brilliant blue badge idea: on pain... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

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brilliant blue badge idea

hamble99b profile image
52 Replies

on pain concern one lady commented on a post about pain being invisible, leaving us standing in pain in queues or being in need of help but ignored, or hesitant to ask.

she wrote

"I have a blue badge for my car but would like one to put in my purse to show to people"

I think this is an excellent idea! what do others think?

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hamble99b profile image
hamble99b
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52 Replies
Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy

Hello San,

A disabled checkout express would be good near the door but cannot see that happening. Plus I wouldn't be very express lol! I like Asda's idea which is simple but effective yet possibly boring for the employee, where they stand and hold a pointer high in the air for where there is a checkout free (constantly walking up & down doing this) I don't know about you but having seen an empty till and then walked this way to find half a dozen of people have got there before you is annoying but you wait as it is too much effort to walk back !

Here in Andover we have laminated signs for our cars to go alongside our badges to not only promote our support group but also saying why we have a badge as invariably people go look I'm sure. I posted a long while ago as to whether if FibroAction had a dashboard notice would anyone a) think this was a good idea and b) would use it you may remember.

Tip from one of our members about applying for your Registered Disabled Card (yellow in colour in this area maybe the same everywhere??) and then also applying for the Free Disabled Bus Pass plus companion if needed.

Looking forward to reading comments

Emma :)

in reply toMdaisy

Hi emma there's a number of us that would like to know how you get a registered disabled card please?!

xxxzebxxx

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply to

Hello Zeb, How are you?

You need to contact your local council if you wish to apply for this card and you we be awarded one if you can supply proof they require ie: Blue Badge.

Hope this helps

Emma :)

in reply toMdaisy

thank you I can prove that much appreciated

xxx many untainted with hot choc fluffies xxx

antonella profile image
antonella in reply toMdaisy

can you please tell me how can i apply for the registered disabled card

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply toantonella

Hello Antonella,

Please see comment above , as explained in answer to Zeb

Many Thanks

Emma :)

Ginsing profile image
Ginsing

What a brilliant idea. How many times have we felt the eyes watching us as if to say "There is nothing wrong with them" Good old invisible illness - I realise some will not want to advertise there problems but others are willing to promote Fibro so I am for the yellow card.

xgins

cowsrock profile image
cowsrock

I have to go to a medical this morning for the Blue Badge, already have a yellow disabled card a free Bus pass, I havve applyed for pip but have lost before trying to get it :( it is so hard to get help for us I don't know when I'm going to get to the stage when I can't walk or do my pt job :( , has anyone had a medical for this ?

flange1967 profile image
flange1967

Hi I'm just wondering how do u get a Registered Disabled Card. I have no idea how to do it. I have a disabled bus pass and a blue badge.

in reply toflange1967

me too good question?

Cookie72 profile image
Cookie72

I have blue badge, but a freedom bus pass, in others words pensioners bus pass LOL, would be a brilliant idea to have a disabled card how would we get this....hugs .....Dee x

ginge profile image
ginge

What about a blue badge to attach to our coats when out. Perhaps with our invisible illness we might b recognised as needing help in supermarkets and places.

ginge profile image
ginge in reply toginge

Ermmm not like the one in the car. Lol one smaller of some sort.

in reply toginge

excellent glad you said that I already look like a borrower when I hold the one for the car LOLOLOLOL

ladytelita profile image
ladytelita

How about those of us that don't have any disabled badges etc? I've never even tried for one...I mean I can walk (I'll pay for it later, but I can do it) and I try to keep active. I hate the fact that on not so good days I'm hobbling about like an old person (no offense meant, but I'm only 39) and people would automatically assume I was alot older instead of suffering with an illness.

I don't really want a badge, I don't consider myself ill enough (that's just me, stubborn) but I have to park my car up a steep hill away from my house as that's the closest free parking (what I get for living in a small fishing village with no drive) and some days that hill takes a long time. Any thoughts anyone? Can I get help in regards to that? Without moving of course.

P.

in reply toladytelita

I'm 40 2 weeks tomorrow and use a wheelchair outside and people still ignore the fact I'm disabled :(

However you could always get some rollerskates and some rope and ask a friend to tow you up and down the hill how much fun would that be :D

;) ;) ;) xxxzebxxx

ladytelita profile image
ladytelita in reply to

Lol, What a thought, but I only have my kids who would not relish the idea of lugging me up the hill! They would, on the other hand, love to have to opportunity to push me down. I can just see me screaming at oncoming cars, "No Brakes, NO BRAKES!"

P.

in reply toladytelita

now there an image straight from 'some mothers do av em' hehehe

I used to love that show and as an adult to discover that Michael Crawford did his own stunts makes me chuckle more. :D

Can't have you hurting yourself tho........... or causing traffic accidents so shall have to think of something else!?

xxxzebxxx

in reply to

are you coming on the trip to the science museum its make-believe but we do have lots of fun play acting xxx hope you decide to join us for some fun and silliness xx

ladytelita profile image
ladytelita in reply to

Ah you see I would have but I had to go out....and have my hair done! For only the second time this year (I last had it done Jan/Feb time). Next time Zeb. :)

P.

rowanmaya profile image
rowanmaya in reply toladytelita

Hi, most councils won't paint up a disabled person's parking bay unless you have a blue badge or are on disability benefits. Have you thought about getting a scooter? There are some portable versions that might be a better option for getting it in and out of your car. :-)

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply toladytelita

Hello Ladytelita,

A Blue Badge if you have the proof of disability they require or your doctor can write to confirm how Fibro affects you and the reasons for the badge may help. You can park closer and therefore pace yourself more (use less spoons) so that you are not as exhausted when you return home. Limiting the amount of walking a fraction may have less impact on your Fibro.

I have a Blue Badge, Registered Disabled Card & I use our Andover group Dashboard Notice (well should do really as Group Leader). It is up to you whether you choose to apply if you are able but I think if you are eligible then everyone experiencing chronic pain & fatigue should consider having one to make life that little bit easier.

Best Wishes

Emma :)

ladytelita profile image
ladytelita in reply toMdaisy

I don't think I am disabled enough. Walking on level ground I'm really not too bad (especially with the pills and a tiny drop of whiskey ;) ), although, as yesterday, I pay for it when I push it just a tiny bit.

I don't think I'd pass any test they tried since I don't use a chair or sticks to help me walk, actually sticks would probably make my shoulders play up and I won't even start on my hands/wrists, lol. Catch 22. You look fine and able whilst active....it's later on when it kicks you in the rear and you end up lying down or in bed unable to find the energy or even cope with making dinner so everyone ends up on ready meals or similar yet again.*sigh*

I hate this illness.

P.

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply toladytelita

Me too, it has gone into Room 101 many times on here. Together , with support & up-to-date information which may help to control the symptoms we may have periods of 'optimum health' for us along with the ups & downs. Keep Fighting, I do the voluntary work for FibroAction to help support their aims and believe we can raise awareness together !

Sending strength to all :)

yep I agree its a fab idea :) LOLOL

xxxzebxxx

chellshock profile image
chellshock

How do you apply for a disabled card?

rowanmaya profile image
rowanmaya in reply tochellshock

In my area you contact the council, usually adult social care or a disability officer. Hope that helps!

in reply tochellshock

are you still coming on the trip to the science museum its make-believe but we do have lots of fun play acting xxx hope you decide to join us for some fun and silliness xx

I've had an idea.......... we could adapt those headband dongly things so they have flashing lights and a siren....or we could just take water pistols with us wherever we go......that could be dangerous I admit but funny:D

xxxzebxxx

rowanmaya profile image
rowanmaya in reply to

Lol, my hubby suggested a tazer ;-) :-D

in reply torowanmaya

heheheheh! :D ;)

are you coming on the trip to the science museum its make-believe but we do have lots of fun play acting xxx hope you decide to join us for some fun and silliness xx

deejay profile image
deejay

Yes very good idea, I find it hard if its a long queue having to stand and wait. A badge for my purse would brilliant.

I am finding more and more people parking in the blue badge area and not having a badge, does anyone go and report this.

rowanmaya profile image
rowanmaya in reply todeejay

I use a rollator that I can sit on when I'm in a queue etc. I get some interesting looks from pensioners and younger people alike but I really don't care about their preconceptions so long as they don't negatively approach me :-)

deejay profile image
deejay in reply torowanmaya

my rolator doesnt have a seat on it, but I notice looks from pensioners, I also think thay pensioners just think they can park in blue badge area just for the reason they are pensioners. My neighbours are 20+ years older than me and could run marathons, they are that healthy.

rowanmaya profile image
rowanmaya in reply todeejay

That's a shame yours doesn't have a seat. Have you thought about getting one that does? I got a lightweight one from Lidl (of all places!) but it's quite good. I know what you mean about the parking abuse. I've seen quite a few people with kids, and no blue badge, abusing the disabled persons' parking so I wonder what makes them think that having kids is the same as having a disability! Selfish, inconsiderate people.

rowanmaya profile image
rowanmaya in reply todeejay

I meant to add that I recently reported disabled persons' parking being abused by staff at my local Sainsbury's!

Hey sandra

are you still coming on the trip to the science museum xxx hope you decide to join us for some fun and silliness xx

WoollyMamath profile image
WoollyMamath

I've reported people parking in the Disabled bays at Tescos (mostly going to the cashpoint!) and they just say that as its a private car park they can't do anything about it! Good on Sainsburys who DO enforce their bays

Chimbelina profile image
Chimbelina

I agree that it would be good to have a 'blue badge' card to show. On the quite rare occasion when my son (ME/CFS) makes it out as far as the train/underground, there is always the unease, (shame even?) when he needs to sit down, as looks like a strapping young man who should be giving up his seat for the ladies! Mind you he wouldn't use a card; he just wants to be the same as everyone else and not draw attention to himself.

Perhaps you could take a photo copy?

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply toChimbelina

Hello Chimbelina,

This is true on trains people I'm sure do wonder which is very distressing for some & you should not feel you need to explain why someone needs the seat or have a badge saying 'I have Fibromyalgia /M.E '. I believe the train notice about use of these seats now include the line ' Please note that all disabilities are not visible'

I understand the situation completely, we do need so much more awareness of Fibro. This is why I volunteer my time as FibroAction Administrator & to help advise people who contact FibroAction (supporters of the charity like many of you in this community) with their queries.

Gosh, just realised next month will be a year I have been helping FibroAction !

Emma :)

Lambchop-1 profile image
Lambchop-1

there is a card off nhs saying I need help you can pick these up at chemists gps etc hope this helps x

nanatre profile image
nanatre

My local hospital has disabled parking, you have to show your badge to park there. To get your travel paid for you have to show your blue badge!! I think a smaller one would be an excellent idea.

hamble99b profile image
hamble99b in reply tonanatre

my hospital was the same but only had to show it 1st time to register. but - you have to have an "official" insulting piece of a5 paper [that someone from the pay office has written your name on an initialled] You take it like a naughty child to your app'ts where staff write the time & date & sign it! apparently, hospital letters & app't cards don't count!

Gramma profile image
Gramma

I've tried filling in online for blue badge but it just says I'm not eligible. Do I have to phone and explain or will I be assessed?

Hols15 profile image
Hols15

I want a badge like the baby on board one I use all my energy getting 2 work as I get a bus and 2 trains and never any seats

leonard30 profile image
leonard30

What benifits did you get your blue badge for

leonard30 profile image
leonard30

Sandera99

What benifits did you get your blue bange for

hamble99b profile image
hamble99b in reply toleonard30

I cannot walk very far due to severe arthritis in my spine. plus other things.

tovi profile image
tovi

This is an excellent idea... sometimes the badge needs to be in the car, so a smaller copy would be good. I have thought about taking a photcopy and keeping it in my purse, but not sure if this would be accepted anywhere.

hamble99b profile image
hamble99b in reply totovi

that's a good idea!

Ginsing profile image
Ginsing in reply tohamble99b

It is a good idea but also just getting a registered disabled card would help :)

Confused01 profile image
Confused01

Great idea!

There was a campaign going about silent Dissability..ie can’t be seen but suffered.

Of course we could howl excessively in pain in these situations to get people to realise and consider but that’s embarrassing and should have to do.

One of my gripes is places where there’s often queues, yet not a chair in sight for disabled people to use! If there is one invariably others in the que don’t let you back in when it’s your turn. There are some nice peeps of course but not the majority.

There should be a discreet badge or something similar that people get to means consider us. A matching badge design sign could be displayed in banks, shops, transport, waiting rooms etc for awareness.

But how could this be achieved?

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