Hi all, Sorry I haven't been responding lately but I have been in a huge flare for awhile and no medication has helped. Some days it has been hard to walk, push shopping carts, etc., etc., etc. You all know how it is. I think I'm pretty strong and this has brought me to my knees. I have an apptointment with my pcd on Sept.4th and I was wondering how hard it is to get a handicap sticker for your car. I never thought I would be asking this and I feel very embarassed to ask my doctor this but it has become so hard lately. I hope everyone has been well and you all have a great labor day weekend!!
I got one for my mom I had to get a paper for the doctor to fill out and take to the court house they gave the sticker. Was not hard at all. Do not be embarrassed it will make things easier for you
Its easy to get one from your doctor - just ask. They'll give you a paper to take to the BMV and it only cost me $5. Keep the paperwork in your glove box with your registration for proof.
Don't be afraid to use the scooters in the store for shopping, they make it so much easier when you need the help.
I only needed a note from my doctor when I broke my leg. I took that to the town clerks office and they gave me the sticker. Then you just bring it back with your license and they renew it.
Ask your doctor if they have the form....usually they do. In TX, it requires a prescription from a doctor and the form signed and completed by you with a doctor's signature as well...My doctor sent me the signed form with prescription. They are accustomed to completing and writing the prescription. In Texas, they used to charge $5 for the two placards, now they charge nothing. I wish I had done it sooner--you will be glad you did! Yes--do ask for two.... All the best, LupanCat
Thanks so much for the answers. I definitely will ask for this nest week. It will make life a little easier when every step sometimes feels like forever and painful.
My physician completed the forms and I just had to take them to CA DMV. I got plates for my car and a placard. DMV automatically sends me a new one. I’ve had mine for about 15 years and it’s a godsend. When my boys were little, one of them tried to run away from me in a parking lot, I caught him but it scared me because I just can’t move fast enough when I’m flaring. Only time I ever spanked him (I was crying the whole time). That was one of the reasons why I got mine. Another reason is that I have a difficult time getting in and out of a car and I need the door open wide for leverage. I’m sorry you’re feeling so awful. Good luck! Annemarie
Hi Shan, I have had a Handicap parking plaque for years, and yes Lupus qualifies as a condition so that you can get one. All you do is get the form from the DMV and let your Dr. fill it out some Dr charge to do this but I don't know how much it is up to your Dr. Make sure that you mark the form for the full allowed years on the form for instance ( the form could be for 10yrs) if so mark it for the full 10 yrs so that way you don't have to worry about it expiring too early. I mark mine to expire in 2018 but that depends on how long your state allows yours for on your forms.
You maybe able to get the application on line from your DMV. I did filled out my portion and took it to my PCD. One he filled it out. I took it to DMV, paid $10.00 and they gave me a temp. Permit, and my perminant one came in the mail.
I finally broke down about 6 or 7 years ago having been stubborn for so long about not wanting to use a handicap sticker. But my family got frustrated with having to always drop me off at the door & then parking. My dr. told me very simply to get over it…when I need to use it–use it. When I don’t need the handicap space, park in the lot, walk as I’m able to and get some exercise. That’s exactly what i do.
It is not hard at all to get a handicap sticker. I got mine a couple of years ago when I was feeling exactly like you are. For the longest time I was so hesitant to talk to my doctor about it because I felt a little embarrassed asking. But he was so supportive and told me to absolutely get one and that there was no need to feel ashamed to ask. Having lupus is a legitimate reason. I am feeling much better now so I haven’t had to use it for the last year but its comforting to know that I have access to it when I need it.
Don't be embarrassed, I had to ask for one as well :(
You can download the form from the DMV website and take to your doctor to sign and mail in. It was easy and free. It really does help on days when you have no energy or strength.
Hello Shan, its not hard at all to get a handicap sticker, just ask your doctor for a letter to the secretary of state and she or he will have to feel out a form explaining your medical reason for asking for the sticker and you take it to the secretary of state and they will assign you a sticker that will last for some years, than you just have to renew it when it expires.
I just asked my rheumy for one yesterday and she was very supportive. I was embarassed to ask, but she filled out the paperwork and sent it in for me. It's pretty easy in MA. You just download the form, have a dr fill it out and they'll send it to you. All that stress for nothing - I wish I had done this ages ago! Good luck!
After a year, I finally asked my pcp for one. I am waiting for it to come in the mail now. I totally understand about the walking and shopping carts. I used to like to shop, now it's all I can do to walk into the store.
It depends on the state you live in as to how to go about obtaining on. In California, go to the DMV's web site, fill out the form, print it, take it to your Dr to fill out his/her part then you mail it in. The DMV will mail you the permit in approx 4 weeks.There is a $6.00 fee for a temporary permit but its free for a permanent permit. Here is a link to the form you'll need if your in Ca. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg195.pdf
Im in NY and it's much easier. I just printed off the form, took it to my Dr to sign and then took it to the town office & they gave it to me for free.
I was hesitant to get one as well. Some days I need it & other days I don't. When I dont need it, I don't use it. But it sure is nice to have it when I do need it.