AIBU to shed a tear even though this is what we wanted?

[mailfuckoff]

Ds has a condition where he doesn't walk very well. Last year it was suggested we apply for a blue badge for him. We've heard how hard it was so thought it wouldn't be given to us. The badge came in the post today, and I'm really sad that he's considered disabled. To me he's perfect but now I'm worried how ill he is. We don't know if this is a blip and he will get better, or if this is for life.

Thanks all. I've bought a snazzy badge holder that he will love so I'm hoping to turn it into something fun for him rather then something bad.

No one wants to be disabled or their child disabled. I applied for PIP and was quite surprised to get it. When my renewal came up, they did the assessment at home as I was just out of hospital after surgery. A couple of weeks later the office rang me and said that I should have phoned them before to tell them my condition had changed and they were changing my mobility part to high rate and back dating it as far as they could. I was shocked and actually saddened to think that I had got so used to my condition that it was part of me and not seen as a disability. It was just 'there' iyswim?

I love my blue badge, it makes life so much easier, simply being able to get in and out of the car is bloody wonderful!

Try and see it as a positive thing for your son, it will make his life easier, it will make things easier for you too when you are out. Plus you can also apply for your car to be registered as tax free if he is getting high rate mobility and that with the blue badge can give you free parking in some places. Makes life a little bit easier if it takes you longer to get things done when you are out with him.

I get where you are coming from. I recently said the same about myself. I got PIP straight after my Face to Face. Then I applied for and got a blue badge. I mean, I am not that bad well, I am, but don't want to accept that I am I have a snazzy orange badge holder though, I like that!

I imagine it is worse when it is your child you are thinking about.

Think of it as more enabling for him and maybe try to find things you can do now with the badge that you would have found difficult before - you'll get the benefit and see the positive in it. Maybe one day soon he won't need it. X

I'm sorry - must be hard for you.

It's not quite the same but I felt uncomfortable when my dad had his dementia diagnoses. We all knew it was this / going to be the outcome of tests but it's still a shock - someone else confirming what you knew if that makes sense. At least you have it sorted out now. I know these things are never easy to navigate or easy to obtain.

I felt the same when i got my blue badge OP. Now i love my badge as it helps me go about day to day life but was a bitter pill to swallow.

Hi, would like to add an update. Just seen in our bank account we have received dla payment, no fight, no testing. This is now my reality.

Hi Mail, Just empathising. Our daughter also has a blue badge and DLA. Both are very useful indeed, but of course we wish she didn't need them. Just think of them as tools to help you and your boy access as much as you can to make life as normal and fun as possible, not labels. How old is he? Having a blue badge and DLA can unlock a lot of doors to make the otherwise impossible possible (we have gone to a family festival with accessible camping, with the car by the tent, for example). Wishing you luck on your journey.

I know that it’s different but my once fit and healthy father had a terrible time of it a few months ago - death’s door stuff and now needs a blue badge. I just feel so sad about it. Sorry about your DS. He’s still perfect.