Yellow card?

[Bellemare]

Hi everyone!

Just got a little bit upset 😢

I suffer mega fatigue, crap balance, confusion etc, following brain surgery. I rarely go out alone, but thought I would take the dogs a short walk.

I met a lady who wanted to chat (socially distanced). I avoid talking to anyone if I can, as I talk rubbish some of the time, can’t find the right words etc.

I kept asking the lady to repeat herself, and even then it didn’t compute. I hadn’t the energy to explain about BI. I scurried away as soon as I could, embarrassed. Dread to think what she thought.

I think there is a yellow card you can get, on a lanyard. It indicates you have hidden disability. Hope that makes sense. If anyone has info I would be really grateful.

TIA x

[Marnie22]

Have a look at the Headway website as you can apply for a Headway brain injury I.D. card. It explains a bit about your difficulties on it and is really useful. I have used it in banks, opticians etc. Last year I got stranded at Waterloo station when I got confused about train times. The station was shutting down for the night. I couldn't explain everything to the police community support officers, but I showed them the card, they spoke to Network Rail and Network Rail paid for a taxi to get me back to the West country! This was amazing.

Do check it out. I take my card everywhere I go. I became unwell with cognitive and physical fatigue in Tesco's recently. I couldn't speak properly. I showed my card to a staff member and they were very helpful.

All the best. 🙂🌸

[Bellemare in reply to Marnie22]

Great thanks, sounds really useful. Stay safe x

[Marnie22 in reply to Bellemare]

You too. 🙂🌸

[Dvorak]

Yes, information about the sunflower card is available here hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/

[Bellemare in reply to Dvorak]

Thank you Dvorak. I have ordered one, now.

[1949liz]

Good morning Bellemare, maybe the lady was lonely and looking for someone to talk too. Maybe she has a hidden disability, I am sure she was delighted just because you stopped and listened to her, even though you found it difficult to understand what she was saying. I am sure a card on your person is an opening for conversation with people you meet. Sometimes it will help others understand more about head injuries. God Bless You and have a good day as it’s sunny and warm. Love Liz x🌹🙏

[Bellemare]

Hi Liz, I have ordered one, now. Can only give it a try. Thanks, you too

[Pairofboots]

Headway have an ID card that explains, but this is more for officials who would take time to read it. You can get a sunflower lanyard that generally shows you have a hidden disability. Before I got the lanyard and the headway card, I did make a laminated yellow card (yellow, haven't got a clue why), but the had the had a simple message, "I have brain damage, sorry if I become distressed". I made it business card size, and double sided so I didn't have to think when I used it. You could have a card that just say, "I have a brain injury, and find it difficult to communicate".

[Bellemare in reply to Pairofboots]

Thanks for the info. I have sent off the required documentation for a Headway card, and ordered the other card too. Stay safe