Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group disability tag

Hi Possi
I am going to use it the same way.. and hopefully it won't be too often that I have to use it..
But I agree it is hard to admit that you need it...but I decided that I am going to do whatever it takes to make my life a little easier..

I had one years ago that had an experation date on it. It was very help for "bad" days.. I just started seening my Rhumey again after 10 years.. I thought I could handle things on my own and I was sooo wrong. I will be requesting one at my next appt. I find id especially hard this time a year managing the somewhat plowed parking lots. My ankels are unstable, stiff and with the tearing tendons one wrong move and snap.. I am finally after 15 years tucking my pride away and doing what it takes to make my envoirnment safer and easier for me.. in fact my Mom was so proud of me when I told her my 15 ft. Christmas tree is only half decoratated I refused to climb the ladder this year and my husband ran out of time too assist..This is something that would have drven me crazy and I would have killed myself getting it done in the past. Looks funny... decorations only as far as I can reach and the top bear.. tee hee I can say it is original.. Congratulations of the tag..I hope to be getting one at the end of Jan..

If you need it, its a good thing. Nothing to feel bad about. And you don't have to use it just because you have it. You can use it on days you feel bad and park in normal spots on days you can walk further.

Hi Valerie,

I am glad you got it, NOW USE IT!

YOU know that you need it, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. It would be different if you didn't need it or it was someone elses's and you were using it.

Im also not going to say it won't always be easy, I still have at times not often but people will look at you like if you still have 2 legs what are you doing with it. I learned a long time ago not to judge because I do not know a person situation, I have had mine now for pttttttt can't remember maybe 5, 6 , 7 years now.

Hugs,

Lisa

Congrats!! My hubby insists on us using it every time we go out. I said today that I felt odd using it when I felt fine. He insisted I use my cane too. I felt odd, but was VERY happy to have the cane & the close parking because by the time we were done with the light shopping, I was dragging and hobbling.... I think he's noticed my issues much more clearly than I have and am thankful for that!

Even though I may be fine going in....it's the coming out that is more difficult for me and I NEED to get to my van asap!

My Tag is good until 2013 and then has to be renewed.. I know what you mean about tucking away the pride.. I am finally admiting that I have to do what makes things easier on me.. and that means asking for help when I need it and even saying no that I can't do anything,
This week i even went home early on 2 days something that I very rarely do .. but I was in pain all week and felt miserable.
I would love to see your tree.. I don't do the decorating and said that if i had to I would get a tree that was pre decorated .
I hope you get your tag .

Hi Lisa

I will use it . I promise but since it is winter I am not driving much .. but once I start up again I will use it..
I know the look that you are talking about and I am starting to not mind it a bit...I even started to use the cane and am wondering why I wouldn't do that sooner since it makes a big difference..

Hi trudi
I went shopping today ( boxing day sale) only to one store but my sister like your husband insisted that I use the tag and cane.. of course I felt that I didn't need either but was so glad afterwards that I took her advice.. So I will listen to her and you listen to your husband apparently they know us and care how we feel ..

Congratulations to you and all the others who want to take care of themselves by getting a tag. I know it is not an easy thing to ask for. It would sure be alot easier if you didn't have to worry about being judged everytime you got out of the car as to whether you "deserve" to have the disability tag by those who think they are part of the "Handicap Parking Police". I say the heck with them...use it when you need it!!!

I do not have a disability tag yet but I am going thru the same thought processes many of us have to go thru as to whether or not to get one. I have had to park at an end of a row and by the time I get to the door I feel too tired to go on.

if my SI or feet or hamstrings are bothering me that much, i just don't go anywhere, except work....that is the problem, the parking lots are on the outside of campus and the older buildings are in the middle, so i have 1/4 to 1/2 mile to walk to get to my building. i enjoy the "exercise" on my good days, but i've had times (when my SI is bad) when i've pulled the car up to the building and have asked a coworker to park (and later "unpark") my car for me because i just couldn't walk the distance. i've been thinking more and more how i really need to get a tag. i think its ironic that work, where i go nearly every day is the challenge. i haven't asked about a tag yet, not because of what people will say (i've always been blessed (or cursed) with not caring too much about what others think. but i'm more worried about the battle i'll have with my doctors when i ask, then again, i'll never know unless i ask. you all are making it easier to think i can ask, so thank you.

sue