I feel awful for even asking this but quite a few people have told me I qualify for a blue badge having CML. I don't know if this is true and even if it is ethical (or i would use it!). I do get tired and achey joints but otherwise my mobility is fine.
But then the little red devil on my sholder keeps saying, 'you didn't ask to get CML, so get whatever you can to make life easier for yourself!'
Any thoughts/comments/experiences?
Thanks
Em x
I'm unsure if there's a national policy, but when I applied locally I couldn't get one. However, I did then apply for Disability Living Allowance (a VERY tough nut to crack) but when I was awarded the mobility component of this benefit, I was then able to re-apply for the blue badge & succeeded.
Let me know if you want any further help or support with this, but it's certainly worth applying for the blue badge.
Oh and don't feel guilty,,,,just think how much better it is to put your energy into the purpose of the trip out, rather than in walking miles from car parks!
xx
p.s. thinking about it, I don't think I threw much weight behind the original application as I was still feeling a bit "mousey" about doing things like that for "me"...
hi Vickie
Hope you don't mind me asking. but i also put in for DLA and was knocked back did you have any help with the forms. I put in for it as i have and have had since starting treatment real problems with my legs, also the tiredness most of my meals, cleaning etc is done by my sister. As i say i was knocked back by DLA which to me is unfair as i know people who get it and they don't need it. Any advice would be great here
Thanks
CML patients on tki treatment wont get you a blue badge.
If you think your a special case and you need a blue badge talk to the specialist cancer nurse at your hospital,They have special forms for cancer patients with limited mobility (we are exampt having to supply photos)
I am post transplant,having chemo,having weekly blood transfusions,GVHD, bone marrow failed,not making any blood.and I got a blue badge.
Hello everybody. I've just been reading thru these posts and thought I would tell my story and see if anybody has any advice for me. In April this year I was diagnosed with CML. I was sent home from the hospital with just a booklet and nothing else. I have been to the hospital many times for blood tests and I'm currently taking imatinib. The treatment is not working properly and I have just had a bone marrow test done to see what happens next. I recently went to my GP and asked to be referred to a Macmillan nurse because mentally and physically the CML was affecting me. He asked what my specialist nurse had said. I told him I had not seen a specialist nurse and he was angry about this and rang the hospital straight away to find out why. The specialist nurse just said I had slipped thru the net. Apparently tho I was supposed to have met her 7 months ago when I was first diagnosed. I have only met her once last week for the 1st time. I explained to her my aching body, my shins, lower back and arms especially and she basically said that it was psychological and that I should not be having these pains. this made me angry and upset because she is supposed to help me but she seemed against me.
It is not uncommon for the DLA people to kick you back on the first attempt. You have to apply, apply and apply again. Never give up it is designed for people such as yourselves. Took me 1 year and 2 weeks to achieve success, and the reason given was that they did not undertand my disease ! A Blue Badge is vital to you as your mobility varies tremendously, they will talk with your GP who basically knows extremely little about CML. Please do not wait or give up, go for it. If you want any further info, please do give me a call and I will do level best to help you.
Keith
