The blue badge arrived...

stlucia

Oh my goodness, it's arrived...and I've hidden it. I'm in complete denial... was anyone else like this? Just need to get a grip. I am so annoyed with myself, it hurts so much and I just can't take much more of it. I can't admit to people how bad it has got. I'm struggling to do the whole 'I'm fine...smile!' thing convincingly. No more....I quit! Totally quit....hmph. Ok I've got it out of my system for now and the good thing is that my husband just asked if I wanted some ice cream

sharmaine

St Lucia

Embrace it! Having a blue badge has helped me so much. It's not always possible to get a parking space in the disabled spaces in my area as other people use them who shouldn't.


Sharmaine

stlucia wrote:

Oh my goodness, it's arrived...and I've hidden it. I'm in complete denial... was anyone else like this? Just need to get a grip. I am so annoyed with myself, it hurts so much and I just can't take much more of it. I can't admit to people how bad it has got. I'm struggling to do the whole 'I'm fine...smile!' thing convincingly. No more....I quit! Totally quit....hmph. Ok I've got it out of my system for now and the good thing is that my husband just asked if I wanted some ice cream

hileena111

Hi
Yes.....mine is great. No better than yours but you know what I mean.
Be sure to read the book as to all the places you can park....not just disabled spaces....double yellow lines as long as its not a silly place eg traffic light/opening to a company/ dropped kerb or anything dangerous.
So many places you can park free as well.
I find its hard to remember to move it from my car to my husbands car when we are going out somewhere but aprt from that....great
Love
Hileena

salamander

hi St. Lu, good luck is with you this week! Great news. I am waiting to hear about mine. It was turned down initially as they hadn't considered I'd sent in the right information. I shall be hopping mad (not very hopping though, more like limping) if I don't get it.

stlucia

salamander wrote:

hi St. Lu, good luck is with you this week! Great news. I am waiting to hear about mine. It was turned down initially as they hadn't considered I'd sent in the right information. I shall be hopping mad (not very hopping though, more like limping) if I don't get it.

Hello lovely,

Ah that happened with me the first time for no obvious good reason! So my GP told me to apply again and said that she would back me up if they wrote to her but in the end they issued me with one without writing to my GP. Except now I am hiding from the fact that I need a blue badge and am telling myself I'll only use it when I REALLY need it....which in my head means never I suppose.....but in reality it means much more often! Oh dear! How are you doing?
xxx

salamander

hi Lu, use it! It's meant to make your life easier. Consider yourself priviledged! Why shouldn't you make the most of it?

Thanks for asking about me, am ok apart from my knee which is very painful. Rhuemy put my pred up but it's not helping that joint. I emailed the rheumy nurse at midnight last night asking her advice so might get someone to look at it for me. Otherwise doing ok.
Trying to keep positive knowing that things are going to be tough until drugs kick in.

love S
xx

stlucia

Hileena and Sharmaine,

Thanks so much for the tips. I guess once I've got my head around having one and get used to using it I will get nifty at finding the best parking places!! I've read the book, then wanted to cry. My husband thinks it's great as it means that when I'm with him, he can park in great spots in the city!!!!

stlucia

Hey Sal,

I'm giving your knee a right telling off....and teacher glare....did it work? Did it cry with shame?! No?! WHAT!! Will give the glare some more practice!

Well done for asking for help from the clinic. I hope that they can give you helpful advice and do something about it. In the meantime can you find something to distract yourself?

Having drunk coffee I am going to set to being creative for the morning which will make my husband groan - why is it that you can't be creative and not make a mess? Problem is that once I've put all my energy and joint ability into making something fun, I've run out of spoons to tidy up which is where he comes in handy!

What a glorious day outside. I love the sun when it's nippy outside. I've got the sun shining on my back as I sit and type. Lovely! Oh and the heating on

Let me know what the nurse says and if it's helpful we can cheer! If not, we'll eat chocolate.

xxxxx

dorcas

Hi Lu

any of that ice cream left from yesterday

Using the BB for the first time feels very odd.... as if you need to nip out the car quick (if only :roll: ) so that nobody realises it's there for you. :shock: ... at least that's how I felt about it!

Now I don't give it a second thought... we need it, that's the bottom line!

I was interested in the 'book' that you and Hileena talked about? what book? :? I didn't get any info with my badge... had to go to social services office to pick it up... but didn't get any information about where it could be used; so in my ignorance I've always stuck to searching out BB spaces.

Your plan for today sounds just lovely....and I am envious of your creative spark. have a lovely Sunday.. and don't be making too much mess for that hubby of yours to clean up later.

Iris xxx

stlucia

Hey Iris,

Yup there is a bowl of yummy Ben and Jerry's here for you! Quick, it's melting!

I'd like a Harry Potter cloak that makes me invisible so that I can use the badge and no one can comment. My husband and I were thinking up comedy come backs for anyone who dared say anything about the badge.... So far we have 'Oh I didn't realise you had to be disabled to use the badge!', 'Actually, I'm not disabled, I'm famous!', 'Do you have a medical degree? Oh you do? Then use it!'... I'd love to collect some more good comments from people - just to stash away ready for action!

Yes I got sent a pamphlet with my badge saying don't park here, do park here, and it all seemed to contradict itself so I am sure that I will get a ticket before too long!!!

What are you up to today?

xxx

dorcas wrote:

Hi Lu

any of that ice cream left from yesterday

Using the BB for the first time feels very odd.... as if you need to nip out the car quick (if only :roll: ) so that nobody realises it's there for you. :shock: ... at least that's how I felt about it!

Now I don't give it a second thought... we need it, that's the bottom line!

I was interested in the 'book' that you and Hileena talked about? what book? :? I didn't get any info with my badge... had to go to social services office to pick it up... but didn't get any information about where it could be used; so in my ignorance I've always stuck to searching out BB spaces.

Your plan for today sounds just lovely....and I am envious of your creative spark. have a lovely Sunday.. and don't be making too much mess for that hubby of yours to clean up later.

Iris xxx

dorcas

Oh Lu you do make me laugh!

yes to the yummy ice cream!!

I've not made a plan for the rest of today... but did manage to take my two labs, Ruby and Jakey-boy out this morning for a walk along the railway line.... emmm no I mean a walk alongside the railway line!

We don't have sun today... but it's dry so that's OK! I will probably potter in the greenhouse and get things tidied up in prep for winter. It's lovely being in there as it's always warm! I've got the greenhouse rigged with power so I can sit and make myself a cuppa in between pottering.

There was a thread on LWA about what to say if people make comments about your BB... some of which were really inventive!
but it sounds as though you and hubby have a good head-start on thinking up suitable answers!

Enjoy using the BB... with or without the cloak of invisibility.

Iris xxxx

stlucia

Hey Iris,
Oh my goodness how excited am I to find out that you are a gardener!!! Wow! Please tell me what to do with my peony and Japanese Acer!! They look wind scorched and not happy bunnies.

Glad you can have a cuppa in the green house. I've got one here. My husband's friend (who yes is STILL staying....! 5 weeks and counting....I'm counting LOUDLY!) has just made me a cup of tea (one redeeming feature for today!)

I will try and find the blue badge thread....love it! I can't wait to think of more comedy answers. Talking of comedy - a small child just walked past my window dressed as a Roman centurian....bizzare!

xxx

dorcas wrote:

Oh Lu you do make me laugh!

yes to the yummy ice cream!!

I've not made a plan for the rest of today... but did manage to take my two labs, Ruby and Jakey-boy out this morning for a walk along the railway line.... emmm no I mean a walk alongside the railway line!

We don't have sun today... but it's dry so that's OK! I will probably potter in the greenhouse and get things tidied up in prep for winter. It's lovely being in there as it's always warm! I've got the greenhouse rigged with power so I can sit and make myself a cuppa in between pottering.

There was a thread on LWA about what to say if people make comments about your BB... some of which were really inventive!
but it sounds as though you and hubby have a good head-start on thinking up suitable answers!

Enjoy using the BB... with or without the cloak of invisibility.

Iris xxxx

dorcas

stlucia wrote:

Talking of comedy - a small child just walked past my window dressed as a Roman centurian....bizzare!xxx

Ehhh??? what was in that tea???

I'm a novice when it comes to gardens.... but you should go onto CC forum and find the 'Anyone for Gardening' thread by Tillytop... it's brilliant.

I've learned a lot from it and you can ask questions there about your Acer. I had two Acers in my last garden and they do tend to get wind burn and need a bit sheltering until they get big enough to cope!

happy Sunday!

Iris xxx

tkachev

stlucia wrote:

Oh my goodness, it's arrived...and I've hidden it. I'm in complete denial... was anyone else like this? Just need to get a grip. I am so annoyed with myself, it hurts so much and I just can't take much more of it. I can't admit to people how bad it has got. I'm struggling to do the whole 'I'm fine...smile!' thing convincingly. No more....I quit! Totally quit....hmph. Ok I've got it out of my system for now and the good thing is that my husband just asked if I wanted some ice cream

I do understand how you feel. I hate putting my badge up. I feel ancient and rubbish.
However there have been many times that I have been grateful for it, particularly during a howling gale on Brighton seafront just prior to my THR!
Tuck it in your glove compartment and see how you feel when out and about.
Mint and choc ice cream?

Elizabeth

speedalong

Hi Stlucia, put it in your car. Start observing the people who use them and disabled parking ... you will quickly realise that you are worse off than quite a few of them - that should make you feel better about using it. If you have a good day - don't use it.

Speedy

PS Sharmaine is right - read the booklet - I'm not great on the rules - but they are worth reading - as they increase the places you can park.

joanneredshaw

stlucia wrote:

Oh my goodness, it's arrived...and I've hidden it. I'm in complete denial... was anyone else like this? Just need to get a grip. I am so annoyed with myself, it hurts so much and I just can't take much more of it. I can't admit to people how bad it has got. I'm struggling to do the whole 'I'm fine...smile!' thing convincingly. No more....I quit! Totally quit....hmph. Ok I've got it out of my system for now and the good thing is that my husband just asked if I wanted some ice cream

Glad to hear your blue badge has arrived, it is with regret that I have had to take a long hard look at myself and apply for it myself. How long did yours take to arrive. I posted my photo and form 4 weeks ago.
Also filled in forms for DLA, as I have RA. I will use my badge as and when I need to. I am sure it will make a great deal of difference when we are finding it difficult to walk etc.

Take care

Jo

barbara12

Hi stlucia
I am so glad you have got your blue badge, you make the most of it, like you say it does feel a bit odd, but you will get used.
I have only just found out (thanks to a nice traffic warden), that we can park free at parking meters, but make sure you check what the meter says.
Love
Barbara x

hileena111

Hi
Same as Barbara says only with yellow lines....make sure you read any noitices that are up and if it gives a set time you can stay dont forget to bring your other card out......the clock thingy

Love
Hileena

stlucia

Thanks everyone. Jo it took yonks!! Phone up and pester them!

Just had someone who I would have thought to know better say something really hurtful about me and the badge. Must let it go but seriously! I don't ask for other peoples remarks. it shows they really don't understand how difficult it is having arthritis. family!

X

joanneredshaw

stlucia wrote:

Thanks everyone. Jo it took yonks!! Phone up and pester them!

Just had someone who I would have thought to know better say something really hurtful about me and the badge. Must let it go but seriously! I don't ask for other peoples remarks. it shows they really don't understand how difficult it is having arthritis. family!

X

Hi st lucia,

Just to let you know my blue badge arrived today! it took 6 weeks altogether. Just got to read the info that came with it.
Hope you have used yours!, I'm gonna use mine when I'm having a rough time. I t will be so handy parking nearer in the hospital bay parking etc.
Jo

hileena111

Hi Jo
Hope you make use of the badge.....even if its only when you feel you need it. Its a great help I find...especiaklly for hosp appts.
You usually park free in hospitals with a blue badge.....I used to hate that....sitting waiting to be seen and trying to guess how long i would be there and how much to feed the meter LOL

Love
Hileena

joanneredshaw

hileena111 wrote:

Hi Jo
Hope you make use of the badge.....even if its only when you feel you need it. Its a great help I find...especiaklly for hosp appts.
You usually park free in hospitals with a blue badge.....I used to hate that....sitting waiting to be seen and trying to guess how long i would be there and how much to feed the meter LOL

Love
Hileena

Thanks Hileena

I didn't know I could park free at the hospital, that has cheered me up
It's getting so expensive these days and I don't earn a lot of money due to not being able to work for more than 3 hours a day due to fatigue and RA.
Thanks for that info..
Best wishes

Jo

hileena111

Hi Jo

Check first......Authorities might differ.....but our hospitals its free for blue badge holders

Hope it is for you

Love
Hileena

joanneredshaw

hileena111 wrote:

Hi Jo

Check first......Authorities might differ.....but our hospitals its free for blue badge holders

Hope it is for you

Love
Hileena

Morning Hilleena

Just googled my hospital and I indeed park for free with a blue badge!
Thanks for the info and take care..

Jo

dreamdaisy

Good luck with finding a space at your hospital - our disabled spaces fill rapidly! (There are only 54). Oh and welcome to BB rage - the feeling you have when you walk past a car in a disabled space but WITHOUT THE BADGE.

You are able to park on single yellow lines and double yellow lines, but not double yellows with loading lines - you may be fined if a traffic warden spots you. Don't park too close to junctions either - again you can be fined. Make a note of the expiry date on your badge and begin the renewal procedure at least six weeks before that date. When away on holiday check the local authority's position on parking in disabled bays and charging: Suffolk does not charge if you are in a bay and with a valid badge, but Norfolk does, for example. They are very useful things - I cannot be without mine. I wish you well. DD

tjt6768

Don't forget, always put the badge out with the photo face down, the wardens need to see your expiry date..
I was in total denial for a long time, even with my walking stick, I refused to have one, now I don't care, I use it if I need it, same with the badge, it's a God send... Thing is there are so many people with them, you start to get suspicious about everyone who has one.. We all do it I'm sure, make snap judgemants when someone who looks fine gets out of a car in a disabled bay.. Haha, I think it's one of the rules of having a badge, you MUST be judgemental..
I get funny looks from older people all the time, I'm only 42 and of course from the outside I look ok.. And my Wife has one too because of her heart failure and she gets the same thing.. It used to annoy me but now I've started finding myself doing it, I can't moan about it anymore..

Best of luck with it..


Tony