Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 Thanks for the info Holly. I know I have the worst diet - even though I don't eat meat. I don't eat enough (hardly any) fruits and veggies and I rarely get enough (once again, hardly any) protein in my diet. Tess, glad to hear that you are up and moving and enjoying youself! Re handicapped parking... A long time ago before I was actually diagnosed with SLE (I have since been diagnosed with RA but either way I was miserable and was finding it very difficult to walk) I had to go to the mall for some reason. It was winter in AZ which means that the mall was very busy because the city is much busier in the winter. I grabbed a parking space, got out of my car and was making my way toward the mall. I was near the handicapped parking spots when this very sweet older gentleman that was walking with his can, handing onto the arm of his wife looked up at me and reached his cane toward me and said " I think you need this more than I do " (I was about 24 at the time). So at least not everyone is incredibly ignorant!! Have a good day everyone McK in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 Texas finally approved handicap plates for Motorcycles in '93 (I think), and I got the first in my county. My son and a friend got the next 2. We had a real time with parking. My friend had a cop try to confiscate his plate because it was 'counterfit'! In the local Wal-Mart, the PA system called for him to move his bike so a handicapped person could use that space. My bike is now a trike since my wife didn't want to get rid of it as I worsened, she bought a kit to add a car rearend so it won't fall over. I've come out to find grocery carts surrounding the trike, nasty notes, and all kinds of other problems until I wrote a 'letter to the editor' of the local paper. I've had no trouble since. I even made a small trailer to carry my scooter. Sometimes people look hard at me, but they're getting used to it. I don't let it bother me! Dennis [ ] Handicapped parking > > > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking > and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down > in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was > afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security > came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking > placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. > Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People > glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, > sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or > feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always > use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- > people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom > jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my > girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people > say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service > connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO > have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring > that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my > Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares > and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings > the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back > out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that > day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything > else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute > to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, > and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners > hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my > scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when > people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I > use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones > that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is > follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - > watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch > how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I > push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh > they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons > of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy > cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i > buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the > kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line > and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my > pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the > checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do > not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people > with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for > miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped > parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 Hi, I joined the group about two weeks ago. I have been reading the majority of the emails, and have learned tons. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one struggling with fatigue, pain, flares etc...... I live in North Carolina and feel very fortunate that I am going to The Duke RA clinic. My " Rheumy " is (I feel) one of the best in the country. I was officially diagnosed with RA at the end of July. It's aggressive, and about in every joint including my neck and low back which scares me the most. I am a pet dog trainer which is a rather physical job, so that is a major struggle right now. Hopefully, I will be able to continue to work. I am one of those rare people who actually love their job :-) Thank you for all of the info. You all are very kind and understanding. Cristen PS if I ever have to get a handicapped sign, I will be as proactive in my community as possible. How dare people judge RA sufferers. [ ] Handicapped parking > > > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking > and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down > in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was > afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security > came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking > placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. > Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People > glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, > sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or > feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always > use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- > people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom > jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my > girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people > say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service > connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO > have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring > that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my > Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares > and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings > the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back > out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that > day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything > else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute > to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, > and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners > hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my > scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when > people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I > use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones > that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is > follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - > watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch > how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I > push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh > they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons > of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy > cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i > buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the > kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line > and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my > pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the > checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do > not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people > with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for > miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped > parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2004 Report Share Posted September 19, 2004 Some cities have a Citizens Patrol just for this problem. Most of the participants are retired and are taught the laws of that area, as well as how to write tickets. Maybe this should be a nationwide effort. It will get lots more money in local coffers and tend to treat the problem the right way. Dennis [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > I'll add my 2 cents here too--I got my placard a few months ago and > heard nasty remarks in the Motor Vehicles office when I got it! I > don't use it all the time, partly because I think there are other > people who need to use that space more than I do, and partly because > it seems like the space is never available. But when I do need it, > on the days when my legs just don't work right and my arms and hands > are too painful to use the cane, that's when I park there if it's > open, and even in this small town people make rude remarks. > > Do you carry a cell phone? I think the suggestion to call 9-1-1 is a > good one, and if anyone ever harasses me that way, that's what I'll > do. I pray you never get that kind of treatment again. There's a > gentleman here in town who has a guide dog, and people were treating > him badly until he wrote a letter to the editor--now he gets the > utmost respect! > > I bowl Wed. nights with my husband, and some people have said > that " if you're handicapped, how come you bowl? " (obviously they > haven't watched me too closely!) But I told the last person who > asked me that " I refuse to crawl into a hole and die just because I > have a disabling condition. " Disabled people have rights too. > > Sorry this happened to you, > Judi > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 Maybe we need to make up bumber stickers for people with handicap parking hangers, or little business cards we can hand out to close minded people with big mouths, that explain you don't have to Look Sick to Be Sick, and refer them a resource to get educated about that. For newbie's who have not read it yet, this is a great story that might help you get others around you to understand what this is like: http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/spoons.htm Jennie --- In , " dreamer_plus " <dreamer_plus@w...> wrote: > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close parking space. Because that's really what's driving all this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking lot without pain. It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > Texas finally approved handicap plates for Motorcycles in '93 (I think), and > I got the first in my county. My son and a friend got the next 2. We had a > real time with parking. My friend had a cop try to confiscate his plate > because it was 'counterfit'! In the local Wal-Mart, the PA system called for > him to move his bike so a handicapped person could use that space. > My bike is now a trike since my wife didn't want to get rid of it as I > worsened, she bought a kit to add a car rearend so it won't fall over. I've > come out to find grocery carts surrounding the trike, nasty notes, and all > kinds of other problems until I wrote a 'letter to the editor' of the local > paper. I've had no trouble since. I even made a small trailer to carry my > scooter. Sometimes people look hard at me, but they're getting used to it. I > don't let it bother me! > > Dennis > > [ ] Handicapped parking > > > > > > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking > > and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down > > in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was > > afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security > > came out and got me and the kids safe. > > > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking > > placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. > > Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People > > glare at me. > > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, > > sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or > > feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always > > use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- > > people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom > > jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my > > girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people > > say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service > > connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO > > have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring > > that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my > > Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares > > and priority seating) > > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings > > the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back > > out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that > > day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything > > else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute > > to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, > > and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners > > hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my > > scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when > > people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I > > use it at all if I can walk at all) > > > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones > > that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is > > follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - > > watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch > > how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I > > push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh > > they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons > > of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy > > cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i > > buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the > > kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line > > and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my > > pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the > > checkbook. > > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do > > not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people > > with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for > > miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped > > parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 I think we have all had some rude remarks with regard to handicapped parking. I probably have less than some because my mom often rides with me and I think they think it is her sticker- LOL. She walks better at 76 than I do at 50. Have you thought of sending letter to the editor...maybe enligten a few people in your area. I think it might be effective. Have seen some in the news here... Hugs, > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an > older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. > He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was > going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me > and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. > My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone > followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my > knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I > have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always > use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and > make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans > quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to > braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK > handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected > disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue > state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even > try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA > handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the > laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On > laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery > shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I > have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see > their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. > (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not > have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am > alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare > and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are > not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 > minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car > door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart > to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I > open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers > terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, > they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are > also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those > things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the > checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not > hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of > the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not > know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no > legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get > worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. > Others of us need that closeness to the store. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 , this is particularly funny to me! Your husband and I would get along very well. When I go shopping, I park so far away that, if they are with me, my children ask me which store we're going to since they can't see any. Once when we were leaving the house for some errands, my oldest son asked me if I would be stopping at the end of our driveway, parking, and then walking the rest of the way to the mall. Endless jokes. I'm so glad they aren't here to embellish. I have found that the same clods who fight over close parking spaces and yell at those who have a right to handicapped parking are the very same idiots who open their car doors into the side of my car. The farther away I park from them, the better. More exercise, less car dings and aggravation. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of > importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close > parking space. Because that's really what's driving all > this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to > park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help > them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of > parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't > get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I > used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think > it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to > have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in > patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my > knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > lot without pain. > > It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom > that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot > to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 I don't mind walking from those distant parking spaces. I'm just glad that I'm able to. I need all of the exercise I can get. Sue On Monday, September 20, 2004, at 01:30 PM, wrote: > Plus I know so many people now, > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > lot without pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 This is me when I can do it! I would rather park far away and just start getting into the store then drive around and around and around! Of course, lately, I haven't been able to. I talked to my insurance today and financially the remicade will be better at just a $30 copay for an office visit, where the enbrel and humira would cost me $90 a month! So, I am going to call my rheumy this week and see how to get the ball rolling on that.. Semalee [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of > importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close > parking space. Because that's really what's driving all > this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to > park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help > them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of > parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't > get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I > used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think > it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to > have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in > patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my > knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > lot without pain. > > It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom > that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot > to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2004 Report Share Posted September 20, 2004 The spoon story made me realize that if it came down to it I would much rather use my spoons on my own animals than someone else's. Thank You!!! Cristen [ ] Re: Handicapped parking Maybe we need to make up bumber stickers for people with handicap parking hangers, or little business cards we can hand out to close minded people with big mouths, that explain you don't have to Look Sick to Be Sick, and refer them a resource to get educated about that. For newbie's who have not read it yet, this is a great story that might help you get others around you to understand what this is like: http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/spoons.htm Jennie > Hi everyone, hoope you are all OK? > Today something weird scary happened. I parked in handicapped parking and an older man began honking at me, screaming at me and chasing me down in his car. He was screaming all kinds of horrible things at me and I was afraid he was going to accidentally hit one of my kids. Store security came out and got me and the kids safe. > > I have some scary things happen to me a lot over my handicapped parking placard. My car gets keyed. People follow me thru stores taunting me. Once someone followed me home, honking at me and tailgating me. People glare at me. > I need handicapped parking because my feet are affected, msostly, sometimes my knees ankles or hips act up, bot often it is my toes and or feet themself. I have a scooter on the back of my car, but do not always use it, nor do I always use the in store scooters - for similar reasons- people glare- and stare and make rude comments. > People often say I am too young to be handicapped. I wear bell bottom jeans quite often and funky hats- sometimes little bitty braids, if my girls want to braid my waist length hair. I am 45. Other times people say I do not LOOK handicapped. Do they mean I have 2 legs? > The parking issue is complicated becuz my husband is a 100% service connected disabled Nam vet, and we have license plates for him. But I DO have a blue state issue handicapped placard, and if I forget to bring that, I do not even try to park in handicapped parking. I also have my Medicare card and a RTA-CTA handicapped riders pass. (for reduced fares and priority seating) > When I go to the laundromat, my husband follows me in HIS car and brings the laundry in and comes back when I am done to carry the laundry back out. On laundry day I cannot schedule any other physical chore for that day. On grocery shopping day, I cannot cook that nite nor plan anything else for THAT day. I have been having to make a 3 hour each way commute to chicago for my kids to see their doctors quite often the last 3 weeks, and the next day I am immobile. (lots of walking in UIC and SHriners hospitals, and in Chicago, etc and I do not have an electric lift for my scooter, so it is hard for me to use it when I am alone- besides, when people see me walk around to get the scooter, they glare and wonder why I use it at all if I can walk at all) > > I do not know why people do not understand many disabilities are ones that are not obvious to the casual observer. ALl they really need do is follow me for 2 minutes, watch how I walk, I kind of waddle sort of - watch how I close my car door- (with my butt, it hurts my fingers) watch how fast I grab a shopping cart to lean on, but how careufl I am in how I push it with my hands. Watch how I open doors to places of business, gosh they hurt my writsts and fingers terribly. Notice, I do not buy gallons of milk or any pop or jugs of juicce, they are too heavy. I do not buy cat litter or large bags of pet food, they are also too heavy. Nor do i buy bags of potatos or fruit. If I want to buy those things, I bring the kids with me..they put those things in the cart, up on the checker line and into the car. Watch when I write my check to pay. I do not hold my pen the same as most people, and watch me try to tear my check out of the checkbook. > I am starting to be scared of these people who get so nasty becuz they do not know what a " handicapped " person " looks " like. Truth is many people with no legs are so incredibly strong they can wheel a wheelchair for miles and not get worn out, they only need the extra space the handicapped parking gives them. Others of us need that closeness to the store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2004 Report Share Posted September 21, 2004 Semalee- I understand your choice. My Remicade is completely paid for as I get it infused as an outpatient at a hospital. I would have some co-pay I am sure with Humira or Enbrel. Hugs, > This is me when I can do it! I would rather park far away and just start > getting into the store then drive around and around and around! Of course, > lately, I haven't been able to. I talked to my insurance today and financially > the remicade will be better at just a $30 copay for an office visit, where the > enbrel and humira would cost me $90 a month! So, I am going to call my rheumy > this week and see how to get the ball rolling on that.. > Semalee > [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > > > > You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of > > importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close > > parking space. Because that's really what's driving all > > this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to > > park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help > > them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of > > parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't > > get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I > > used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think > > it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to > > have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in > > patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my > > knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, > > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > > lot without pain. > > > > It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom > > that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot > > to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2004 Report Share Posted September 21, 2004 When Lowes lumber/hardware built a new store in town, they put all the handicap parking at the far end of the parking lot. 'Normal' people could park at the front door, but those of us that really needed parking couldn't get close. I happened to be there the first day they were open, and had the opportunity to explain to the district manager how stupid this layout was. A week later, I passed by the store and all the handicap parking was moved to the area between the entrance and exit doors, just as it should have been in the beginning. Sometimes you can't see the problems until you've been there. Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2004 Report Share Posted September 21, 2004 So you are on Remicade? Are you on MTX too? Would you mind telling me your experience with Remicade, how long it too for you to see results etc..? I will call the doc on Thurs to discuss it.. Semalee [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > > > > You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of > > importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close > > parking space. Because that's really what's driving all > > this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to > > park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help > > them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of > > parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't > > get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I > > used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think > > it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to > > have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in > > patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my > > knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, > > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > > lot without pain. > > > > It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom > > that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot > > to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2004 Report Share Posted September 22, 2004 I have been on a combination of Remicade and Mtx for about 2 years. It took me from about end of September until early December to see major results. It has worked wonders for my hands and fingers in particular. My feet and ankles .....are better - not a miracle. Many rheumatoid nodules are gone and many smaller and the blood work is generally better. My biggest problem has been the IV pokes - I have small veins- not made easier to iinfuse by years of prednisone. I have had pneumonia twice that they were able to get under control quickly - because I went into a doctor quickly. None directly related to a particular infection. If I have a flu or infection - we err on the side of caution and don't infuse - for my sake and the others in the infusion center. I take my Remicade at a Hospital infusion center - where there are a variety of illnesses treated including some cancers.They do a benadryl and tylenol half hour prep - to avoid reactions - allergic and headaches- and it generally makes you relaxed and sleepy. Staff are nice - once infusion is started the staff and I can generally relax LOL. Hope that has helped. > So you are on Remicade? Are you on MTX too? Would you mind telling me your > experience with Remicade, how long it too for you to see results etc..? I will > call the doc on Thurs to discuss it.. > Semalee > [ ] Re: Handicapped parking > > > > > > > You know, what's really sad about all this is the amount of > > > importance that so many people put on getting that " good, " close > > > parking space. Because that's really what's driving all > > > this....they're upset because you, who look young and healthy, get to > > > park up front, while they, who are healthy, have to walk (God help > > > them) an extra 30, 40 feet to the door. My husband has a habit of > > > parking far away from everything, because he feels like he doesn't > > > get enough exercise and every little bit of extra walking helps. I > > > used to find this very annoying, and my kids still do, but I think > > > it's a great attitude for anyone who's able to do the walking to > > > have. It's not only good exercise but it's a good lesson in > > > patience, too. (And, yes, he does let me out at the door if my > > > knees/feet are bothering me.) Plus I know so many people now, > > > including many of you on this site, who would gladly give up a > > > disabled sticker for the ability to walk from the " north 40 " parking > > > lot without pain. > > > > > > It just seems so strange to me. I guess it's the same phenomenom > > > that makes people drive around for 20 minutes looking for a good spot > > > to park because they don't have time to walk from further out! :-) > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2007 Report Share Posted May 4, 2007 Where you get your car license plates. Marsha Re: [ ] Handicapped parking I > Hi Kerry, > Your doctor just fills out a form which my doctor had it at his office and I > went down they gave it to me.>>>> > Marsha, you " went down " where? Pris ************ ********* ********* ******** See what's free at http://www.aol. com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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