Any advice on getting Access Card for concerts etc., Blue Badge and Attendance Allowance

Jonsysmum
Jonsysmum Member Posts: 6
edited 25. Aug 2025, 12:44 in Living with arthritis

I have osteoarthritis all over my body but the worst pain is in my back where I have 8 bulging discs diagnosed by MRI. I also have a lot of pain in my feet as well and sometimes my ankles give way without warning. I have been referred to MSK and over the last 2 years been prescribed exercises which I have followed, attended their 6 week back strengthening course and the latest is that they have written to my GP a letter which I cannot understand as very technical but received a call from MSK today asking if I had seen GP and been prescribed pain relief. I found a copy of letter on NHS app so have made appointment with GP for next week to discuss. However I have other issues all connected to my OA but have been told by receptionist I only have 10 minutes and can only talk about my back nothing else. I feel so frustrated as my life as it was has come to an end. Due to the pain I can no longer volunteer, attend concerts where standing only, get my shopping, clean my house or carry out personal care without help, cook my meals and no longer see my friends. I am 76 and they are all younger than me and because they are all younger and fitter I feel like a burden so don't go out any more. Even my husband who is also younger I know does his best but it is affecting our relationship. As you can imagine I get very depressed especially as things have got worse over the last few months. I have tried to think of how I can make my life better so have researched what could help me. I have found out that I could apply for the following: An Access Card for priority seating at entertainment venues, A Blue Badge so I can park closer to shops and attendance allowance so that I could maybe pay for a cleaner and someone who could help me say once a week to wash my hair etc as this would free up my husband to maybe spend some time doing things he enjoys without having to look after me all the time. I used to be so independent and I get really down not being able to do the things I enjoy and my world has got so much smaller. Sometimes I just sit and cry and the last time I went to the doctors was some months ago and the receptionist spoke to me so sharply I just burst into tears and hobbled out crying so am dreading the appointment with GP. I would like to know if anyone else has applied for these things which would help me to lead a more normal life and so I wouldn't feel so isolated. Sorry this is a bit rambling but thanks for reading.

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Comments

  • cocoa
    cocoa Member Posts: 87

    @jonsysmum

    Feel your pain . Sounds like you will be entitled to all that help. You can apply fir a blue badge online takes up to 8 weeks and need all the bits of paper ready befire start the form. Expect same with AA . One step at a time . As once entitled to AA lot more doors should open. Local citizens advice I’m sure could help if you can get to see them. Can’t help with GP s I’m afraid each surgery different ! Be persistent you need help hope you soon find a sympathetic GP . This is a good site to be on lots knowledgable folk on here and sympathetic ear.
    cocoa

  • Jane18
    Jane18 Member Posts: 107

    @Jonsysmum, you can apply for a blue badge online via the gov.uk website. I applied last year and it took about 6 weeks to get mine (but as @cocoa says, it could take up to 8 weeks). They ask questions about your disability and how far you can walk and also whether you expect it to last for more than a year. It's also helpful to have any supporting documentation, such as a letter from your GP or consultant. I uploaded a copy of a letter my orthopaedic consultant had sent to my GP outlining the extent of osteoarthritis in my hip and sacroiliac joint and that was sufficient evidence.

    I haven't applied for an access card, but that sounds a good idea. I found that I was able to get access tickets from one theatre, where they ask you to give brief details about your access needs, but other organisations may have different policies.

    Age UK might also be able to help with advice, so it's worth looking on their website.

    Sorry you've had such a difficult experience getting to see your GP, but do persevere. And hope you get some support in place soon to give you more independence to continue doing the activities you enjoy.

    Jane

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