Disability Question-Handicap Parking

Incomudrox

New member
However it is difficult in the winter, but even when I was in the 50-60% FEV1 I got, a response of year right, you aren't on oxygen suck it up and walk. I do agree with this however because then I was just trying to get one because. Now I actually need it. I'd say in the 70% that yeah it sucks but it's not that bad.

I'd kill to have 70 back i'd walk the length of 10 parking lots everyday just to have 70. I have been there coughing until you puke from the cold, done it many times actually even when I was in the 80s. Trust me when I say I'm not trying to be mean but I (NOW not at the time) see why the doctor said "no way man".

After a while what I did was just found ways to cope with the cold, I learned to manage it actually. Before I quit working I worked for Sears Autocenter in Pittsbugh, where in the winter in Pittsburgh it's very cold in the winter starting in about October. I'd have to get up early drive to work in the cold (my car had no heat sometimes) 30min, once I remember looking at the temp gauge for outside temp it said -7* and I was driving to work with no heat. Once getting to work it was a constant inside to 75* and then back out into the cold to record mileage, license plate numbers, VIN numbers, and tire wear off of every customers car. I did this in and out every 5min for 8-15 hour shifts some days. I remember black Fridays and around Christmas walking out to cars in 2ft of snow feet freezing. I somehow adapted to it. I think most people with CF would agree that its more problem-some going from Cold and dry to a warm and humid or warm and dry climate constantly. Learning breathe control was a huge part of it, and controlling my reaction for me it was mind over matter to control the cough. I did this for two years below 50% FEV1. I won't lie yeah there were days where I had issues more than others but I only recently got my parking pass in the last 2 months.

Whatever you choose to do is your choice no doubt, I hope that whatever way you go it is successful for you be it learning control skills or finding a doctor that will see your way. I hope I don't come across as a jerk. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Incomudrox

New member
However it is difficult in the winter, but even when I was in the 50-60% FEV1 I got, a response of year right, you aren't on oxygen suck it up and walk. I do agree with this however because then I was just trying to get one because. Now I actually need it. I'd say in the 70% that yeah it sucks but it's not that bad.

I'd kill to have 70 back i'd walk the length of 10 parking lots everyday just to have 70. I have been there coughing until you puke from the cold, done it many times actually even when I was in the 80s. Trust me when I say I'm not trying to be mean but I (NOW not at the time) see why the doctor said "no way man".

After a while what I did was just found ways to cope with the cold, I learned to manage it actually. Before I quit working I worked for Sears Autocenter in Pittsbugh, where in the winter in Pittsburgh it's very cold in the winter starting in about October. I'd have to get up early drive to work in the cold (my car had no heat sometimes) 30min, once I remember looking at the temp gauge for outside temp it said -7* and I was driving to work with no heat. Once getting to work it was a constant inside to 75* and then back out into the cold to record mileage, license plate numbers, VIN numbers, and tire wear off of every customers car. I did this in and out every 5min for 8-15 hour shifts some days. I remember black Fridays and around Christmas walking out to cars in 2ft of snow feet freezing. I somehow adapted to it. I think most people with CF would agree that its more problem-some going from Cold and dry to a warm and humid or warm and dry climate constantly. Learning breathe control was a huge part of it, and controlling my reaction for me it was mind over matter to control the cough. I did this for two years below 50% FEV1. I won't lie yeah there were days where I had issues more than others but I only recently got my parking pass in the last 2 months.

Whatever you choose to do is your choice no doubt, I hope that whatever way you go it is successful for you be it learning control skills or finding a doctor that will see your way. I hope I don't come across as a jerk. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Jeana

New member
I am going to talk to my doctor about getting a handicapped placard. My FEV1 is 54%, but I plan to just use it in winter, particularly when I have to carry things. I have to stop and have repeated coughing fits when I have to walk across the parking lot, so I assume that means I qualify for the resting when walking 200 feet or more. I am at the point where I will just leave the store if I can't find a close parking spot. In fact, I pretty much avoid the store altogether, because I even get exhausted walking around. The other day, we were almost out of toilet paper, but I knew we had a big box of kleenex at home, so I put off shopping one more day. Sad, but true.
 

Jeana

New member
I am going to talk to my doctor about getting a handicapped placard. My FEV1 is 54%, but I plan to just use it in winter, particularly when I have to carry things. I have to stop and have repeated coughing fits when I have to walk across the parking lot, so I assume that means I qualify for the resting when walking 200 feet or more. I am at the point where I will just leave the store if I can't find a close parking spot. In fact, I pretty much avoid the store altogether, because I even get exhausted walking around. The other day, we were almost out of toilet paper, but I knew we had a big box of kleenex at home, so I put off shopping one more day. Sad, but true.
 

Jeana

New member
I am going to talk to my doctor about getting a handicapped placard. My FEV1 is 54%, but I plan to just use it in winter, particularly when I have to carry things. I have to stop and have repeated coughing fits when I have to walk across the parking lot, so I assume that means I qualify for the resting when walking 200 feet or more. I am at the point where I will just leave the store if I can't find a close parking spot. In fact, I pretty much avoid the store altogether, because I even get exhausted walking around. The other day, we were almost out of toilet paper, but I knew we had a big box of kleenex at home, so I put off shopping one more day. Sad, but true.
 

imported_Momto2

New member
I would personally be embarrassed to get a handicapped placard unless I was below 40% again and truly busting ass trying to do everything I could to improve my fitness and stamina and it wasnt working. I think a lot of people want the easy way out by not exercising and they are not doing themselves any favors. Everybody has to do what they think best for themselves regarding a placard, but if there are any troublesome elements in the equation (weather, physical fitness, more timely meds) that can changed, better controlled, or improved, you might want to consider that option first to truly improve your quality of life.
 

imported_Momto2

New member
I would personally be embarrassed to get a handicapped placard unless I was below 40% again and truly busting ass trying to do everything I could to improve my fitness and stamina and it wasnt working. I think a lot of people want the easy way out by not exercising and they are not doing themselves any favors. Everybody has to do what they think best for themselves regarding a placard, but if there are any troublesome elements in the equation (weather, physical fitness, more timely meds) that can changed, better controlled, or improved, you might want to consider that option first to truly improve your quality of life.
 

krisjohn53223

New member
I got one several years ago when I was in college and it was impossible to find parking on campus. The closest spot would be blocks away and in the winter it was way to hard for me to walk that far. I live in Wisconsin and winters can be tough! Then, I had it renewed when I had my son because again, in the winter trying to carrying a baby in that heavy carseat was to much. It was super easy to get. I had to get a form from the DMV (I think you can get it on-line) and then just take it to your MD and have them sign the form. Warning: be prepared to get lots of dirty looks!
 

krisjohn53223

New member
I got one several years ago when I was in college and it was impossible to find parking on campus. The closest spot would be blocks away and in the winter it was way to hard for me to walk that far. I live in Wisconsin and winters can be tough! Then, I had it renewed when I had my son because again, in the winter trying to carrying a baby in that heavy carseat was to much. It was super easy to get. I had to get a form from the DMV (I think you can get it on-line) and then just take it to your MD and have them sign the form. Warning: be prepared to get lots of dirty looks!
 

sue35

New member
Keep in mind, if your doctor refuses to let you get one, it could be because it is illegal, not that he is mean. You are supposed to be disabled the whole year, not just in winter months. So, if you have trouble walking 200 ft in winter I would think that would qualify you for a temporary placard but not a permanent one.

I have a placard but got if for a different reason than CF. I did not qualify for CF and my lung function is 41%
 

sue35

New member
Keep in mind, if your doctor refuses to let you get one, it could be because it is illegal, not that he is mean. You are supposed to be disabled the whole year, not just in winter months. So, if you have trouble walking 200 ft in winter I would think that would qualify you for a temporary placard but not a permanent one.

I have a placard but got if for a different reason than CF. I did not qualify for CF and my lung function is 41%
 

dream2live

New member
Just ask your pulmonary/CF doctor that you need a handicapped parking decal. All your doctor is say no. If he does say no, then ask your primary care doctor if you do have one.
 

dream2live

New member
Just ask your pulmonary/CF doctor that you need a handicapped parking decal. All your doctor is say no. If he does say no, then ask your primary care doctor if you do have one.
 

crystalina0814

New member
I have one and my FEV1 is currently at 64%, but has been as high as the 90's and as low as the 50's - I do bounce around. I rarely ever use it. One of the few times it gets put to use is when my joints are so sore and I cannot hardly walk across the hospital parking garage- or if I am extremely SOB. But, I have used it when needed. I understand the idea of not getting lazy and sucking it up, but we do go through a lot. If a parking decal makes life a little easier when on IVs, having breathing problems in extreme weather, or when CF arthritis flares, then what is the harm? I take very good care of myself and never take advantage of it as I am sure most CF'ers do/or would do. We are not super humans and I am not going to pretend to be one. Walking across a snowy, bitter, cough inducing parking lot will not benefit me all that much health wise- especially because I do keep up with my workouts in a better situation where I can actually concentrate on using it as part of my airway clearance. The same goes for a very humid, hot day when I start coughing so hard that I feel like I am about to pass out. I am more embarrassed puking in the middle of a parking lot than I am using the handicapped space. I don't care about the dirty looks either.... our situation is quite different than someone sporting the *fake* neckbrace just to park up close on a rainy day. My CF doc did not question writing an RX for me to have a 5 year one. I would speak with a different doctor or express your concern to the social worker who may be able to help. Good luck.
 

crystalina0814

New member
I have one and my FEV1 is currently at 64%, but has been as high as the 90's and as low as the 50's - I do bounce around. I rarely ever use it. One of the few times it gets put to use is when my joints are so sore and I cannot hardly walk across the hospital parking garage- or if I am extremely SOB. But, I have used it when needed. I understand the idea of not getting lazy and sucking it up, but we do go through a lot. If a parking decal makes life a little easier when on IVs, having breathing problems in extreme weather, or when CF arthritis flares, then what is the harm? I take very good care of myself and never take advantage of it as I am sure most CF'ers do/or would do. We are not super humans and I am not going to pretend to be one. Walking across a snowy, bitter, cough inducing parking lot will not benefit me all that much health wise- especially because I do keep up with my workouts in a better situation where I can actually concentrate on using it as part of my airway clearance. The same goes for a very humid, hot day when I start coughing so hard that I feel like I am about to pass out. I am more embarrassed puking in the middle of a parking lot than I am using the handicapped space. I don't care about the dirty looks either.... our situation is quite different than someone sporting the *fake* neckbrace just to park up close on a rainy day. My CF doc did not question writing an RX for me to have a 5 year one. I would speak with a different doctor or express your concern to the social worker who may be able to help. Good luck.
 

crystalina0814

New member
....and remember, our Doctors work for US, not the other way around. If you don't feel that your CF doc is listening to your needs, I would speak-up or find a new one. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

crystalina0814

New member
....and remember, our Doctors work for US, not the other way around. If you don't feel that your CF doc is listening to your needs, I would speak-up or find a new one. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 

Incomudrox

New member
I think the problem people in here are having is, they don't qualify by the states rules which is what the doctor is supposed to go by. Put yourself in his shoes in this economy do you want to lose your license to practice because you lied? No, I know I wouldn't and wouldn't blame him/her either. Don't ask your doctor to do something illegal.
 

Incomudrox

New member
I think the problem people in here are having is, they don't qualify by the states rules which is what the doctor is supposed to go by. Put yourself in his shoes in this economy do you want to lose your license to practice because you lied? No, I know I wouldn't and wouldn't blame him/her either. Don't ask your doctor to do something illegal.
 
Got mine in college! It really helps! On the days where I don't feel good and the weather makes it hard for me to breathe or walk, i use it. if i feel well i dont use it! Dont get caught up in being embrassed or it makes you feel like you even more sick! It took me awhile to do this and accept a handicap sticker because it made me feel like i was taken advantage of the system. It took a few very cold days and very hot days to make me realize that the sticker is a God send! It really helped me to deal with the weather affecting my breathing. Now i take it everywhere with me and my friends and family love me for it!!
 
Top