Many people have the mistaken opinion that ALL handicaps are visable. Simply ain't so. I have Colon cancer and the position of the inoperable tumor makes walking more than 100 feet or standing for extended periods extremely painful.
To all outward appearances, I don't appear to be handicapped but my doctor happens to think I am and enough so that I got a sticker at his insistence.
I do carry a wheelchair in my puckup but getting it out ans setting it up for use is more than I can usually handle. If I don't kake somebody with me I'm essentially trapped in the car.
The placement of handicapped slots is usually within 100' of the entrance of the business. If you see me walking its only far enough to get inside the door and ask for a powered shopping cart or a wheel chair and someone to assist me.
HAving a blue sticker gives me freedom of movement and independence I otherwise would not have.
I get royally pisseed when I get to a store and find the blue slots filled by cars with no plates or hang tags. Have been known to park my truck and block the exit of such vehicles. Whip out the olde cell and call local police non emergency number. The local cops know me and my limitations and are always quite prompt in sending a car around to ticket the inconsiderate bastard. For repeaters that can go as high as $200 for the fine.
I am sorry for your suffering.
You are certainly deserving of the handicapped sticker. There are lots of folks that abuse them. I know someone who has one, because he has an artificial leg. You know what? I see him out walking frequently, and he steams right along, and can cover a good two miles more quickly than I can, with my aching knees. Kinda makes me wonder why he gets to take up a handicapped space when he walks the distances he does for exercise.