Disability Placard DMV

[Jmak]

I am going to see my neurologist tomorrow (back online just in time!) and have printed out the form from the DMV to get a placard to park in handicapped spaces. Any advice on how he should write things up or how specific he needs to be?

I look like nothing is wrong with me and I'm worried when I go to the DMV that they will either refuse me or take my license away! I have heard of people with MS having to petition the court to get their license given back after revealing the have MS to the DMV.

I have a weak leg and I plan to only use it only when I really need it. I was taking my daughter to swimming lessons and had to park about a half mile away and had to walk in 90 degree weather yesterday. I couldn't handle it at all. That's what made me want a placard.

Any advice or experiences would help.
Jean

[Kitt]

It depends on what the form says. It will ask questions and your doctor will have to answer them. Forms may be different from one state to another. They may or may not require you to take a test or may just call you in to answer some questions. Or they may not do any of that and just issue you the permit. They do come in handy and it took me awhile to get up the courage to finally get one. I would be lost without it now. I was worried like you but everything turned out fine. I could have used one long before I finally got one. So it goes. Sometimes we worry for nothing.

Kitt

[Snoopy]

Jean,

Good for you!

I'm sure each state is different.....

I also don't look like anything is wrong with me - I have had a HC placard and license plate for 20 years.

I have never had to tell the DMV why and they have never asked nor do I care about any looks I get...I'm used to it:rolleyes:

Your doctor filling out and signing the form should be good enough.

[Jmak]

Thanks for the quick replies. Much appreciated.

On my form it asks disabled due to..... should I just put leg weakness? That is my part. The doctor part says A diagnosed disease which impairs mobility due to....

Maybe I should leave the MS info out completely. Arghh! I just don't want to mess it up! Maybe I am worried for nothing.
Jean

[SallyC]

Thanks for the quick replies. Much appreciated.

On my form it asks disabled due to..... should I just put leg weakness? That is my part. The doctor part says A diagnosed disease which impairs mobility due to....

Maybe I should leave the MS info out completely. Arghh! I just don't want to mess it up! Maybe I am worried for nothing.
Jean

Hi Jean, nice to see you here.:) It's still 90 there? :(

I think just putting permanent leg weakness, should suffice, in lieu of the big MS. :eek: KWIM?

Good luck

[Snoopy]

Why not ask your doctor? I'm sure he/she has filled the form out many times and could give you some idea...after all you are paying him;)

[doydie]

Indiana has a very easy form. It does have a section the doctor has to fill out. It also has a section that the doc says yours is a permanent or temporary disability. Temporary would be broken foot in cast or something like that. Good luck. Indiana allows you to have two tags. So I got a license plate and a hanging placard. Oh, I think I have to renew it like every five years. If it is a permanent disability, all you have to do is go to DMV and renew it, no more paper work for doctor.

[Jmak]

Thanks everyone. After I ask my neuro, I think I'd prefer leg weakness on an official form. I asked my neighbor who has arthritic knees and has a placard and she said she went to the local AAA office and they took care of it there. They asked no questions and just typed in her info before handing her the placard.

Again, thanks!:D
Jean

[Cherie]

My doc filled mine in with "Multiple Sclerosis" Leg weakness, fatigue" And that got me the plaque in the mail in less than two weeks. I did not have to go to the DMV at all. Every 2 years, they send me a renewal questionairre which I take to my PCP's office, they fill it out and send it in and I get the new tags in the mail. Seems quite efficient here.

My car was parked in airport Valet parking while we were on this year's MS Cruise and the placquard was missing from the car when we got back. I called the DMV and they asked me to fax them the number of the placquard (on the registration slip they send with it) and I had a replacement tag two days later!

[Kitt]

Actually, I got my form off the Internet. Then I took it to my chiropractor who filled it out and I sent it in. But, it took the four weeks they said it would to get it. Probably depends on each state.

Kitt

[Jmak]

Hi all,
My neuro did write MS on my form this morning. He assured me he does it all the time with no problems. Instead of the DMV I went to AAA and picked up my placard and was out of there within 5 minutes!

Thanks for all your info and experiences. I was really worried about it. I swear I read somewhere or heard about someone who had their license taken away when they revealed they had MS.

I am so relieved to be able to use this when I need it. Whew!
Jean

[SallyC]

Yay, Jean. Congrats...that's one worry under your belt.:D

[doydie]

I'm glad it worked out well for you! In my situation, my PCP is in a practice by himself and never charges to fill out forms. if I had taken it to my neuro, i would have had to pay $25!

[K*L*D]

You are not required to include your medical diagnosis. In California the form just indicates if you have partial or total use of your legs, difficulty walking, a cardiac condition, etc. This is what is needed. Pick it up at the DMV if you need it soon. It can take 3-4 weeks to get one by mail in CA.

[mexigrl]

My neuro put MS - my biggest problem is the heat here in Miss during the summer, it just exhausts me to walk 10 feet. I had no problem with DMV. I only use it during the heat or when I'm having an especially weak day. I feel uneasy about it sometimes as I "look fine". I know that it shouldn't bother me but sometimes the looks people give you - just make me want to explain myself (and I have under the right circumstances).

Always do what is best for you!

Take Care,

Laurianne

[Jmak]

Well, I used a disabled parking space today! It was in the 80's here and the mall was really crowded and I almost didn't use it, but then I thought why not? I felt pretty conspicuous getting my 3 year old out and then putting the baby in his stroller. I felt like everybody walking by was noticing. I'm 35 with 2 kids and "look" like everyone else.

I'm sure everybody had other things to think about besides what I was doing. I felt the same way when I started wearing hearing aids. No one is paying attention to my ears! Anyway, I was very happy to use it and will use it when I need to. If I have to have this horrible disease, might as well do what I can to make my life easier.

I should probably have something prepared just in case I get a comment one day. Any good ones?
Jean

[lady_express_44]

I should probably have something prepared just in case I get a comment one day. Any good ones?
Jean


I've heard lots of "cheeky" responses, but I'm not comfortable with responding with just that, myself.

I don't use mine often, but I too "look good" and I am waiting for someone to say something one day.

I thought I would just respond that "I have Multiple Sclerosis, and am easily worn out by walking". I'll probably have to throw in something like, "These passes aren't issued without medical proof of disability, don't worry" too though.

Cherie

[Kitt]

How about - "Hey, you give me your legs and I'll give you mine";) Or, "I was once like you and you will be like me":p

Kitt