Blue badge medical assessment - Can anyone tell me what to expect, please?

[flow4]

Hi all, can anyone tell me what to expect when I have a blue badge medical assessment next week, please? I'm fretting...

I have been struggling with my mobility for a few years now - I have been unable to walk at all without pain for over a year now - and finally in August I was diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome and arthritis in multiple joints. I have been referred for a possible hip replacement (despite only being in my 40s) but because of my hypermobility and joint instability, apparently surgery is not always successful. The hip pain is worst, but I also have arthritis in both knees, and maybe my feet (waiting for x-rays), and my joints sometimes give way and 'collapse' or sub-lux because of my hypermobility.

Anyway, in December I finally made an application for a Blue Badge. This was a big step for me, and upsetting, because it meant finally accepting that I am disabled and my mobility is likely to get worse not better. I provided an x-ray report, consultant's letter and 2 GP's letters confirming my conditions.

My application is being processed and they have told me that I have to go for a medical assessment with an independent occupational therapist. This has made me anxious, I think mostly because it has made me feel like I did when I was struggling to get diagnosed, when GPs initially told me it was all in my head - i.e. it feels like they don't believe me. I can't understand why the medical evidence I provided wasn't enough... What do I have to 'prove' to them that the medical reports/letters don't already show?

Any reassurance or advice would be much appreciated!

Hello,

I had one of these assessments last summer. It was fine. I'm in my forties, too.

I had to go to a local resource centre which was quite easy. I use a stick, so obviously took it with me. I was waiting a short while and later realised that she had probably been watching me which I didn't mind.

I was offered an armchair. She was behind a desk and had a 12(I think) point questionnaire to complete. I can't sit much so stood the whole time. I was in a lot of pain and she was sympathetic.

I can't remember all the questions but they obviously related to mobility, pain etc. at the end she wanted to walk me to my car in order to assess my walking for herself.

She explained that each of the 12points were scored something like 0-4 and if you scored above 24( again not quite sure), you got the badge and if not you didn't. She said I would hear in a few weeks.

One week later it arrived. I was very surprised at how straightforward it was. Also rather distressed, I must say, that I was so obviously 'disabled'.

If IRC the criteria state that your disability must be considered permanent so if you are having a joint replacement but still expect to be disabled, do say so. I think the first thing she asked was 'why' and 'why now'.

You can pm me if you need any more info.

Good luck. It's made a lot of difference to me even though I HATE people looking at me.

Hi Matilda, thank you very much for your reply. I had my assessment today, and thought I'd add my own experience in case someone else comes along with the same question...

My assessment was also ok. I had to attend a local centre too, and waited for a while to be seen. I wondered if I was being watched, but in fact the OT was with another person, so I don't think I was...

She asked me various questions about my pain and mobility. She asked me how my impairment was affecting my life, which no-one else has in fact asked me, and I'm afraid it set me off crying. Once I started I couldn't stop, and I cried a lot. :( She was lovely, and sympathetic, and respectful - in fact it was far and away the most supportive encounter I have had with a health professional in a more than a year.

Questions included how long it had taken me to walk from the car; how bad my pain was at that mo on a scale of 1-10; whether today was a good day, bad day or average; whether I have ever fallen; whether I have problems using the bath, loo and shower; whether I drive; how my impairments are affecting me at and getting to work; what medication I'm on... I told her about all the things that are wrong with my body from the hips down, and various treatments/self-care...

I had to walk down a corridor outside the interview room, turn, walk back and round a corner, then out to a hallway and down and up a flight of stairs. I can do all this but slowly, stiffly and painfully, and I have a noticeable limp and problems twisting/turning.

At the end of the assessment, she told me that I qualify, and reassured me that this was "one less thing to worry about". I was so relieved I cried again...

I don't know how long it'll take to process - it sounds like not long...