Epilepsy - what stuff can I get? bus pass etc

Humphrey10

I have recently been diagnosed with epilepsy, and seeing a thread on here about bus passes got me wondering what sort of things like this I might be eligible for. Is there anything else apart from a bus pass and rail card? I already get free prescriptions.

It seems so wrong though, almost like stealing, to get bus pass/rail card for journeys I have always done, even when I was allowed to drive. But then again, why shouldn't I claim for these things if I am eligible for them.

sunnyone

Humphrey10 wrote: »

I have recently been diagnosed with epilepsy, and seeing a thread on here about bus passes got me wondering what sort of things like this I might be eligible for. Is there anything else apart from a bus pass and rail card? I already get free prescriptions.

It seems so wrong though, almost like stealing, to get bus pass/rail card for journeys I have always done, even when I was allowed to drive. But then again, why shouldn't I claim for these things if I am eligible for them.

You cant get a bus pass for epilepsy if you are allowed to drive.

Humphrey10

I'm not, I said 'when I was allowed to drive'

jetta_wales

A lot of concessions etc are based around wether or not you need a carer/companion with you when you go places. Anywhere you go with another person because you may fit (obviously entirely dependent on the severity and medicated control or lack there of, of your condition). If you do then the person with you can often get in free to anywhere with an entrance fee like a theme park or cinema though you need a card for the cinemas.

You 'may' be entitled to DLA I have an epileptic cousin who has middle rate care and lower rate mobility but even she admits she doesn't need anywhere near as much help or have many care/mobility needs as my sister and I but we have the same rate. Epilepsy can vary a great deal from one person to the next so we can't just say you're entitled to this because you have this condition it depends entirely on how often and how badly your epilepsy actually affects you.

Humphrey10

I'm sure I'm not eligible for DLA or any kind of benefit, the seizures are so 'mild' I didn't even realise what they were until someone witnessed me having convulsions. At least I know what happened when I 'passed out' and wrote off my car now, at least it wasn't a stroke or heart attack I guess.

I just mean things like the bus pass and railcard that are available for anyone with epilepsy, I assume because it means you can't drive.

Given that I have been diagnosed with diabetes and now epilepsy at such an unusual age, I feel like benefiting as much as I can, every cloud and all that. I also wonder what will be next!

I have spent £100 in total in taxis for hospital appointments so far! £20 each way! There are buses, but I'd rather spend £20 on a taxi than spend an hour on a bus then 40mins waiting at the hospital because the bus doesn't get there at the right time. And all the hospital appointments have done is rule things out, so actually, I didn't need to go to any of them, I could have just described my symptoms over the phone to the consultant!! grr

jetta_wales

Not being able to drive really does suck I really wish I could drive especially as I've always loved cars because my Dad did. Being registered blind is a bit of a hinderance though of course :-)

A bus pass still feels crappy compared to being able to drive and the train's no joy either so there's no reason at all that you shouldn't have these things if you'll use them. I can't think of anything of hand that's a bit more appealing but there's a thread not very far back with tons of posts of things that you might be entitled to.

I agree though if there is the odd perk here or there (like I don't have to pay to use the Severn bridge as I have a blue badge) then take it they certainly don't actually make up for the disability or condition but it's nice to get just a little smooth with the rough now and then.

sardine

jetta_wales wrote: »

Not being able to drive really does suck I really wish I could drive especially as I've always loved cars because my Dad did. Being registered blind is a bit of a hinderance though of course :-)

A bus pass still feels crappy compared to being able to drive and the train's no joy either so there's no reason at all that you shouldn't have these things if you'll use them. I can't think of anything of hand that's a bit more appealing but there's a thread not very far back with tons of posts of things that you might be entitled to.

I agree though if there is the odd perk here or there (like I don't have to pay to use the Severn bridge as I have a blue badge) then take it they certainly don't actually make up for the disability or condition but it's nice to get just a little smooth with the rough now and then.

Disabilities can be a nuisance and the thought of not being able to do something as normal as driving is hard to accept.

On the other hand, there are many many people that have cars, are able to drive, but don't do so and prefer public transport!
I can't remember a time when I have driven more than 30 miles! I hate the traffic, the impatient drivers and the cost of petrol.

I cover no more than 2000 miles a year in a car.

I am over 60 so have a bus pass because of age. But I would use that any day then take the car out with everything that it entails including trying to find somewhere to park. As for longer distances, we each have a Senior Card for the train. All of our trips out, hospital visits, seeing family etc, are carried out using train travel.

Not everyone finds the ability to drive a pleasure and a convenience!