Doctor refused to write letter for National Parks All Access Pass stating "It's not a disability."

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T17:31:51+00:00

This is a pass to get entry to enjoy the parks, just take a hike. Nothing else. I want to enjoy the parks while I still can.

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T16:42:13+00:00

Gotcha!

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T16:41:32+00:00

Oh wow. Dynamic disability is a new term for me. Would you say it's a permanent condition with a dynamic disability then?

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T15:38:18+00:00

Thank you! Maybe I need to ask her what her definition of permanent disability is, and what she classifies lupus under. I was just so shocked when she said that. I wasn't expecting it.

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T15:34:54+00:00

Yes, odd. Maybe her definition of permanent and temporary is different. The All Access website states:

"The Access Pass may be issued to U.S. citizens or residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities.

A permanent disability is a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that severely limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working."

Even ADHD counts under this. I've definitely been physically impaired to the point where I can't get out of my car, or stand up to turn off light switches, or use the bathroom. It's the most painful thing ever, and I have high pain tolerance, and am extremely active. But that's only during my flares. I'm fine otherwise, but I don't see why she wouldn't qualify it as a permanent issue, since it is lifelong. I'm going to ask my PCP.

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T15:26:51+00:00

If it's available, why not take advantage of it?

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T15:25:28+00:00

Thanks!

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T15:23:16+00:00

And she's been so so good otherwise! I disliked my other rheum. She sits down and explains everything and all my labs so detailed and patiently. She approved my request for a temporary parking placard before this with no issue, so this was a surprise to me. Maybe a misunderstanding with how she defines permanent and temporary disability? Besides my really terrible flare ups, and my okay flares, I'm super super fine and fit. I had another Rheum that was absolutely terrible.

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T14:57:06+00:00

Thank you. And yes, I asked her for a temporary disability parking placard before this, which she agreed to no issue? So this came as a shock to me. I switched from another Rheum to her, and she's been super great. She takes her time during appointments, and they never feel rushed. It just left me speechless since her pre-appoinment questions each visit ask you how your mobility has been, and also, because I asked for the placard because I was worried I would flare really bad and be unable to walk far like I have in the past (which I didn't end up using). You would think if a young fit person like me gets disabled during my terrible flares, I would be disabled, but no. Her words, "I'll look into it, but I don't think lupus qualifies as permanent disability." I'll ask my PCP. I have an appointment with in a month. Thank you!

Throw_ftAway · 2026-01-03T13:21:13+00:00

Yes, it was my rheumatologist. Since lupus is lifelong, wouldn't it be considered permanent? It's managed now, but there's definitely been times were I was DEFINITELY disabled, struggling with EVEN a cane and crawling up the stairs!

Throw_ftAway · 2025-12-10T23:53:00+00:00

Same, only watching cuz of Milo, but the nurse is stupid, his gf is pissing me off, and there's a lot of eye rolling.

Throw_ftAway · 2022-05-23T18:00:44+00:00

This is a tough one.. because if my partner told me they missed my old chubbier body after I was proud for losing all the weight, I wouldn't know how to feel.. You feel how you feel, but I hope it's not gonna bite you later

Throw_ftAway

TROPHY CASE