handicapped placard? | Arthritis Information

Hello everyone!!

I have a quick question. My husband has been on me for 6 months to get a handicapped placard. I refused, but this summer RA moved into my feet (and jaw!! I know I don't walk on my jaw..but its still a pain). Now Im thinking of asking my RD. I don't walk with a cane or walker but I do lean HEAVILY on the shopping cart. I still have young children and I think dealing with them and the groceries would be easier if we could park closer.

For those of you that have the placards, how easy/hard was it to get? Has it made a difference to you?
Thanks so much you guys! Ive been having a hard time, so I haven't been around much. Hope all my AI friends are doing well!

LeilaGet one Leila! I had to get a note or prescription from my Rheumy and mail it to Motor Vehicle Division at the State House in my State. They offer a card that you can hang on your car mirror or a license plate declaring that you are disabled.
I only use mine when I really need it to free up the space that someone really needs. There was no charge. Comforting to have it!
Hello leila,

It took me a long time to finally ask my RD about getting a placard. I think I just did not want to admit that I was handicapped. I also have 3 children at home and my feet and knees would be so bad sometimes that I would turn ariund and go home if there was no close parking at the stores. I also do not use a cane or a walker, but that does not mean that I couldnt use the help, if I remember right, I just got the form from the dmv and brought it in to my appointment and had the dr fill it out and sign it for me. It was very easy and my RD never made me feel uncomfortable about asking for it. In fact he asked me why I had waited so long! Good luck and I do have to say it has made my life alot easier during those rough days.

Angel

All you have to do is ask your doc and they will give you a prescription. In Ohio take to the BMV and pay a minimal cost and walah, you have your placard. I did not feel badly, as my husband has had one for a long time and we only used when he was in the car, but now there are days the foot just does not want to go, so I use as well. You go girl, you don't have to use a cane or walker to require some extra tlc. ABSOLUTELY, go ahead and get the placard. I got a handicapped plate about 4 years ago, when my RA was at it's absolute worst, and it was a godsend. I take Humira now, and my RA is pretty much under control. However, I know that eventually all these miracle drugs stop being effective, and that walking could become difficult again ... out of the blue. I haven't parked in a handicapped spot in months, but it gives me a lot of peace of mind to know that if I need to park in a handicapped spot, I can.
treefrog0012010-09-14 04:57:03I got a temporary one when I had my foot surgery. In my state, I had to go to the DMV first and get a form, then my RD completed it.

Get ready to see just how atrociously handicapped parking spots are abused by perfectly healthy people!

VERY easy. Go to your village hall and ask for the form, have the dr. fill it out. Return the form to the village office (or town hall etc.) It's free (in NY) and took a few minutes. I've had mine since 2002. There are days when I use it and days when I don't.Thanks everyone!! I really appreciate your replies!!
I went to my physical medicine doc this morning and she said she'd be willing to give my a temporary (6month) placard. She says since my main disability is RA, she'd be stepping on my RDs toes giving me a permanent one. I see my RD friday and I'll ask him then. It feels weird to ask for handicapped parking. Someone described me as looking like " the picture of health" yesterday. Yeah I don't look sick.. but have you every seen me try to climb stairs? Having an "invisible" disability is such an adventure~I asked for one and got it. I do not use a cane and would probably crawl on my hands and knees before I do. I was concerned when someone 20 years younger than I am bragged about having one because the dr--mine also-- was concerned she might fall on the ice. I saw red--not only being much older but my fear of falling on the ice in parking lots too. Since I have lost flexibility--I know I would seriously hurt something--probably a hip--if I fell. I also do art shows and the artist parking is ususally about 3 miles away. Handicapped is about 2 miles away. At the end of the weekend I am lucky if I can walk to my car. My doctor kinda didn't like the idea --but he did consent and did sign the paperwork. Now, I rearly use it, but if I am having a really bad day--I do. It may be the only way I can stop at the grocery store on the way home sometimes. The town where I had to take the application was great. The lady was so nice. If you think you need it--gop for it. Youcall yo ur Doctor and he writes a script. Take it to the DMV , Pay a small fee and that is pretty much it. At least in Ohio. I get a new script at time of renewal. Nothing to worry about , use it if you need it =) Good luckI am NY--I did not have to pay anything. Dr. signed a form. Took it to local town hall. I was told I never need to re-apply--it is a permanent permit. My doc gave me a 6 month permit. The permanent ones are free but the 6 month ones cost money. I guess he expected my RA to go away by now. =/No one should have to pay extra for this placard. I did not have to pay (NYS).i have had mine since 1996 after my first knee surgery. It is a godsend! Back then, in CO, the doctor had to fill out a form. Then you went down to the DMV paid .00 and got 2 placards that were good for 3 years. Now you do not have to pay anymore. Renewal is a breeze! The county clerk sends you a letter when it is time to renew that says if you still need it do nothing, if you do not need it sign here and send back.

You will be so happy to make the decision to get one. it helps so much especially after a 2 hour trip to Wal-Mart or a 3 hour session at the mall Christmas shopping!

I have seronegative RA. Joints have hurt and swollen off an on for year now. When I finally got the diagnosis it was because my ESR rate was high 85, believe is what my RD said, joints were swollen and inflamation showed up on the ultrasound. I. 3 years ago I had my left hip replaced (due to OA) and now RA is attacking my feet, ankles. I too have thought about asking for a handicapped card for my car, but I feel like I'm giving in to this if I do. Very silly I know. I may have no choice as it is just getting to miserable to walk far.

RA, OA, Hasimoto's, asthma.

MTX, Folic Acid, VitD, Levox