CAN YOU BE EXEMPT FROM WEARING A SEAT BELT?
CAN YOU BE EXEMPT FROM WEARING A SEAT BELT? Hi all, hope your all ok, was just wondering if you can be exempt from wearing a seat belt, i know i have struggled a bit this week as mine is in the left hand breast, on the right hand side, and after my biopsy it has been really very uncomfortable, also, do you pay for prescriptions? luckily for me, this is the first time i’ve had anything wrong with me, so not sure about these things
love
Alison
Hello Alison,
I was told that I should not wear a seat belt, and if I was stopped to explain my situation, I don’t drive so had to explain to the taxi driver who was fine about it.
So the answer to your question is no you don’t have to wear a seat belt…just to cover yourself do double check with your Doctor.
I am over 60 so don’t pay for prescriptions now, so I can’t help you with that.
Take Care.
Hugs Val.
Hi Val, thank you so much for that, typical it had to be that side!!! hope your fully recovered now Val
love
Alison
Hi Alison,
I believe you have to get clearance from your GP re the seat belt issue.
I had my mastectomy on my left side in March and still find the seat belt very uncomfortable. I use a small cushion to keep it off my chest, but still struggle with longer journeys.
I have quite a few other health problems, so a few years ago I got a pre-paid prescription certificate (you can go online or get form from pharmacy). You basically pay about £40 for 3 months (or you can pay annually) and get a card which allows you to receive all prescriptions ‘free’. Since I have so many meds to take it certainly works out cheaper for me.
Best of luck,
Jacki xx
Sorry to muddy the water, but I was told by BC nurse I had to wear a seat belt! Luckily, my mast was on the right side so prob only occured early on when I was a passenger. I used a cushion to pad the area.
Do you use or have a ‘softy’ false boob? Most people seem to be given these early on, I got mine on day 2 after mast. I found wearing this in a bra gave extra padding too.
Irene
You may be exempt from wearing a seat belt on medical grounds. Your doctor will issue a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’ if they decide it is not suitable for you to wear a seat belt on medical grounds. This must be produced if the police ask you for it. I cannot see that any reasonably doctor would refuse this to someone after a mastectomy.
You may be exempt from wearing a seat belt on medical grounds. Your doctor will issue a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’ if they decide it is not suitable for you to wear a seat belt on medical grounds. This must be produced if the police ask you for it. I cannot see that any reasonable doctor would refuse this to a patient following mastectomy.
Exemption Your doctor an complete a seat belt excemption form for you girls, but there is a private fee charge , 2 years ago it was £45 
Hugs
Marge
Go to Halfords I found a really helpful gadget in Halfords which you fasten onto the seatbelt and then adjust to take the pressure off your chest - it works perfectly and I am still using it 17 years later. If you do have to brake suddenly it immediately releases keeping you safe.
Paying You have to pay for prescriptions, unless you are over 60, or on some benefits.
If you are taking Tamoxifen, it is no different from any other prescription.
Breast cancer is not exempted for some reason.
David
Prescription charges. Just wanted to add that you don’t automatically get free prescriptions due to having cancer (more’s the pity!) It’s all means-tested.
You automatically qualify if you’re in receipt of certain means-tested benefits (eg income support, income-basedJSA) but not Incapacity Benefit. If you are on a low income you can apply for exemption but your household income is taken into account.
Lola
Thank you all so much for the very helpful advice you have given me, its great to know what you lot have done individually and you have given me plenty to go on
lots of love
alison