General Disability Lifestyle

As a disabled person, I would have to say my greatest obstacle is frustration. I have MS and it causes debilitating fatigue and chronic pain plus, I'm para. In Feb I fell and broke my leg. Although I recently got the cast off, after 12 weeks, I still cannot bear any weight on that leg. There is finally new bone growing over the breaks (yippee!), but those (4) breaks  are still very tender. For now, I still cannot get into my wheelchair and I am frustrated. I feel so close, yet so far away. Frustration makes me feel and act like an ungrateful child! I am blessed with caring friends and family, plus a CNA who comes to help every day. How dare I be frustrated, but alas, I am. It's at the disease of MS and my inability to do things for myself, so it's at my body too. I would never be so hard on anyone else as I am on myself, so I guess I better get over myself  lol. Only way to do that is to make a very long gratitude list and count my blessings.

 

Do you have obstacles in your life?

 

pambe

 One of the obstacles in my life are my five cats that will not move out of my way when wheeling!!!! Seriously thought, I am my own worst enemy. I push myself to the point of major pain, fatigue, and frustration and then all of that comes out sideways and at the wrong people. It does not help that I am back on Pred. again and have instant anger issues while on it!!!! Another obstacle in my life is that my house is not wheelchair accessable which seems to make many everythings a real struggle. All in all, I would have to say my worst barrier is me.

 

Jamie

Wow...There are so many "obstacles" that haunt me! Frustration, fear, stress, pain...The terms are never ending.  Your question comes at a good time.  I saw my cardiologist yesterday as well as my neurologist.  (double whammy!!) My cardiologist wants me to consider getting a scooter to use when I am out shopping, walking, etc..I have neurocardiogenic syncope (fainting) in addition to frequent falls recently.  Cardiologist wants to ere on the side of caution of course to prevent serious injury.

The problem I have with getting a scooter is that I am extremely and fiercely independent! Doc said yesterday that's what he likes about me...Will I lose my independence if (when) I give in and purchase a scooter? That (?) terrifies me.  I am tired of the syncope episodes often occurring in clusters and leading to ER visits only to be told there's nothing they can do...I've asked my cardiologists many times, "Why waste my time going to the ER if they cannot do much more than x-rays and put a band-aid on my cuts?"  Cardiologist is awesome.  A clinical director no less.  Same goes for my neurologist. 

Even with a host of medical problems, I cannot complain because I am fortunate to be alive.  I always know there are people who a less fortunate.  However, we all face obstacles daily.  I am probably my own worst enemy because I hate asking people for help!!  There I said...my obstacle is me

Thanks Pambe for posting this question, but sorry for writing a book on the subject (lol)

Have a great weekend and take care.  God Bless You!

Trish

The attitudes of others, in two flavors.

 

1)  Those who believe that people with disabilities can't do anything competent, including things they clearly state they can do or are even in the middle of currently doing.

 

2)  Those who refuse to believe that people with disabilites have any limitations whatsoever and refuse to make reasonable acommodations, provide for accessiblity or in any way treat us fairly when that means unequally.

 

Lifting and carrying heavy things. Also, working over my head.  We are re-habing our old house. From time to time I hit a point that I need to carry something up a ladder or work up over my head.  I'm pretty good a problem solving and most times I'll figure out a way to get it done. A milk crate supported stage on top of the dinning room table was my favorite problem solution. Of course then I had to repair the scratches on the table.  Don't tell Amy.  It drives me nuts that I am sometimes a dead stop until I can get the lovely and talented Amy help do some heavy hauling or lifting. But, as a hospice nurse, she already puts in a long, physically exhausting day and she needs her down time.  I've got some great neighbors and friends, but the last thing I want is another guy in the room telling me how to do it.

 

Although I don't really believe in limitations as much as I believe in reality. 

Great question Pam........seems all of our answers.......including my own........is........US ! WE are our own worst enemy when it comes to facing our lives with our individual disabilities. I include myself........when it comes to independence.........being too proud to ask for help..........being too self critical......in ways we'd never be towards someone else......I KNOW I get in the way when it comes to God's plan for my life........cause I'll forge ahead without consulting Him.......and then wonder why it's not working........Anyway, it seems that all of our bottom line seems to be.......ourselves.......Us......We are our greatest obstacle ............Thanks for the clarity Pam...............peace and love......Norma

1) My speech

2) My lack of motor control

Those two have lead to 99% of bad stuff in my life, although there has been tons and tons and tons of good as well!!

3) Right now, lack of money!!  (Hopefully that's temporary, well I veiw all three as temporary, but I feel it's more likely that I'll get a job hence have more funds, within the next year, then it is that I'll recovere in the next year)

What's not on my list: Attitudes of others

 My greatest obstacle would have to be public transportation.  I don't have a driver's license, so I have to rely heavily on my mom and public transportation to get around.  Unfortunately, the public transportation system (Omnitrans) in my area is absolutely terrible.  The drivers are extremely rude (especially to disabled people), the buses are often late, and they start late in the morning and end early in the evening.  If I'm lucky, a route will go to 7:30 p.m.  Also, the bus stops are not always accessible by wheelchair.  Just yesterday, during my usual errands, I had to take a couple extra buses to get around an area that had bus stops that were surrounded by gravel that would have broken my casters if I had tried to ride on it.  On top of all this, the prices on the bus seem to be going up several times a year instead of every couple of years because the state is unable to provide the usual subsidies the agency is supposed to get.  Sure, I qualify for the disabled rate, but even our fares are getting out of hand. 

 

If only I could move to LA County!  They have great public transportation.