sometimes because pottering around the home I'm fine (except when I go upstairs) but I can't stay in all the time I would like some quality of life. xxx

[maryjc]

I have had a blue badge for a long time because of a hip problem and it is a joy. Certainly makes it possible for me to go out. I know what you mean when you say you have to stop every few yards My AF certainly is more of a hindrance than my hip nowadays. Blue Badges have heart problems listed on their application form. It depends on what your Doctor states in his reply to the council so talk to him/her first. Good Luck. Mary

[abihel]

Thank you Maryjc......I am going to see tomorrow and my doctor has given me a letter to take with me he thinks I need one. Nice to talk to someone who understands. xx