Blue badge application - appointment with OT - help

SteveBurns
SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
edited 12. Jun 2012, 17:53 in Living with Arthritis archive
I applied for a blue badge yesterday morning at the local library and got a call this afternoon with an appointment to see the OT - tomorrow morning.

I haven't a clue what to expect?

Comments

  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Steve

    Wow that was quick getting back to you wasnt it and requesting to see you so soon too! I think they are doing the same as ATOS do for ESA/DLA type examinations but dont quote me on that....I hope someone comes along to verify this for you...Could you ring them up maybe?

    Im going to wish you good luck in advance for tomorrow morning...

    Elainex
    SteveBurns wrote:
    I applied for a blue badge yesterday morning at the local library and got a call this afternoon with an appointment to see the OT - tomorrow morning.

    I haven't a clue what to expect?
  • fowls48
    fowls48 Member Posts: 1,357
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    well done and good luck too you

    karen.
  • JuliaHod12
    JuliaHod12 Member Posts: 456
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Steve

    I applied for a Blue Badge in March and have an appointment for an assessment on 13th June!

    Good luck with yours! :-) xx
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Steve I havent a clue what they will ask, but I assume its it stead of getting in touch with your GP like they used to, maybe they are trying to cut down on those now.... :shock: dont forget your very worst day when they ask you questions.
    Good Luck with it x
    Love
    Barbara
  • kellerman
    kellerman Member Posts: 741
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had an OT assessment for my BB.
    Its just a question and answer thing and they watch you moving around.
    It takes about an hour.

    You were lucky to get an appointment so quickly. Good luck. May
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks everyone, keep everything crossed for me and I'll be back on tomorrow with the result - I hope.
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well here we go with the update..............................

    Q and A is right - it was a form filling exercise and quite in depth. All about me, my condition, medication, how I walk, where I walk, my levels of pain, when it all started, what it's like now etc. etc. etc.

    There was a brief leg bending/straitening session and a neck stretching exercise as well.

    Then there was the walk - around the garden and up to the next tree and back - I had to tell her when I was in pain, where the pain was and how bad it was.

    I will be written to in 7 days or so because the form has to go somewhere else for the decision.

    While I was being interrogated my wife chatted to the lady who took the application on Monday and she told my wife the reason I did not get the badge first time. I had entered some information about my surgery, that I will be asking for next Monday. They think that if an operation is a success I will not need the badge. I agree, problem is the badges are issued for three years.

    I went in on my scooter and she advised me to walk as opposed to taking the weight off my legs. Just can't win I suppose.

    Too much information - be careful what you say.
  • JuliaHod12
    JuliaHod12 Member Posts: 456
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    well based on that feedback................i dont stand a cat in he**'s chance at my assessment on 13th June!
    not going to give me a badge if i am having a TKR on 24 July! :-(


    good luck Steve.............hope it goes in your favour xxx
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Julia thanks best of luck with your op, I'll let everyone know my result as soon as I know - fingers crossed :|
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    That was quick and good luck with the rest of it.
    I dont have a chance. I got mine 3 yrs ago and didnt have to do anything like that
    I had a THR 2 years ago but I'm much worse since that {BB needs renewing towards the end of the year} Dont know where that leaves me??? Had a THR but mobility is worse???

    Good luck again

    Love
    Hileena
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well the postman brought me the bad news this morning, including the "regret to inform you" letter.

    My walking difficulties are not substantial enough to meet the criteria as :

    a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very difficult in walking.

    I will appeal but after my appointment with consultant on Monday.

    I will keep you informed.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Dammit. I am sorry, I don't know where I would be without mine, I have never had to go for an assessment in all the years I've had it so I guess by the time mine is due for renewal it may well be on the cards. Do you use any walking aids? Mind you, I often watch people 'sprint' from their cars in the bays next to me, I do wonder why they have one. I know they are given for a range of conditions but surely difficulty in walking should be the main consideration. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Steve

    This isnt fair and they can see if you arrived in a scooter you have problems flipping walking!
    This will mean I may as well not renew mine as im having TKR and they will see it as being a success...But I need it for the time when im recovering from my operation why cant I have it for another 6months at least...

    Sorry this decision wasnt favourable...

    Elainex
    SteveBurns wrote:
    Well the postman brought me the bad news this morning, including the "regret to inform you" letter.

    My walking difficulties are not substantial enough to meet the criteria as :

    a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very difficult in walking.

    I will appeal but after my appointment with consultant on Monday.

    I will keep you informed.
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I dont know aanything about blue badges,hubby and i dont drive but i do wish you luck and hope you get a good result.Mig
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Just for the record, mig, you don't need to drive. The BB goes withyou not with any particular car. So I can still use mine in a friend's car.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I didnt know that thanks for the info.Mig
  • lazicat
    lazicat Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Get your GP to support your application/appeal.
    Im having a THR in July & Ive just been given a blue badge awarded until 2014, it was supported by my GP, Surgeon & High Rate DLA - I didnt have to have an OT assesment at all . all I have to do is notify them when I have fully recovered from my operation & no longer need it, as hopefully I will make a full recovery before it expires.
    I would suggest you provide them with all your dates of hospital, GP visits , copies of all letters with regards to whats wrong with you & a copy of your pharmacy list of medications, a supporting letter from GP and/or surgeon/consultant. The more information the better really.
    I was told that my condition is classed as permanent unless surgery is successful , so if I decided not to have my THR it would be permanently disabled.
    Hope that helps anyone who is worried.
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Unfortunately for me none of the above want to help me. :x

    I wrote to my consultant asking for support and he wrote back to say he does not get involved.
    I asked my GP this afternoon and she asked me "how far can you walk" I replied it has to be without severe discomfort and that led to an argument about the new application forms, that she has not yet seen. She finally agreed to write a letter but without mentioning the pain/discomfort because she does not know what I feel. She told me there will be a charge of £15 for that letter and I replied that I want something better if I have to pay. I will let you all know what she writes when I collect the letter. :)

    She then wrote out a prescription for some different blood pressure tablets for me 'cos it's too high. Is there any wonder why that could be :lol:

    I saw my consultant this morning and he has agreed I need a new knee. TKR within the next two months. Pre Op carried out this afternoon, all I need now is a letter from my dentist to say my teeth and gums are healthy. (never heard of that one before) :)

    Consultant had a record of the arthroscopy he did four years ago, that mentions my "bone on bone" behind the kneecap. He agreed to send me a copy of that. (I won't hold my breath).

    Sorry to go on like this and I do hope you don't think this is a rant, just getting it out of my head and off my chest. I feel better already. :D

    Thank you all for listening (reading) :D
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I did ask my GP for a letter supporting my appeal for the blue badge and this is what she wrote.

    Dear whom it may concern.

    I can confirn this gentleman has bilateral medial compartment osteoarthritis and is awaiting a right total knee replacement.

    I understand he is appealing a decision about a blue badge and he hopes that you will take this information into account.

    With kind regards

    Yours sincerely,



    That cost me £15.00
  • fowls48
    fowls48 Member Posts: 1,357
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Steve


    i'm so sorry what a kick in the teeth , I changed my doctors surgery as i was not happy with them ,and find my new doctors ace .You keep on ranting we will keep on reading , i'm sure you will get some better advice from the forum .I will speak to my dad and sister in law as they both have badges , i know my dad dreads every year that he will lose his .Sorry i have not been of much help , but always happy to read your posts .

    karen xx
  • lazicat
    lazicat Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ask your surgeon for your TKR to support your claim for a blue badge & tell them that you are on a waiting list for the operation now. Also apply for DLA as you are now on waiting list for operation . If you qualify for high rate mobility you automatically qualify for a blue badge.
    As your DLA application is going through the process, send them details of each dr , hospital visit you have & all medications prescribed , so you are constantly giving them new information. If you are not happy with your GP , see a different one , you can see who you like & they should be sympathetic & supportive & listen to your problams.
    Good Luck , hope that helps.
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi lazicat, thanks for your advice but I'm afraid I've failed the DLA app route as well.

    The consultant does not write letters in support of DLA, that's what he wrote back to me. He has some good reports from my arthroscopy a few years ago and I have asked him for copies, not holding breath on that one though.

    I have appealed the blue badge decision, handed the letter in personally at the library. I was told the appeal route, it goes back to the OT that refused in the first place.

    Can't see her changing her mind, so after that I can write to her manager. Waiting to see what she decides the second time now.

    Keep up the support, I need it.

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