Blue badge

maria1976

I was wondering if anyone could help please. I have osteoarthritis in multiple joints, had 3 surgeries/screws in both feet, on left elbow, on right shoulder, one left hand trapeziectomy and waiting list for the right hand, but most debilitating of all is 8 years on after scoliosis surgery (I am now 76). L5-T10 is fused with rods and approx 18 screws. I have persevered for many years, still swim 2/3 times a week, but standing and walking for more than a short time is so painful these days. I do not sleep due to back, shoulder and neck pain. My surgeon predicted that I would have more problems with the spine in the future. I struggle to get in and out of a car and need to have the door wide open. Despite all this I have been turned down for a blue badge. Is there anything I can do? I haven’t seen a gp for years because I know the score. Any communicating is done online and it seems that face to face appointments are a thing of the past where I live. I feel that very few people understand the implications of scoliosis surgery or can imagine the knock on effect it can have on the rest of your body. I don’t think I am being unreasonable asking for a blue badge, but of course to the outside world I look fine 🤷‍♂️

Trish9556

Hi @maria1976

All you can do is complete the online application form with your local council and tell it exactly as it is on your worst days and keep your fingers crossed.

Good luck

Trish xx

maria1976

That’s what I did and after waiting 3 months the computer said no🙁

helpline_team

Hello @maria1976

Thank you for posting on the Online Community. I hope Trish's response to your post was of some help.

It sounds as if you have been going through a tough time with widespread osteoarthritis (OA) and multiple operations. Pain and reduced mobility can drag you down and feel very debilitating. You mention that getting in and out of a car is a real struggle. It is surprising that you have been turned down for a Blue Badge. Supporting medical evidence can help to make a difference to the success of a blue badge application and other applications for financial help and benefits.

You should be able to obtain medical evidence from your GP and/or consultant. We would suggest persevering to get a GP phone appointment. It is understandable that trying to get a GP appointment feels like just too much hard work in the current state of our NHS! A progress report from your consultant may really help.

You could contact your local Age UK or Citizens Advice for more advice and help with your application. An occupational therapy (OT) home assessment may be worth considering, which could include getting in and out of your car. This assessment can be arranged via your local council adult social services or your GP. There are techniques and equipment to make getting in and out of a car easier.

If you would like to have more replies to your post, you are welcome to repost on our Living with Arthritis forum which is a supportive space where you can ask questions and share experiences with others. You are also welcome to call our Free Helpline if you would like to talk things through informally and in confidence on 0800 5200 520 weekdays 9am - 6pm .

I hope the information given below will be of some help. Information about applying for a Blue Badge is in the Driving section of our website.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/driving/#driving-and-arthritis_blue-badges

https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I'm sure others will connect with you as well.

Best wishes,

Fiona, Helpline Advisor

Trish9556

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/726601#Comment_726601

If I were you I would ask them why and appeal. If you search on here for blue badge you will find others who have been successful and may be able to help you.

Good luck

Trish xx

Nurina

I some councils, you'd need to get the PIP first to apply for the blue badge. Good luck

Moira

Can't understand why you can't get your Blue Badge. I would appeal. Make sure when you fill in the form, you do so accurately and if needs be get a GP letter.

Here in Wales I had no problems at all.

Good luck.

maria1976

Thank you all for your responses. I have been told that a gp letter carries no weight, only letters from consultant. After scoliosis surgery in 2016 (and I’m now 8 years older!), life has gradually deteriorated despite my best efforts. I do not want money/benefits, I’d just like a blue badge to make life easier. It seems that some people find it much easier to get than others. Ironically before my surgery I had a blue badge, declined to renew it when offered because my health had improved. Big mistake on my part for being so honest! ☹️