1. < Just Want to Talk

Have you finally accepted your disability and asked for help?

Posted by mayoscout @mayoscout, Feb 19 7:52am

For years I have had issues accepting all of the disabilities that I have had for 15+ years. I've always just shrugged it off and acted like I was fine. And now things are getting worse.

I am tired of acting like I am fine(I always put on a smile in public settings) because I am not and I can't keep fighting that I am not disabled. It tears me up to think that I can't run anymore among other things.

For those out there... Did it take you years to finally accept it and start asking for accommodations? How did that work out for you?

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red79 | @red79 | Apr 7 2:51pm
In reply to @gingerw "It took a long time for me to finally come to grips with the fact that..." + (show)
@gingerw

It took a long time for me to finally come to grips with the fact that mobility is an issue/concern. And then more time before asking to get a handicap parking tag. At first it was due to a knee issue, but I developed neuropathy in my left leg, and it is numb from knee down. After failing to navigate a curb and falling into a stranger's car, I have learned that any step forward from a stop, has to be with my right foot first.

Now, I use a cane everyday outside of the house. Hopefully, it is an educational situation for some people, as I need to remind them [and their kids!] to allow me enough room to maneuver. I grieve the things I can no longer do, like running, or walking for miles, riding a bicycle. But today I am "on the right side of the dirt".
Ginger

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Hi ginger I forgot to mention I use a walking stick due to bursitis,I'm greedy lol as I've got small vessel disease of the brain,I use love going walking with friends and family I do miss that have to use ramps were I go or lifts get real tired quickly.rachel

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Apr 8 11:59am
In reply to @red79 "Hi ginger I forgot to mention I use a walking stick due to bursitis,I'm greedy lol..." + (show)
@red79

Hi ginger I forgot to mention I use a walking stick due to bursitis,I'm greedy lol as I've got small vessel disease of the brain,I use love going walking with friends and family I do miss that have to use ramps were I go or lifts get real tired quickly.rachel

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@red79 Rachel, we all learn to modify our daily lives as needed. Of course, not without rebellion sometimes, right!? My husband and I used to do walking together, but now my pace is so much slower, that he doesn't want to slow to my gait. Being slower now, I can focus more on the surroundings, so that is the positive there. Stairs are pretty much a no-no now, and I am becoming aware just how much inaccessibility there is to some buildings.
Ginger

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