GP & Blue badge help 😑

bazaar1

Hi all. First time posting here but I do lurk a lot!


I’ve got severe anxiety, Autism and some back issues but haven’t taken meds for any of it from the doctor for 3-4 years, mainly because my anxiety stops me going to appointments. I’m going through pip at the moment, but in the mean time I was hoping to get a blue badge to allow me to keep working - my anxiety is so bad now that I’m struggling to park in the local car park and walk (10 mins) to my workplace, I’ve been parking on street which is expneisve and only allows me 4 hours then I have to leave work. It’s cost me over £7 a day x 7 days a week! 

Blue badge request was approved pending a letter from the gp confirming diagnosis, or proof of meds. Now I can’t provide medications because o don’t have them. 

The GP promised a letter then turned about and said they don’t do them. After a lot of arguing they agreed to write a diagnosis letter but say because it’s for private use it will take 8-10 WEEKS and cost £50. I’ve tried explaining that I need it quicker than that, and that £50 is extremely high, but they won’t budge, it means I just can’t work or afford to work, and I’m stuck,

is there any suggestion on how to speed it up, or anything else I can use to prove I have anxiety? 

Thank you 

poppy123456

Some GPs do charge for writing letters of support for things like this. Do you have some other evidence at home which mentions your diagnosis? If so then send that to them.

OverlyAnxious

I needed a GP letter earlier this year and was amazed that it cost around £40.  Apparently that's about the going rate.  It was done within a few days though, 8-10 weeks seems excessive!

In my case it was dictated, and the information in it wasn't even correct, undermining the evidence that I had already provided!  Needless to say, I don't think I'd bother again.  Would try and find an alternative.


I should add, it wasn't for a Blue Badge.  I managed to get that based just on a print-out of the online patient record.  I know different councils use different rules for BB's, but in your position I'd contact them again and see if there's any other option.

bazaar1

OverlyAnxious said:

I needed a GP letter earlier this year and was amazed that it cost around £40.  Apparently that's about the going rate.  It was done within a few days though, 8-10 weeks seems excessive!

In my case it was dictated, and the information in it wasn't even correct, undermining the evidence that I had already provided!  Needless to say, I don't think I'd bother again.  Would try and find an alternative.


I should add, it wasn't for a Blue Badge.  I managed to get that based just on a print-out of the online patient record.  I know different councils use different rules for BB's, but in your position I'd contact them again and see if there's any other option.

Thank you. I’ve got a list of my old meds etc and the constant repeat for diazepam but that’s not enough apparently! The docs have just text to say they’ve done the letter following my email, so no idea why they needed to suggest it would be 8-10 weeks, unless they only sped it up following my complaint about it. 

bazaar1

Hi all, me again. Blue badge people refused it based on the fact that anxiety cannot be measured. I appealed an explained why I needed a badge, how it would help, what happens at the moment when I dont have one (ie panic attacks, not going anywhere, unable to access work) and they've sent me a questionnaire. The only one who can fill this in is the doc and as above, it took £50 just to get a letter, and I cannot afford another £50 or 8 weeks, and even then, they dont see me in public or in person (as I can't get in due to anxiety) so I have no idea how to get this filled in. Help? 

poppy123456

In another thread you said you were awarded standard mobility for your PIP, where exactly did you score those points for the mobility?

A standard mobility award can automatically entitle you to a BB but it will depend on where you scored those points.

bazaar1

poppy123456 said:

In another thread you said you were awarded standard mobility for your PIP, where exactly did you score those points for the mobility?

A standard mobility award can automatically entitle you to a BB but it will depend on where you scored those points.

Hi! yes I'm having a DAY of issues, can you tell! 

I've not got it with me now, but will grab it in a mo and have a look. I didn't really understand it all so gave it to my mum to review. 

OverlyAnxious

bazaar1 said:

...they've sent me a questionnaire. The only one who can fill this in is the doc and as above...they dont see me in public or in person (as I can't get in due to anxiety) so I have no idea how to get this filled in. Help? 

Could you post it to the surgery or have a friend/relative drop it in?

schoolmum

bazaar1 said:

Hi all. First time posting here but I do lurk a lot!


I’ve got severe anxiety, Autism and some back issues but haven’t taken meds for any of it from the doctor for 3-4 years, mainly because my anxiety stops me going to appointments. I’m going through pip at the moment, but in the mean time I was hoping to get a blue badge to allow me to keep working - my anxiety is so bad now that I’m struggling to park in the local car park and walk (10 mins) to my workplace, I’ve been parking on street which is expneisve and only allows me 4 hours then I have to leave work. It’s cost me over £7 a day x 7 days a week! 

Blue badge request was approved pending a letter from the gp confirming diagnosis, or proof of meds. Now I can’t provide medications because o don’t have them. 

The GP promised a letter then turned about and said they don’t do them. After a lot of arguing they agreed to write a diagnosis letter but say because it’s for private use it will take 8-10 WEEKS and cost £50. I’ve tried explaining that I need it quicker than that, and that £50 is extremely high, but they won’t budge, it means I just can’t work or afford to work, and I’m stuck,

is there any suggestion on how to speed it up, or anything else I can use to prove I have anxiety? 

Thank you 

Good morning @bazaar1 I am please to read you were awarded PIP.
Just a bit puzzled as on the post above you say you have not taken your meds for 3-4 years but on you other post about your PIP award you say...
"Yes on the mobility, I have degenerative disc disease and bulging discs, confirmed with 2 mris and various meds. she said that my meds were 'moderate' - 8-10 250mg tablets of tramadol a day, plus lidocaine patches and managed".
Also was it a typing error in quantity and dosage of the tramadol as I am on 25mg tramadol for moderate to severe pain and the very most you can take each day is 200mg.
I am just a bit concerned as it is recommended you don't drive while taking tramadol as it has can have several side effect. 
Wishing you well if you decide to go ahead with an MR
Schoolmum

bazaar1

schoolmum said:

bazaar1 said:

Hi all. First time posting here but I do lurk a lot!


I’ve got severe anxiety, Autism and some back issues but haven’t taken meds for any of it from the doctor for 3-4 years, mainly because my anxiety stops me going to appointments. I’m going through pip at the moment, but in the mean time I was hoping to get a blue badge to allow me to keep working - my anxiety is so bad now that I’m struggling to park in the local car park and walk (10 mins) to my workplace, I’ve been parking on street which is expneisve and only allows me 4 hours then I have to leave work. It’s cost me over £7 a day x 7 days a week! 

Blue badge request was approved pending a letter from the gp confirming diagnosis, or proof of meds. Now I can’t provide medications because o don’t have them. 

The GP promised a letter then turned about and said they don’t do them. After a lot of arguing they agreed to write a diagnosis letter but say because it’s for private use it will take 8-10 WEEKS and cost £50. I’ve tried explaining that I need it quicker than that, and that £50 is extremely high, but they won’t budge, it means I just can’t work or afford to work, and I’m stuck,

is there any suggestion on how to speed it up, or anything else I can use to prove I have anxiety? 

Thank you 

Good morning @bazaar1 I am please to read you were awarded PIP.
Just a bit puzzled as on the post above you say you have not taken your meds for 3-4 years but on you other post about your PIP award you say...
"Yes on the mobility, I have degenerative disc disease and bulging discs, confirmed with 2 mris and various meds. she said that my meds were 'moderate' - 8-10 250mg tablets of tramadol a day, plus lidocaine patches and managed".
Also was it a typing error in quantity and dosage of the tramadol as I am on 25mg tramadol for moderate to severe pain and the very most you can take each day is 200mg.
I am just a bit concerned as it is recommended you don't drive while taking tramadol as it has can have several side effect. 
Wishing you well if you decide to go ahead with an MR
Schoolmum

hi, thanks for replying.

I have a repeat prescription for tramadol, which I never even thought about when writing this, I did write it wrong, just checked - its 50mg tablets 8-10 a day, my prescription says max 8 a day, but doc told me 10 was ok if really needed. Perhaps its different for each patient (I am tall and build up to this dose). Ive never had any side effects from it, and its effect is limited on me, and the doc has just tried me on a new one to work long side it (etroxib?) 

poppy123456

schoolmum said:

bazaar1 said:

Hi all. First time posting here but I do lurk a lot!


I’ve got severe anxiety, Autism and some back issues but haven’t taken meds for any of it from the doctor for 3-4 years, mainly because my anxiety stops me going to appointments. I’m going through pip at the moment, but in the mean time I was hoping to get a blue badge to allow me to keep working - my anxiety is so bad now that I’m struggling to park in the local car park and walk (10 mins) to my workplace, I’ve been parking on street which is expneisve and only allows me 4 hours then I have to leave work. It’s cost me over £7 a day x 7 days a week! 

Blue badge request was approved pending a letter from the gp confirming diagnosis, or proof of meds. Now I can’t provide medications because o don’t have them. 

The GP promised a letter then turned about and said they don’t do them. After a lot of arguing they agreed to write a diagnosis letter but say because it’s for private use it will take 8-10 WEEKS and cost £50. I’ve tried explaining that I need it quicker than that, and that £50 is extremely high, but they won’t budge, it means I just can’t work or afford to work, and I’m stuck,

is there any suggestion on how to speed it up, or anything else I can use to prove I have anxiety? 

Thank you 

Also was it a typing error in quantity and dosage of the tramadol as I am on 25mg tramadol for moderate to severe pain and the very most you can take each day is 200mg.
I am just a bit concerned as it is recommended you don't drive while taking tramadol as it has can have several side effect. 
Wishing you well if you decide to go ahead with an MR
Schoolmum

The maximum dosage of Tramadol is 400mg/24 hours. I used to take Tramadol quite a few years ago and my maximum dose per day was 400mg. In the end it stopped working for me so i was weaned off it and changed to other medication. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tramadol-hydrochloride/

With regards to driving, you can drive and take this medication providing it is safe for you to do so. Some people have no side effects from taking such medication. I drove throughout taking it with no issues at all and i had permission from my GP to drive.

schoolmum

Hi @ Poppy123456 
Hope you are keeping well.
Sorry, yes you are correct.
I knew I could take up to 8 a day so thought 200mg but I have just looked at mine and they are 50mg so 400mg is correct.
I know they can effect people differently but was just a bit worried if @bazaar1 was driving on such a high mg.
Much appreciate you advice as always
Schoolmum

vikingqueen

     Tramadol should not be on repeat prescription as it is a restricted drug. 

bazaar1

vikingqueen said:

     Tramadol should not be on repeat prescription as it is a restricted drug. 

I've had it on repeat since 2014. I am aware it is a restricted drug, my mum signs for it when she collects it. 

I was hoping for some advice on the blue badge, not to be questioned on my meds I am always hesitant to post on these types of forums and this is why, I shouldn't have to justify what meds I am or am not on.

thank you to those that replied with suggestions, I will review my pip letter with mum and see what they have classed me as for mobility, I will handle this myself now, I am sorry for causing upset on the forums. 

Tori_Scope

I'm sure no one meant to cause any upset @bazaar1, and that they were just checking in on your wellbeing  

poppy123456

bazaar1 said:

vikingqueen said:

     Tramadol should not be on repeat prescription as it is a restricted drug. 

I was hoping for some advice on the blue badge, not to be questioned on my meds I am always hesitant to post on these types of forums and this is why, I shouldn't have to justify what meds I am or am not on.

I did try to help you but you didn't return to answer the question i asked you earlier. The question i asked is here.

poppy123456 said:

In another thread you said you were awarded standard mobility for your PIP, where exactly did you score those points for the mobility?

No one can help you if you don't answer the questions being asked.

In this thread you mention your anxiety, in your other thread you mention physical conditions too. When you applied for the blue badge you did mention all of your conditions?

poppy123456

vikingqueen said:

     Tramadol should not be on repeat prescription as it is a restricted drug. 

Mine always was but i had to order it through the patient access and then it would be sent to the pharmacy. My morphine is ordered in exactly the same way. When the prescription is done, the medication is then locked away in a secured cabinet.

poppy123456

schoolmum said:

Hi @ Poppy123456 
Hope you are keeping well.
Sorry, yes you are correct.
I knew I could take up to 8 a day so thought 200mg but I have just looked at mine and they are 50mg so 400mg is correct.
I know they can effect people differently but was just a bit worried if @bazaar1 was driving on such a high mg.
Much appreciate you advice as always
Schoolmum

Thank you. I haven't actually been feeling too well since Sunday, not sure exactly what's going on but scary to say the least. Been trying to get an appointment with my GP but it's ridiculous!

schoolmum

@Poppy123456
I'm really sorry to hear that you have not been feeling too well and do hope you are soon starting to feel much better. 
I think with the weather starting to get a bit chilly it effects us and we feel our aches and pains more.
If you feel it is different or slightly more unusual than normal then please contact 111 or go to a nearby walk-in for advice if you are having no luck with your GP.
As you know we can never be too over cautious with our health and it might just ease your mind a bit.
Please try and take a bit of 'you time' as I know you always strive and go out of your way to help others.
Please take care, I will be thinking of you.x ❤

poppy123456

@schoolmum thank you, that is very kind of you. To be honest it’s not related to any of my conditions and I’ve never experienced anything like it before. It’s been a nightmare since Sunday.
You are right, I always put others before myself! I guess it’s just the way I am. 

Thank you once again!