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mikanmart
13-07-05, 15:48
I do not know if this is an appropriate place to post such a thread or forum , but I have just suffered an indignity which can only be referred back to the people who perpetrated it .In other words , nobody to talk to .
Briefly , I was a member of the RAF for 22 years .
11 years after leaving the RAF I had an accident . Not being a scrounging git , I tried very hard to get back to work , this proved impossible .I received about 4 years' wages in compensation , and also draw Maximum Rate Mobility Allowance .So , having lived off my own money for 16 years , I find I am in debt --mostly my own fault , not arguing there , but , my son is being damaged by having to push my wheelchair . He has had one operation , privately (18 month NHS waiting list) and it now looks as though he needs another . So , I need a portable motor scooter to save him having to push . Someone says --try RAF Benevolent fund --- . Yes , why not , I paid into it out of my pay whilst serving . So , off goes a general enquiry , can I get one funded , loaned , or what ?
A very charming gentleman rang me , --I am not being sarcastic , this bloke was very helpful .
We would need to investigate your case , need to come to your home and assess requirement , then a physio therapist , bla ,bla ,
Christ Almighty!!!!! I have been disabled for 16 years . I broke my bloody back .I have had it up to here with prodding and poking medics . I have had to see 18 different doctors to get the pensions I draw . I don't want anyone in my home , why can't I get looked at somewhere else like the sergeants' mess that I'm a member of? I have to be told about going up and down kerbs !!!!!After 16 years of it in a wheelchair , you know about it .So I withdraw my application for help .I have some pride left , not much else , but pride is important to me , along with dignity . Lose either , and you're finished .
The local council are as bad . Disabled? Apply to pay less Council Tax .
OK ,Mr council , I hereby apply .
Well , first , we will have to visit you at home .WHY ? Because it says so here . Who will visit ? Me . What will you want to see ? Ah , I don't know .
So , I can come to council office for interview ? No ,says here home visit .
But I cannot ask visitors in , the house is not visitor friendly . (Pigsty)
No , we must visit you at home . Withdraw application in disgust .
I think this is what they want , put people off claiming things , and save money .
I am now going to go further into debt to buy a portable chair , one that folds up to fit in the car . The shop will not visit my home . They will not advise me how to get up kerbs .They will not want to service it at my home every 6 months . They will not have to show me where to plug it in to charge it up . They will not ask a load of bloody impertinent questions about my disability or finances .
Never , ever have an accident . If IT doesn't kill you , the frustrations of living in our nanny society will .
I shall not be offended if this rant is deleted , but with my son at work , I have nobody to talk to .
Mike Morgan

mikanmart
13-07-05, 22:42
I meant by posting the above thread that it might be an idea to have a Thread for similar complaints , if only to have a place to get it off your chest .
There are a lot of disabled who are ex service , and who live virtually alone .
They are not all miserable old gits , either .
Mike

Bombardier
13-07-05, 22:46
Hey buddy, I think its firkin disgusting that you have been treated this way and agree that pride and dignity are very important. There is no way I would delete this post, infact I am honoured that you feel comfortable enough to tell us about it.

Note to RAF benevolent fund : Stop pissing about and sort this fella out a firkin motorised scooter, stop asking stupid questions and insisting in invading his privacy.:mad: .

mikanmart
14-07-05, 00:11
Mr Bombardier
I cannot thank you enough for taking notice of my request , and so rapidly , too .
If other people could follow your example and listen , perhaps we would be a lot better off .
Other people reading this may think "well , he has only himself to blame " .
Do not think it can't happen to you!!!!!
One day I was a top of the tree design engineer ,then I have an accident at work (trip over loose carpet tile ) and BANG ,no more work . I had worked ever since age 16 , and moved to a job in civvy street whilst on end of service leave .
I loved my work , it meant I could carry on serving my country , but in a better way .Then I am nothing . Painful operations --I woke up during one --painful attempts at recovery , shitty insurance company haggling over percentage blame (5 years of that) .Wife taken seriously ill because of my problems -dies in hospital through lack of care . It just goes on and on .
Sorry , people need to know what can happen .
Spend that bit less on drinks and get a good "unfit for work " insurance .
Get help before you get depressed into a spiral of debt trying to buy your way out of depression . Avoid the cure-all quacks , the crafty bastards are so convincing .
Above all , keep your dignity . It is the one important thing not to lose . Shave every day - just because you don't go out doen't mean you have an excuse to be a scruffy git-and you will feel a bit better . I am pulling slowly out of the pit now , this is a minor setback . I'll bounce back .
Thanks for listening
Mike Morgan

Eagledriver
16-07-05, 00:06
Mike, what you have said here is so true, even in the good ole states. The vets and retirees who gave so much for our country are getting the short end of the stick. All my thoughts are with you, buddy. I wish you the best and sincerely hope that things work out for you.

mikanmart
16-07-05, 14:03
I appreciate your kind thoughts , sir .

Mike M

mikanmart
24-07-05, 22:53
Well , that didn't stir up much interest , did it?
I went out yesterday and got an £1100 electric wheelchair . I shall be paying for it for a very long time .
Assholes abound in the world .
At some risk to getting the post revoked , I can only say that if I'd been a ***** **** ********* "they" would have been queuing at the door to give it away . Fill in what you like in the star spaces provided . You all know what I mean .
Mike

Bombardier
24-07-05, 23:05
Yep I know what you mean buddy. and as you didnt type the words that you actually meant, theres no problemo. We can all fill in the gaps in our heads.
Im sorry that you have had to buy your chair yourself mate but I hope that it improves your life sufficiently.

sal;

mikanmart
24-07-05, 23:58
Thanks , mate
I bet I'll be the first bloke to get a speeding ticket in a 'chair !
We can but hope
Mike

Drone_pilot
25-07-05, 00:10
Hi mikanmart, Now that you have your "wheel's" don't be tempted to run over those shiney asses, who don't live in the real world.

mikanmart
26-07-05, 11:11
Mr Drone Pilot
Thank you for the timely advice , but I have to say that I would not dirty The Chair's nice shiny new tyres on them .
As a good serviceman , well ,ex , I am in a quandary about My Chair .
"If it moves , salute it , if it doesn't move , paint it "
Shall I therefore paint it and then salute as I move off in it? The problem here is that the neighbours think I'm bleedin' barmy anyway , should I frighten them even more? Oh , dear , life is one long puzzle .Decisions , decisions .
Incidentally , The Chair is a four wheel buggy type , 24 volt accs , so FFR should be easy . 8 mph max , range 20 miles . Full air conditioning (no roof) . Lights front and rear . Easy access doors (none fitted) . Air Portable , breaks down into 5 pieces for easy stowing , reassembly takes about 2 minutes , then ready for action . No problem fitting into existing Mother vehicle . Well, not for me , my son does it . Max weight of individual item when broken down
= 35 lbs(front chassis assy)
When in showroom of specialist disabled vehicle supplier , spotted the
Humvee equivalent -£4000 worth of x-country 4x4 . I am not joking .It is intended for golfers , apparently . No roof or sides , but by crikey , a real pedestrian killer . I thought golf was supposed to be good exercise. Hah !!!
OK , must love you and leave you , thanks for the encouragement , fellers .
Mike M

REMF
19-08-05, 22:53
What? No weapon mountings? I am handy with a welding torch should you need to knock some up in a hurry.uzi, Keep yer chin up!

fathercrilly
07-12-06, 13:00
unlike american, aussie, canadian veterans , we havnt got a veterans clinic / hospital, in this country, if your a disabled veteran your on your own , there is very little support, on the other hand members of parliment voted themselves a 66% pay rise with a fantastic index linked pension and free private medical treatment,, i need a stick to get around and i can not get a decent nhs hearing aid that is smaller than an mp3 player
but on the bright side, i get free viagra solthumsolthumsolthum
good luck bud , dont let the RAF barstewards grind you down,,,,,,,your government will do thatsal;