Blue Badge Application

harrys_nan

Hi,
I am having mobility problems owing to the fact the discs in my back are slipping. I am not finding my doctor very helpful,to be honest.
He has diagnosed me with Osteoarthritis in my hips but that is not where my pain is coming from.  
I also have COPD which with my trying to walk is affecting my breathing, I use a walking stick to help my balance.
My shin bones feel like they are burning all of the time and the pain is keeping me awake every night.
I want to try and get a blue badge as I struggle to walk too far (although I do walk but in pain) and I can't get in and out of a car unless my partner pulls out of a parking space.
How do I get the information to attach to my claim if we cannot ask our doctor. I am waiting for physio but I'm not sure how long the waiting list is 

poppy12345

harrys_nan said:

How do I get the information to attach to my claim if we cannot ask our doctor.

Do you mean evidence? If so do you have any medical evidence of your own that you can send? Usually when i've had hospital apppointments in the past i'm sent a report as well as my GP and i've kept all my documents in a file, same with my daughter.

If i had a GP that wasn't supportive then i'd look at changing my GP.

Are you under state pension age? If you are then you can look at claiming PIP, it's a none means tested disability benefit. Have a look at these links.

https://pipinfo.net/

https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility

If you're over state pension age then it's Attendance Allowance, which doesn't have the mobility part. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/attendance-allowance/

harrys_nan

Hi,
Thank you for answering.
I did mean evidence, I have never had any written communications from the GP.  I have seen or spoken via the phone to about 4 Doctors, I don't know if it's me not explaining myself or the fact that they are not listening, I get a regular repeat prescription of double strength painkillers but that's about all. I have told them all my symptoms but never once have that brought up about my discs in my spine.I can't even carry stuff upstairs because I need to hold on, my partner does things like that for me
 I feel like a nuisance but I think I should ask to be referred to a specialist. 
I am over pension age so I know I won't get PIP, 
I forgot to mention that apart from my spine, I have pain in both my knees.

Spoonie_Turtle

You could request a copy of your medical records so you have evidence of the relevant diagnoses - it's based on actual mobility difficulties rather than any specific diagnosis but having evidence of the cause(s) would help.

Who identified that your discs are slipping?

You would be applying for a BB under the 'needing further assessment' category so you should make sure to include as much detailed information about why you find it difficult to walk and how far you can repeatedly and reliably walk, and the effects of doing so.  It is likely that they will want to assess you in person (although I don't know what that's like in practice with the pandemic still).

I empathise very much with not getting far with doctors, that's kind of a separate issue and I hope you are able to get a referral if you specifically request it.  Unfortunately we often have to advocate for ourselves and be very clear that we need more help than the GP can give us.  If you don't get anywhere with appointments it may be worth putting your request in writing; some years ago it seemed to be the case that they then had to respond in writing (I don't know if it still is but my surgery responded in writing to a letter I sent last year, so, worth a try).

harrys_nan

Thank you for your answer,   The doctor some years ago told me about my discs slipping but I can’t remember how long ago it was or which doctor. I have never been one for keep going to see them, I usually try and grin and bare it but it’s now time for me to ask for help.

I really think I need to ask for a referral. I don’t want any kind of monetary deal, I just to make it easier for me when I do go shopping.

MalMonroe

harrys_nan said:

Thank you for your answer,   The doctor some years ago told me about my discs slipping but I can’t remember how long ago it was or which doctor. I have never been one for keep going to see them, I usually try and grin and bare it but it’s now time for me to ask for help.

I really think I need to ask for a referral. I don’t want any kind of monetary deal, I just to make it easier for me when I do go shopping.

Hi, it seems as if things have just been gradually getting worse for you over the years because the doctors you have seen aren't really taking notice of you, or your symptoms and pain.

Nobody in this country, in this day and age, should have to 'grin and bear it' at all. Why shouldn't you receive the same service as any other NHS patient? Sometimes you DO have to keep going to see your doctor because it is essential for your health. There's no shame in it. I know things have been difficult recently because of covid but once you're in the system, things can start to improve for you.

I agree with what you are saying above, you definitely DO need to ask for a referral to a specialist, possibly in orthopaedics. If you do have slipped discs then I cannot see physio helping with that. In fact, it could make things worse. You need to be properly assessed before any treatment can be recommended.

Please ask a doctor (and I agree with Poppy12345 that if wouldn't be a bad idea to find one who actually cares about patients if possible) for a referral. Don't be afraid to ask for this, you are entitled to ask for a second opinion or a referral to a consultant or both. I can't believe that your doctors are leaving you to struggle while just prescribing painkillers. It really is outrageous.  

You wouldn't lose anything by trying to get your medical problems sorted out before putting together an application for a blue badge. But please don't suffer any longer. Help is out there - you need to ask for it. 

born_again

harrys_nan said:

Hi,
I am having mobility problems owing to the fact the discs in my back are slipping. I am not finding my doctor very helpful,to be honest.
He has diagnosed me with Osteoarthritis in my hips but that is not where my pain is coming from.  
I also have COPD which with my trying to walk is affecting my breathing, I use a walking stick to help my balance.
My shin bones feel like they are burning all of the time and the pain is keeping me awake every night.
I want to try and get a blue badge as I struggle to walk too far (although I do walk but in pain) and I can't get in and out of a car unless my partner pulls out of a parking space.
How do I get the information to attach to my claim if we cannot ask our doctor. I am waiting for physio but I'm not sure how long the waiting list is 

Apply via your local council website. 
When we did my wifes. We had to go for a check. Turned up talked through problems. As she can not walk for luckily turned up in wheelchair as they had moved location & had a 1/2 mile walk to new one. Mrs was just asked to show how far she could walk. Passed and blue badge issued. Did this before starting PIP claim. 

harrys_nan

Your wife is a lot worse than me but Thank you.
 I need to see a specialist I think to get something in writing

poppy12345

harrys_nan said:

 I need to see a specialist I think to get something in writing

That isn't needed for a blue badge claim. It could also be many many months before you're able to see anyone like this.