handicapped parking pass | Arthritis Information

 

I printed out the handicapped parking form online and am taking it to my doctor's appointment today. I am somewhat nervous about asking for it. Some days I'm in a lot of pain and have a lot of trouble walking (RA in knees as well as 2 herniated discs in my lower back). Other days I am ok pain-wise, but have trouble walking in the heat (live in Florida and have other health issues that make me weak). I hate having to ask for this and fear he might even turn me down, which would be very humbling. I'm wondering how many here have the permits and how often you need to use them?I used to live in Florida.  I brought the form to my RD and she filled it out without a problem.  I say go for it.  I don't see why the doctor would turn you down because you do have an issue with walking.  Besides, there are many people out there, I feel, that abuse those handicapped parking stickers. I seem people climbing out of the hugest SUV's I've ever seen with no problem.  Oh forgot to add that I am now living in Massachusetts and plan on getting one here too.  I have no problem asking for something that I know was designed for my situation.sgordon6939314.296875

Juliah, you should not feel guilty, and I don't think you'll have an issue getting the pass. I had a friend in high school who had arthroscopic knee surgery and knee issues, and she had hers even after her healing period. My dad had heart disease and had the hang tag in case he  needed it. I would think that someone who has a physically-affected condition like RA would not be second-guessed. After all, it is a tool that helps you modify your life as needed.

If you still feel funny about giving it to the doctor to sign, perhaps you could preface the request with, "I am hoping that this could help me on my bad days..."

Good luck!

 

I got one even before I was diagnosed.  Some days I need it and some days I don't.  I started with a temporary one and then asked for a permanent one.  You are eligible for one if the fumes from cars bother you (maybe from asthma or heart problems).  If I have to be somewhere for an extended period of time I use it because I have no idea how I will feel when I am done.  Go for it. Juliah, you go for it!  I have one, but I only use it when I have to and I am rather proud of myself for doing that.  It would be so easy to use it all the time.
Before I got it, the stores here had a parking spot for pregnant women and once in a while I would use it and hubby did not think it was the right thing to do, but there were always plenty of empty spaces for them. So one day he said, "what are you going to do if they ask you for some proof that you are pregnant and I said, "let my stomach out!" I really do have a big prednisone tummy.  We still chuckle about it.
Juliah, my rheumy had the applications on hand, so I called before my appointment and she had it all completed.  It kinda took the edge off from asking for it. 
Good luck.
I do not have one myself but when I was at my worst I had planned on talking with rheumy on my next visit. No you should not feel bad. I just got one about a month ago!  Its the tag that hangs from the rear view mirror and I don't always use it but its nice to know its there if I do need it!  Don't feel guilty at all, just because you have it doesn't mean you have to use it when your not hurting and when you are hurting than that's what they are for!

Hi Juliah, I have had mine for at least 3 years.. At one of my regular visits to my PCP, I just asked if he thought I needed one. He had them on hand and filled one out immediately.

I have to use mine all the time and it is very helpful. It is a permenant one. I don't have to re-apply, they just send me a new one every 2 years in July.

Don't worry about your doctor turning you down. I know it is hard to ask for it, but it is just one of the things we have to do to try to keep our independance, if our health requires it. I can't imagine that he would say "no".

If you're having a good day, you don't have to use it, but it is reassuring to know it's there when you need it.

I hope you are feeling better!Take care.

Hugs,

Nini

I think you got your answer, but since you asked how many, I too have a disabled parking tag.  I got it a few years ago for my fibro after I took a vacation and found I couldn't walk more than a small city block without severe pain.  I felt a little awkward asking my rheumy, but he filled out the form (he had them there) before I even finished my request.  I too only use it when I need it as some days are better than others.

Like you I put it off, didn't feel that I was "disabled" enough to get one, didn't want to be labeled as disabled, etc., etc.  Right before I had my knee replacement I took the form to my primary and he filled it out, took it to DMV and no problem.  I only use it when I need to.  Yes, I have one and I know I need it sometimes and boy am I glad I have got it!  I felt like you do and the Dr said she was going to suggest it to me so you never know, your Dr may be already thinking that, best of luck and don't feel guilty, hugs Janie.

Hi Juliah:  I have one also.  I do not need it all of the time, but I do use it when I need it.  Please do not feel bad for using one.  Folks like us are the reason they are available.  We never abuse it - my hubby does not use it when he takes the car, etc.  We respect the purpose and it's a great thing on those days when you need it.  I say don't even hesitate to ask.  Take care and let us know how it goes.

Hugs,

Jen

Juliah, I also have one. I've also had one for about 3 years. I don't use it all the time, only when I'm flaring or having a really bad 'knee' day.When I had my knee surgeries for torn ACLs, I used a parking pass and had no guilt at all about it. It made life much easier. If RA ever takes me to the point that getting across the parking lot is difficult, I'll be asking for another one. It'll make for a good joke with my grandmother.
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