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I’ve got lots of pain, overheating, and inflammation when I walk too long or am out doing errands a lot. Today I’ve decided to use a mobility aid at Walmart, one of those scooters. I know people use them for many reasons, but I’m still nervous. Why? Why do we live in a world where we have to fear being judged for an invisible illness?
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
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46d
Because if you aren't seen as "normal," you're seen as lesser. Which is so stupid and uneducated 😒
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49d
I'm the same way, I know I should use the scooter on my difficult days, but I get too embarrassed. Especially since my illness has caused some weight gain so I feel extra bad. I gotta remind myself to focus on my health before other people's judgment, FALSE judgment at that. Stay blessed and USE THAT SCOOTER!!!💚
Sending love. I hope you find relief soon for your pain. It can be really hard to use those types of mobility aids in public at times... personally I have to deal with both worrying about what others are thinking, as well as dealing with my own internalized ableism. I just got a new mobility aid and I haven't used it in public yet, because of both of those feelings. I hope your errands go smoothly 💕
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@spookyspoonie thanks! Unsurprisingly, none of the scooters were charged. And fragile elderly people were waiting XD. I was able to manage and just use the cart for support. My mom was asking me to go to the car like five times lol. Glad you took that step to get an aid! If you know you need it that’s all that matters, hope you gain the confidence to go out with it. ❤️
There's just some sort of weird stigma around not being perfectly healthy all of the time. Maybe it has to do with the fact that somebody who's sick can't fit into the hive mind mindset of pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps and needs help in a highly individualized society. With people who have visual disabilities, it's harder to deny their pain, but for those of us who can't show our pain for one reason or another, it's more easy for others to put us down and say we're faking. Honestly? Use the scooter. Screw what others think. If you think it'll make your life better, which it sounds like it will, do it. They don't know you like you do. Hope this helps ❤️
@SillyGooseGoose They were all uncharged XD lord, but I was able to take it slow and my mom was doing the majority of grabbing and whatnot. She was worried, but the cart generally helps with stability if I push it. It’s definitely one of those things I hear a lot, to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. I’ve felt with mystery pain and illnesses since I was a baby, I definitely would have done that by now if I could XD I likely have lupus but the amount of steps to get a diagnosis is ridiculous, I don’t think majority of my family members will truly believe my struggles until I get that diagnosis unfortunately.
☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision
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