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Date: 18.03.2014
From: Tasha Harris

Subject: Single mum needing advice about RA

i have recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. im 24 and have 2 kids aged 3 and 1. I have been struggling with pain and inflammation for around 6 years but doctors continued to tell me it was nothing and would go away. i went to another doctor who tested me and referred me to a rheumatologist who confirmed i have RA i can only walk short distances and get alot of pain in my hands hips back and knees. i was told about going on to Disability Living Allowance would get me additional help such as Travel passes and Motability vehicles however i do not know much about this or have any family i speak to. any advice regarding this would be much appreciated thanks
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Date: 19.03.2014
From: marlene

Subject: Re: Single mum needing advice about RA

Hi Tasha, you could apply for a Disabilty Blue Badge from your local council to help park nearer shops. Then you should get your forms for what is now PIP a new name for Disability Living Allowance. I think you can download them. You could ask your Local CAB to help you fill the forms out. The forms need to be filled out for your worst day. Having said that all days are bad for us just a little easier some days.
I wish you luck with everything. Take care and chin up it will sort it's self out. XX
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Date: 23.03.2014
From: Tasha Harris

Subject: Re: Single mum needing advice about RA

Thanks hopefully will sort something out to get some support for me and my girls cheers for the advice
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Date: 28.03.2014
From: FionaW

Subject: Re: Single mum needing advice about RA

I'm a single mum too, though my kids are much older (teenagers). You can apply for a blue badge yourself via your council's website or by phoning them. You will probably need a face-to-face assessment as well as the forms, and it will take about 8 weeks.

Also, my rheumy referred my to occupational therapy, and I saw an OT who has been very helpful, talking through all the daily tasks I find difficult and various tricks and equipment that might make things easier. She gave me/arranged wrist splints, grab rails in my house and a thing to raise the loo seat (all free) and showed me things like grabbers and jar openers and a thing to help put socks on, which I have bought. Some of her advice was just things you can do yourself but might not have thought of, like bunching your keys up to get a better grip if/when your hands are bad... I really recommend OT, and I think you can ask your GP to refer you direct, rather than having to go back to the rheumy. Good luck!
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Date: 28.03.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Single mum needing advice about RA

In my council you can self refer to the OT. Just ring them up. Social Services (or whatever they are called) usually have someone who can help you claim all the benefits you are entitled to. You can ask your OT about this too. Best of luck.
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