what is 'disabled'?

debbiVwoolwich

I have had severe brittle asthma for 16 yrs, use a nebuliser every 2 hrs or so, am admitted to hospital on average every 6 months, have been on high dose steriods for 16 yrs, lost 3 jobs through ill health, and because of the steriods now have brittle bones,as well as fybromyalgia, IBS, diabetes, pernioius anaemia,hypothyroidism,I use three inhalers take a total of 36 tablets a day, plus the nebuliser I do get mobility high rate,(awarded for life) I continue to work part time,HOWEVER I do not "look" disabled nor act it,and people that do not know me well would be surprised to know that most nights are spent wheezing and struggling to breath,or the many things I cant do because of how it would affect me, so please dont judge people because they dont "look" disabled to you, and most importantly why worry about her and whether she is disabled or not ? if she pretended to have cancer then I'm afraid she possibly still has an disablility albeit possibly a mental illness, and I would hate to be known as the "running joke" of the work place, if she is off sick for the time you say I presume she is supplying medical certificates from her GP or hospital for her employers ?
re the blue badge I have one, I only use it on bad days and only park in a disabled bay if Im really struggling, the reason is as Arwen says the attitiude of other people,it is amazing, I have had people look at me then walk to the front of my car to check there was a blue badge there, I have been verbually abused by .. and sorry to say it... the more elderly blue badge holders, once sworn at !!.

Morglin

I'm always astonished by those "instant medical experts" who say that someone isn't disabled, because they don't "look it" (what does a disabled person look like, anyway???) even though those with ALL in the information and access to medical records have established that a person is disabled before they have issued DLA or Blue Badges.:rolleyes:

When anyone queries my right to a BB, I always ask them if they'd like me to dribble, and thereby fit more into what they think a disabled person should look like........:rolleyes: :eek:

Lin

shameless-about-money

Morglin I agree!

I need two ankle replacements and have problems walking - in constant pain anyway, regardless of the painkillers.
I need two thumb joint replacements which we don't do in the UK.

To look at me you would say that there is nothing wrong with me at all.

Never judge a book by its cover!

iceicebaby

I have chronic athsma, suffer with depression amd I have IBS. I have been turned down for any assistance at all, no DLA, no blue badge. Could this be because I work full time?

I know its not anyone's fault here as they dont make the decisions but I find it really annoying that some people get help and others dont.

Could it be the fact I hold down (just about) a full time job ?

shameless-about-money

I got DLA and my BB whilst working full time, over 40 hours per week self-employed.

Morglin

iceicebaby wrote: »

I have chronic athsma, suffer with depression amd I have IBS. I have been turned down for any assistance at all, no DLA, no blue badge. Could this be because I work full time?

I know its not anyone's fault here as they dont make the decisions but I find it really annoying that some people get help and others dont.

Could it be the fact I hold down (just about) a full time job ?

The fact that you are working shouldn't affect it - I would apply again, and if you get turned down, appeal.

It may be an idea to get referred to a WRO via the CAB.

Lin

needmoney

This is really interesting - what is disabled.

Over the last two years my arthritis has become really bad mainly in my hands and feet. I'm not claiming anything for it but two of my relatives are pressing me to do so and I keep saying ah but I'm not disabled and there are people much worse off than me, to which my daughter replies ah but you are, look at the things you can't do now that you used to do, anyway..........

Yesterday I was working in the garden and thought If I were claiming disability allowance and somebody who knew it saw me now using a fork and digging out plants they'd say ha! she's pulling the wool and I wouldn't blame them one bit.

But, they wouldn't know how I struggle painfully to lift a kettle or pan or struggle to lift things in and out of the oven how some days I can't drive and some days won't leave the house because it's too painful to walk and lots of other things

I haven't written this to moan because I have lots of good days (they are the ones for me now that are not without pain but that it's no too bad) I've written it because we do judge others when we don't know all the facts.

jobbingmusician

mo1 wrote: »

sorryh to be thick,but what is a blue badge?

A blue badge is the disability parking badge. Lets disabled people park on a yellow or double yellow line (not loading zones though!) for 3 hours. Most local councils will also allow free parking in residents' or meter bays.

For more details, see here.

shameless-about-money

needmoney wrote: »

This is really interesting - what is disabled.

Over the last two years my arthritis has become really bad mainly in my hands and feet. I'm not claiming anything for it but two of my relatives are pressing me to do so and I keep saying ah but I'm not disabled and there are people much worse off than me, to which my daughter replies ah but you are, look at the things you can't do now that you used to do, anyway..........

Yesterday I was working in the garden and thought If I were claiming disability allowance and somebody who knew it saw me now using a fork and digging out plants they'd say ha! she's pulling the wool and I wouldn't blame them one bit.

But, they wouldn't know how I struggle painfully to lift a kettle or pan or struggle to lift things in and out of the oven how some days I can't drive and some days won't leave the house because it's too painful to walk and lots of other things

I haven't written this to moan because I have lots of good days (they are the ones for me now that are not without pain but that it's no too bad) I've written it because we do judge others when we don't know all the facts.

Have you discussed your arthritis with a Rheumatologist?

It sounds as if you have what I have -

There is a form of arthritis called Erosive Inflammatory Arthritis which is osteoarthritis but behaves like Rheumatoid. It only affects the hands and feet/ankles. I have had it since I was 29 - it has nothing to do with wear and tear or age!

I have DLA because of it, both for Mobility and Care - the Care Component being given because of the state of my hands. I can only use a computer for about half an hour at a time - writing is nigh on impossible for me.


There are special drugs that are used for EIA which really do make a difference. I was so ill before I got them, they have really given me my life back.

needmoney

shameless-about-money, thanks for your post, very interesting and yes I have had the tests for RA but the consultant said it's Osteo.

I have tried to help myself in lots of ways and one has been reading all I can on the net and it gets so confusing and I keep saying to OH I'm sure I've got RA but then I'll read something else and think no.

My wrists on both hands are affected swollen and always hot and painful and the balls of my feet are the same. I've read that osteo is not inflamatory but my joints are always inflamed and hot to touch.

Now you've told me this it seems a distinct possibility and I think I will have to visit my doctor again. I'm not concerned about DLA that won't make me better and that's what I want.