Blue Badge

I keep thinking about it, but have never got round to it, much to my husband's disapproval. I always think that I can do the walk on good days so I wouldn't qualify! I'm not good at thinking of the bad days, when I generally wouldn't even think about going to town etc! 

Well done for getting yours! I'll have another think... 

Hubs applied when his bad hip prevented him from getting about, he had badly formed joints which should have been seen at birth. Basically his left hip almost dislocated at every step and his first replacement wasn’t done till he was 47 years old. It made a huge difference but the other hip then began to get worse and he has spinal arthritis too, and uses a powered wheelchair apart from around the house. So his Blue Badge has been vital for years.

It makes so much difference and enables him to get around, get his wheelchair out and get about. Driving is still fine though, the car seat is a very supportive one. 

This is why my kids have jumped in to stay to help me through the mastectomy! 

Hugs xxx

Hi

I would agree that anyone currently undergoing chemotherapy or who has finished in last few months should apply for a blue badge. They are awarded by local councils and in some cases they will carry out their own assessment and in others they want a decision letter from a Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Assessment. 

I applied for a blue badge and it was the best thing I have ever done it is such a big help to be able to park nearer to shops and not have to push a trolley across the car park and back to the shop to get a pound coin back

Loretta

I think the whole system for blue badges needs reviewing.  I don't understand why they don't issue temporary badge unless in the case of permanent disability.  Maybe a different colour to show valid for 3/6 months.  I know when I broke my leg I couldn't get in or out of car in a normal parking space as I needed door fully opened and if we went to restaurant etc. My hubby had to park outside, put his hazards on, pray for no camera van, get me into restaurant and then go park the car and then do all this in reverse when leaving.  

Radar keys are also great if you like to get out and about but often have bathroom needs as many rural toilets by me are locked evenings but the disabled one is always accessible with a radar key.  I have a radar key as when I was diagnosed with diabetes I was warned my medication could cause severe stomach upsets and urgent need of bathroom!  

I know the system for applying for blue badges in Wales has changed, now no longer the Local Authority making decision, it's on a strict criteria which can be time consuming.  When LA were making their own decisions I had a badge for my other sister the same day.  My sister was diagnosed with a brain tumour which severely affected her mobility.  I filled in a form, took it to council offices with a photo and they told me to call back later that day.  They rang GP to confirm her condition as she was not in receipt of any benefits as she was only in process of applying.

I agree, Gregg. I don't need a blue badge now, but have in the past, when I could only walk. A few steps.

Radar keys are a godsend. Indeed  mine for bowel and bladder issues. Much easier to manage. I have had some abuse as I don't look disabled, but give 'em as good as I get. One common problem is being walked in on. The ones with 'handle up to lock' open when another use turns the key!!!!End up laughing when it happens now, but feel happier when DH can stand guard outside. Xxxxx

I agree, Grogg. I don't need a blue badge now, but have in the past, when I could only walk. A few steps.

Radar keys are a godsend. I need

mine for bowel and bladder issues. Much easier to manage. I have had some abuse as I don't look disabled, but give 'em as good as I get. One common problem is being walked in on. The ones with 'handle up to lock' open when another use turns the key!!!!End up laughing when it happens now, but feel happier when DH can stand guard outside. Xxxxx

seaspirit44 - that toilet situation would be my worst nightmare - I don't do public toilets at the best of times, let alone the thought of someone intruding!!!  Good to have a radar key though if you have difficulties. I've got one of the MacMillan cards, but I've never had to wave it at anyone! 

I had really bad IBS before my first round of chemo but one of the bonuses of FEC was that it seemed to 'kill' it - it's never been as bad since! Every cloud and all that! 

How did you manage to complete the application. When I have tried I am unable to as all questions refer to mobility and I am still mobile 

Hi rmjd. I applied and got the blue badge and yes, stil mobile to a point. I said that chemo weeks was very very limited and always very tired and this happen every 3 weeks so had limited mobility while undergoing chemo.

Hope this helps