Just in the last two years my life physically has gone very bad. With fibromyalgia and arthritics I now use a cane. Two years ago I was walking three miles a day,five days a week. I loved it. I loved the morning and all the creatures running around in the morning and then things just went down hill.I have been going through a great deal of depression because of dealing with all the pain and being termed handicapped. Just yesterday I was in a store and a lady standing across from me with an oxygen tank remarked to me that it is difficult being handicapped isn’t it? I am in my early 50’s standing there with my cane and in a great deal of pain and to my surprise I had to have someone tell me that I was handicapped because in my mind I am still the person who walked three miles a day. It’s been difficult not being able to walk without so much pain when walking is such a natural thing to do. A nurse told me about the disability sticker because she seen the pain I was in walking and I appreciated that she told me about the permits. I have always been a physical person and loved sports I guess you never think your life can take such a turn. But what bothers me the most is the lack of compassion that has shown up here lately on numerous topics. I may not be as physical as I was but I clearly understand better the way people suffer and will give anybody the benefit of the doubt.
It is amazing how quickly it can change, isn't it? My story is much the same. It is a caution to others on this thread who are not dealing with such a thing.
But what bothers me the most is the lack of compassion that has shown up here lately on numerous topics.
I don't think it has shown up lately- I think that you are now more keen to it than you once were. I am ashamed to admit that I was of the same opinion before I was struck down.
Feel free to PM me if you need support- I know what it is like to be having a bad day. -Bruce
Its very hard to accept that we all have limits, be it physically or mentally. Sounds like you have more of a ‘can do’ attitude instead of ‘cannot’ in life, which is just the way to be. It’s not for the squeamish to be able to adapt and move forward in the face of adversity. Some of the most creative people I’ve met are one’s that have become limited in their mobility. The amount of decision making to just get into a building and accomplish a task is sometimes very daunting. Keep up the good fight :)
As for the few who have posted negatively on this thread, unfortunately, they too will someday face a challenge they weren’t prepared to face. Hopefully we will be more understanding to them on that day. Take care, Cate