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    #1

    Handicapped Parking Permit

    I am curious if those of you who have a handicapped parking placard asked your dr for it or if the dr suggested it.

    I have an AFO and use a cane; my family and friends keep telling me to ask my dr for the placard (actually to certify my disability on the form).

    I still don't see myself as disabled and with the assistance of the AFO and the cane can walk at least a couple of blocks before my left leg just doesn't want to move.

    Neither my neuro, an MS specialist, nor the rehab dr nor my physical therapist has suggested it so I keep saying I don't need it.

    On the other hand, I know that even when going to a store if I don't get a spot fairly close I am exhausted by the time I walk the parking lot and sometimes my leg begins to crumble and drag.

    Thanks.
    PPMS: Dx 9/13 by local neurologist; confirmed by 2 ms specialists in fall/winter 2013-14.
    Meds: Rapaflo, Neurontin, multi-vitamin, calcium, baby aspirin, blood pressure medicine. The list keeps increasing as the neuro tackles each symptom.
    Tags: None
    #2
    I asked for one. I use it more now than when I first got it. Definitely more.

    You should ask for one. It is good to have around. Think about times shopping took longer than usual and you still had to walk to the car. Ugh.

    Comment

      #3
      I requested a handicapped permit just six months after my diagnosis. I've been very proactive in anticipating future disability, figuring I need to be "ahead of the game." My neurologist was like, "Sure! Great idea!."

      I didn't use it much for the 1st year, but as the progression continued, I now just leave it in the window. I know I couldn't do what I do if I didn't have it. However, I wonder how long I'll even be able to do the little I do. Oh, yeah, this was my year to renew.

      I say go for it! It's been a lifesaver for me!

      Comment

        #4
        Originally posted by book lover View Post
        I am curious if those of you who have a handicapped parking placard asked your dr for it or if the dr suggested it.
        My Neurologist recommended it.

        Quite simply, during the diagnostic process (3 or 4 months) and after the confirmation of my diagnosis I was barely able to walk.

        I know that even when going to a store if I don't get a spot fairly close I am exhausted by the time I walk the parking lot and sometimes my leg begins to crumble and drag.
        This would be a good reason to get a form for a handicap plate and/or placard and ask your PCP or Neurologist to sign it.
        Diagnosed 1984
        “Lightworkers aren’t here to avoid the darkness…they are here to transform the darkness through the illuminating power of love.” Muses from a mystic

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          #5
          True Story. Went for an MRI last year and the nearest parking was a couple blocks away. I was in a major flare. I was able to make it to the MRI Center and after I was done, I was exhausted. I started heading back to my car and got so tired I stopped where I was and sat on the curb.

          Sitting there on that curb made me quite upset and I started crying. Someone apparently called 911 and a Policeman showed up. I explained what happened and that I did not have enough strength to make it to my car. He helped me into the squad car and drove me to my vehicle.

          The Policeman called the MRI Center who in turn called my doctor who in turned called me. He was appalled that I did not have a Handicapped Placard. He thought my PCP issued one. He faxed the paperwork to the DMV and I had my placard the following day.

          Never assume your doctor will think to give you one. Ask for it if you need it. I should have known better and it was really about three years overdue.
          Katie
          "Yep, I have MS, and it does have Me!"
          "My MS is a Journey for One."
          Dx: 1999 DMDS: Avonex, Copaxone, Rebif, currently on Tysabri

          Comment

            #6
            Two words: Get one.

            No one likes to be considered a PwD (person with a disability) but you are if you cannot walk more than a few blocks. Your safety is the most important thing ever, so please get an accessible parking permit and stay safe!

            Comment

              #7
              Thank you

              Thank you AnneLouise, ru4cats, KatieAgain, and misslux.

              I think you all confirmed what I probably knew but didn't want to admit. Safety comes first and no matter how good our doctors may be we have to be advocates for ourselves.

              I was concerned about asking the dr -- didn't want to appear as if I wanted something I didn't deserve.

              However, after reading your story KatieAgain and realizing it could easily happen to me and reading the advice of all of you I will "go for it" and "get one". So Snoopy, I just printed the form and will ask my dr to sign it.

              Once again thank you.
              PPMS: Dx 9/13 by local neurologist; confirmed by 2 ms specialists in fall/winter 2013-14.
              Meds: Rapaflo, Neurontin, multi-vitamin, calcium, baby aspirin, blood pressure medicine. The list keeps increasing as the neuro tackles each symptom.

              Comment

                #8
                Glad you are getting one!

                Comment

                  #9
                  I understand reticence on this...My md suggested I get a temporary 6 month placard, then we kept renewing it. After the 4th renew I admitted that I needed "the blue one". Conserve your precious energy for more fun things if possible I say!
                  RRMS 2011, Copaxone 2011-2013, Tecfidera 2013-current

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Are you guys unaffected cognitively speaking from MS? I drive to work and home and that's it. When I was in the flare but not knowing what was wrong, in retrospect I should not have been driving! Waiting for stop signs to turn green, nearly flattening someone because I thought I had just pinched a nerve, confusing the brake with the accelerator.

                    I'm not doing anything stupid now, but I feel malaise and I worry about being blindsided (literally?) by a flare. I can pull off anywhere along my route, and as classy as it sounds, have an oven pan in my trunk to pee in. Maybe I'm just still paranoid from the flare experience. I would rather not drive at all, but peeing in said oven pan on the bus probably wouldn't go over too well.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Well, dyin, losing my driver's license would be the end for me. I am extra, extra careful. I drive to work, to the supermarket and the chemist. That is it. Four blocks.

                      If I "surrender" my licence, I will have to quit work, move in with my parents and immediately call LifeLine.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Originally posted by dyin_myelin View Post
                        Are you guys unaffected cognitively speaking from MS?
                        I don't drive (never had a license -- my permit is a passenger one) but yes, pretty unscathed from a cognitive standpoint (physical is a different story). I have minimal brain lesions with the majority in my spinal cord at all the "right" spots...

                        Comment

                          #13
                          I had one for 6 months and never used it. I thought that I didn't need anything like that, I'm not Disabled!! Hello, Wake Up. I do have a disability and don't let your ego get in the way of using it. Spend the energy while you are there, not getting there.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            After my PPMS dx my Neuro explained to me what was available including the handicapped parking placard, and medical baselines from the electric and gas companies.

                            I filled out all the paperwork with the office staff and they handled it from there.

                            Comment

                              #15
                              During my last relapse my PCP asked me if I needed one, then went out to the computer and printed the form for me right then and there. I love him.

                              Comment

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