At Last

[lady-janine]

Well, at last my breathing problems have forced me to apply for a Blue Badge. They have been getting steadily worse over the past 18 months. This was not something I wanted to do but the inability to walk any more than a short distance before stopping has meant I had to face up to reality. Not a moan just an acceptance of a fact.

Does anyone have any suggestions as how I can improve my breathing ability? As I'd rather this than what I have at the moment.

[Bobbisox1]

Hi LJ, hope you get it sorted lovely lady x

[lady-janine]

Thanks Bobbi. Will have to wait and see. Hospital again on Monday.

[anneasquith]

Use your blue badge LJ, anything that makes your life easier.
Is there a reason why you are so breathless ?

[FatticusInch]

Maybe some suggestions here?

https://copd.net/basics

Have you asked your GP about maybe having oxygen at home?

[lady-janine]

Thanks I will. I don't go out much at the moment but when shopping walking from the far end of a carpark can cause inconvenience and take quite a while. Something to do with my pacemaker and also a bleed but both conditions are on the list to get sorted urgently according to my GP and hospital- started over a month ago. So what is urgent?

[lady-janine]

Thanks for that Fatty. Not sure if that applies to me.

[ferlew]

Our surgery offers pulmonary rehabilitation courses. You could enquire about something like that. I have found it very helpful.

[Peter Pedant]

they are an absolute godsend
blue badges - hey folks if you are eligible get one
Life changing

remember they are personal and you can use them in other cars so long as you are in it - - and they can even be used by people shopping for you!

[anneasquith]

Is your pacemaker due for a calibration ? Where was the bleed LJ ?

[lady-janine]

I don't have any experience of them but at the moment any help will be welcome.

[lady-janine]

Not sure what is on the cards as a calibration was done only a couple of months ago. Bleed is from heart to lungs.

[bednobs]

Peter is wrong other people can't use your badge to do your shopping

[anneasquith]

Please , when you go to the hospital stress on whoever you see that your breathing has deteriorated greatly impacting on your life.
Sometime we need to ask questions before things change. Good luck on Monday.

[ferlew]

Re the Blue Badge use...the holder MUST be present at the time of use.

[lady-janine]

aa - thanks.

PP - the booklet I have been given clearly states when a Blue Badge can be used. It excludes use by other people. Maybe different where you live but caanot be used that way down here.

[andres]

There are breathing techniques that you can try. Which one is most suitable would probably depend on just what is wrong. You would be better asking the doctor on Monday and ask for a leaflet on the best one for you.

[ladybirder]

LadyJ I have COPD and I was told gasping for breath is good for me. Doesn't feel like it. But it opens up your lungs. And don't forget to use your inhalers when you should.

I have a Blue Badge and it's brilliant.

[barry1010]

PP is wrong. The holder must not only be present but must get out of the car if the badge is in use. No good parking outside a shop and staying in the car whilst someone else gets out and does the shopping.
The confusion arises because somebody else can drive a disabled tax class car to do errands on a disabled person’s behalf (without the disabled person) but must not use the blue badge in that circumstance.

[barry1010]

Are you taking any medication for your breathing problems? You really do need to speak to your GP as the wrong advice could cause more problems. You haven’t said if you have asthma or COPD and if you haven’t any treatment / exercise will be very different from those that do.

[THECORBYLOON]

BARRY, that is not correct, the holder need not get out the car although it is encouraged,

"You should not use the badge to allow non-disabled people to take advantage of the benefits while you sit in the car. Although it is not illegal for a badge holder, or a non-disabled person waiting for the badge holder to return, to remain in the vehicle while the Blue Badge is displayed, consideration should be given to using a car park whenever possible."

https://shortest.link/5MRl