Blue Badge (UK)

[Wraysbury]

I got my Blue Badge with diagnosis of PMR. I was really happy, then it struck me that it’s the first time I’ve ever had “being disabled” applied to me officially, rather sad. However it’ll make such a huge difference to me

[Rosbud]

Can I ask please was it easy to apply ?

[Wraysbury in reply to Rosbud]

Yes I did it all online. I had to get a print out of the diagnosis and relevant medical history from my GP, which is free, scanned it and a digital photo. Done

[Rosbud in reply to Wraysbury]

Thanks for this I'll definitely give it A try x

[Wraysbury in reply to Rosbud]

Good luck!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rosbud]

You need to concentrate on the fact you cannot walk very far. Mobility, or rather the lack of it, it one of the points.

[Wraysbury in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes of course, you have to say how far you can walk, unaided, aided etc. It’s very individual, so just be honest

[polymy in reply to Rosbud]

I have recently got my blue badge. On my first application I was refused. I spoke to my friend who is a volunteer advisor with CAB. She helped me fill in another form. The secret is in describing your very WORST day. I hadn’t emphasised my problems enough. No problem on second application and what a boon it is.

[Hidden]

Health difficulties aren’t a life choice. There are many down sides to chronic illness; the fact that something positive has come out of it should be celebrated.

If you were able to park way over the other side of a car park, skip to and from the shop ps without a second thought, I bet you wouldn’t think about it. But you can’t. That’s because you have a long term debilitating illness which affects your day to day life...all day and every day.

I’d urge you to enjoy the benefits of a blue badge. You can park more easily and use your limited energy to best effect. Please try to think about it as something positive from something you can’t control. Enjoy the benefit. It’s not given for nothing.

[GOOD_GRIEF]

Take the help when you need it. Give it back when you can.

[suzy1959]

I have a blue badge too, but I had a phone interview followed by a face to face interview. It runs out in May and I am hoping they will renew it. I couldn’t manage without it.

[Wraysbury in reply to suzy1959]

Wow. Well good luck in May. Perhaps it’s only recently become available on line?? I remember my mother had to be assessed face to face

every 3 yrs, and with her diagnosis she was never going to become more mobile!

[HeronNS in reply to Wraysbury]

One does wonder about bureaucracy sometimes. Here in Canada there was something which would have been funny but it was so sad too. Veterans (of Afghanistan) who had lost a limb had to prove annually that they still had their disability. Can you imagine?

[Wraysbury in reply to HeronNS]

WHAT. Unbelievable and very sad 😩

[suzy1959]

No, I did apply online initially. I just had to jump through more hoops!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to suzy1959]

I think maybe because the local council takes the responsibility for issuing, there may be different criterial in different parts of the country. There shouldn’t be, but it appears there is.

[Wraysbury in reply to DorsetLady]

That’s bad, it should be universal

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Wraysbury]

Yes it should be.

But we all live in different environments - for example if you live in a rural community public transport is practically non existent, so the ability to drive yourself and if necessary have a BB is essential. However if you live in a more urban area, public transport may be excellent - and usable!

Not saying this is how it works, but maybe rural social services have a better understanding of the problem, and are more amenable to those in need.

[Wraysbury in reply to DorsetLady]

Oh I hadn’t thought of that. Yes I have one bus day, which can only make it in good weather!!

[Wraysbury]

I guess we r all different, with varying abilities. Tell them how it is and 🤞 hopefully you’ll be fine

[Manchesterlady]

Mine is invaluable, I couldn’t manage without it . I had to have an assessment to show how far I could walk . It is awful when you are classed as disabled.

I don’t use it on good days, but I would struggle without it.

[bunnymom]

It's another way that you are taking care of yourself and that's a good thing. Living your new normal ❤️

[Wraysbury in reply to bunnymom]

Thank you for that lovely reply. My new normal, yes I keep forgetting that 😘

[bunnymom in reply to Wraysbury]

Every now and then I tell myself I must be getting old when I can't do something but I stop and remind myself.... I'm sick and doing the best I can. We do have to watch after our thinking don't we?

[Wraysbury in reply to bunnymom]

Indeed. I’m just emerging from the other side of the grieving process I went through for the lost me. It’s been 8 months since diagnosis, but now I can get out more cos of the Blue Badge as I know I can park, I feel an excitement I haven’t felt for a long time. Fighting negative thoughts and allow myself to rest when necessary and pacing have been some of the hardest things. That’s ignoring the obvious. The pain the overwhelming fatigue etc etc!!!!

[SheffieldJane in reply to bunnymom]

I feel it when I get helped out of trains ( that gap!!) and mini bus taxis. 5 minutes ago I was helping mums with prams etc. It seems.

[Wraysbury in reply to SheffieldJane]

I know. A girl offered me her seat on a train last week, Thats never happened to me before, it wd always have been me jumping up! I felt wretched and must have looked it!! My initial reaction (in my head) was “ oh no I’m fine thanks, what do u think I am old or something” but luckily my sensible face smiled and thanked her hugely as I collapsed into the seat!!

[Constance13 in reply to Wraysbury]

When I was 66 I got on a bus and the driver said “don’t you have your bus card with you”, I hesitated and must have looked confused. He let me on without paying!😂 When I got to my seat I couldn’t help giggling. It hadn’t occurred to me that I was now officially ‘getting old’.

Thought I might try that again - but I am an honest citizen.😂😂

[Wraysbury in reply to Constance13]

Surely you can have one at 66 yrs old anyway?? (In UK) I was really looking forward to mine when I got to 60, I intended to try and get around Whole UK free on the buses and B&Bing on the way!! But when I was 56 they put my retirement age up to 67 😩. On the positive side hopefully the PMR will have gone by then, so I’ll still be able to do it one day!! 😄

[Constance13 in reply to Wraysbury]

I was on holiday in England!😂

[Wraysbury in reply to Constance13]

Oh. Ok!!!

[SheffieldJane in reply to Wraysbury]

We paid extra to have more leg room on a plane ( husband is very tall and you know how I am) a youngish man on crutches stood in front of me with a pained face. I found it hard not to give him my seat. We look in such rude health!

[bunnymom]

It is all quite an adjustment. It sounds as if you are getting where you need to be to get your life back, as it is. I liked to think of myself as a fun size candy bar. Still the same but a smaller package. A simple life really helps.

[SheffieldJane]

You can harrumph! at people who go in the disabled loos and parking spots now. Hopefully you will get over this. I always thought I would.

[Nellie1965]

Hi Wraysbury,I too got my blue badge last summer at the age of 53.I too felt a bit weird about it.BUTTTT,I Soon came round to the idea that it was actually freedom in a way.Making things more accessible.Goid luck.xx😁

[Telian]

For anyone applying - you need to give the worst case scenario re how far you can walk - that seems to be key regardless your diagnosis. My sister is waiting for open heart surgery and has recently been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis whereby she struggles to walk and is breathless walking from lounge to kitchen. On her application she said she could walk further than she can, which was inaccurate, needless to say she was refused the badge. She can appeal but she won't.

Your badge will be such a good help Wraysbury.

[Kaaswinkel]

What is a blue badge, I have no idea, we don t have that in New Zealand!, alida

[Marcy47 in reply to Kaaswinkel]

Blue Badge lets you park in disabled spaces.

[ptm2018]

What is a blue badge? I live in the US. Thank you 😃

[Stifffingers]

Hi,

I too applied for badge when i had first got diagnosed with PMR.my walking was suffering , (ended a stick) and my general mobility was really bad. I applied on line, like the others have stated, and then i had to go for an assessment. To be honest it was like i had committed crime , the way i was interviewed.It really wasn't,a pleasant experience. I even got escorted to my car. ( i stopped half way for affect)!!..never thought i was going to be accepted, but was!. Its truly been a godsend. i have friends with Arthritic Knees etc who have been rejected. i guess its how you come across.

[pollymarierose]

I'm trying to get my handicap permit today after I see my rheumatologist. (temporary until permanent permit comes). I hope it will be that easy as I'm going to a concert in 2 days and walking is my biggest concern. Thank goodness it's at a theater and not a stadium!