Chronic Pain Support Group
Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...
I'm not sure if they've changed the name to Disabled Parking since I last felt I needed it, but I was wondering what the average CP patient has to do to get it.
Almost 15 years ago I was diagnosed and back then I was adjusting to things. Forms were handed out and signed and I had a handicapped placard. Now that doc retired, and right after that we moved to Texas, where I didn't need the closer parking. My RSD was handled well and when my 1st one expired I just felt like I shouldn't take up space when I could walk.
2 states later, I still haven't asked about a new one. But yes, the time has come. I now have issues beyond the RSD and I live in MI where we have cold weather more than half the year. That affects the RSD and today I realized, I need that silly card again. Or plates? I don't know how they work. And I don't recall whom I'm supposed to speak with about this. The state? The doctor?
IF it is the doctor, does anyone have advice about how to go about it? I don't want to appear greedy, I honestly wouldn't even use it all the time. I also don't want my son to grow up being embarrassed. But I have admitted that it's just too much in winter months, with all we do. I don't want to stop work and activities, just make it a bit easier to access certain places.
I'm guessing it is a combination of doctor and state, but is it considered rude to ask? I'm curious b/c my doc has us fill out a questionnaire every time we go in, asking about our pain, if we do our own housework, if we are having troubles, etc. But it doesn't ask if we can walk a long way, etc.
I know it varies state by state, but is there any advice you'd offer? Thanks!
Almost 15 years ago I was diagnosed and back then I was adjusting to things. Forms were handed out and signed and I had a handicapped placard. Now that doc retired, and right after that we moved to Texas, where I didn't need the closer parking. My RSD was handled well and when my 1st one expired I just felt like I shouldn't take up space when I could walk.
2 states later, I still haven't asked about a new one. But yes, the time has come. I now have issues beyond the RSD and I live in MI where we have cold weather more than half the year. That affects the RSD and today I realized, I need that silly card again. Or plates? I don't know how they work. And I don't recall whom I'm supposed to speak with about this. The state? The doctor?
IF it is the doctor, does anyone have advice about how to go about it? I don't want to appear greedy, I honestly wouldn't even use it all the time. I also don't want my son to grow up being embarrassed. But I have admitted that it's just too much in winter months, with all we do. I don't want to stop work and activities, just make it a bit easier to access certain places.
I'm guessing it is a combination of doctor and state, but is it considered rude to ask? I'm curious b/c my doc has us fill out a questionnaire every time we go in, asking about our pain, if we do our own housework, if we are having troubles, etc. But it doesn't ask if we can walk a long way, etc.
I know it varies state by state, but is there any advice you'd offer? Thanks!
I live in TN and I simply asked my doctor. I am blessed to have a good one. He filled out the forms and I took them to the county clerks office and got plates, for my car, and a placard, for when I rode with others.
Not sure what the specifics would be in MI. If you don't find an answer, let me know. My sister is a lawyer in Grand Rapids and I can always ask her to look into it.
Hope this helps. Sending hugs, love, and comfort.
Tonna
If you have any other questions about issues In MI feel free to ask and I'll help any way I can.
You are all correct in that I shouldn't be ashamed. I guess I just thought it'd be easier in this day and age. You'd think a doctor could use technology to arrange these things and they'd be done in a day! But I will remember to talk to them next month about it. I say "them" b/c I don't know if I'll see one of the docs or the PA. I have a terrible habit of showing up early b/c I never know what traffic is like. That means they fit me in early (though I offer to come back or listen to radio in the car) so I imagine i mess up their schedule, though they always are happy to see me and get me right in.
I'm going to make a note of it on my Blackberry, so I don't forget. Lately I've been forgetting the silliest of things. It's the cold. And the holidays. If I can make it through February, I think I'll make it through the rest of the year. Is it just e, or has this past month just limped by slowly?
Thanks again everyone- and if anyone from MI has specific info, please post. I know there are more than a few CPers from this cold but lovely state. :)
You can print up the application online and bring it to your doctor there is a criteria which you have to fall under to be able to apply but I am sure you qualify I just read it when I got my foot surgery and was thinking about getting a temporary one. It did not look to hard at all to get. I think there is a small charge for it.
There is also the standard warnings like if someone drives your car and you are not with them and they use the spot they can get fined and you will forfeit your tag.