Comments on: Using Mobility Aids When You Have An Invisible Illness

By: Stephanie Briggs

Stephanie Briggs — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 04:12:33 +0000

I think I’ll respond with “Alien abduction.” next time I get asked about my disability. My husband said, “They obviously sent you back.”

I replied, “Yes, because I ate them.”

By: Pippa

Pippa — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 08:41:06 +0000

In reply to Colette Morgan. Thanks for sharing this Colette. I can definitely relate- 'what happened to you then?' is the one I seem to get the most! I really hope the trip on Sunday goes as well as possible and that above all you're as comfortable as possible and have a good time- regardless of what anybody else thinks, that's the important thing. I'd love to hear how you get on!

By: Colette Morgan

Colette Morgan — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 22:20:36 +0000

Im 27 and have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in my leg and walk with crutches, I’m so fed up of the ‘what have you done then?’ Or ‘how much longer on the crutches?’ Questions. I tend to say it’s post surgical complications, but it’s so hard, it’s non of their flipping business.

I’ve recently picked up a wheelchair, but an yet to use it. I’ve agreed to try a trip out on Sunday, but I don’t know if I can stand being stared at and more questions.

I hope the new power chair is working out well for you, happy adventuring!

By: Pippa

Pippa — Sun, 20 May 2018 12:58:37 +0000

In reply to Jenna.

Hey Jenna, hope this finds you on a good day. I was in a similar position myself, but looking back now I can see that using a wheelchair has massively improved my quality of life. I started with the cheapest, most basic transit wheelchair (similar to, but not the same as, this one: https://www.careco.co.uk/item-p-wc02046/careco-freedom-travel-chair.htm?utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLACampaigns&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuYTYBRDsARIsAJnrUXDGKO8InllTiHI5l9iaPQzqCo3Is4_ih27tL1nhWIxvofqHczZyHAsaAnepEALw_wcB), but my advice would be to shop around and make a list of what the most important features are to you: I’d definitely recommend going for a lightweight, aluminium frame and something foldable/collapsible to start with. All the best xx

By: Pippa

Pippa — Sun, 20 May 2018 12:53:03 +0000

In reply to Lowen Puckey. Thank you so much Lowen: I may have to try out the alien abduction route some time in the near future! Hope today's been as kind as possible to you xx

By: Jenna

Jenna — Tue, 08 May 2018 11:17:27 +0000

I have ME and it’s increased in severity over the past year, to the point that now I feel too weak (in a muscular sense) to walk around much in public, like I don’t trust my legs not to collapse underneath me. It’s rendered me housebound. I’m thinking of getting a wheelchair, but I’m so new to this- would you recommend an attendant type, or the self-propel kind? Neither of my parents will accept that I want a wheelchair, because they don’t want me to be stigmatised as “disabled”, especially when it comes to job-searching. I think it’s the only way I might get some life back.

By: Lowen Puckey

Lowen Puckey — Sat, 05 May 2018 22:49:37 +0000

Love your writing 🙂 I struggle to understand why strangers think it’s totally OK to ask personal questions of disabled people – I think I’m going to have to come up with some great one liners, involving alien abduction or super hero punch outs! Thanks for explaining why people in wheel chairs can sometimes move about. People have set ideas about things they don’t understand and it’s hard to break them out of it.
Lowen @ livingpositivelywithdisability.com

By: Pippa

Pippa — Thu, 03 May 2018 09:36:54 +0000

In reply to Kate.

Oh I hope you and your kids have the BEST time! I recently went to Disneyland Paris in my wheelchair and they couldn’t have been more accommodating: make sure you have good medical evidence and get yourself an access card, they’re absolutely fab. I can totally relate to your concerns though- I wrote a piece for Scope about how Disney made me question my disability: https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/37004/disney-made-me-question-my-disability

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 02 May 2018 21:17:43 +0000

I’m about to visit Disney World with my husband and kids and I suffer from CFS. The only way I will survive is by using a mobility scooter and I am apprehensive about the judgment I may get but I have to choose not to let it worry me. I almost want to get a big sign declaring that I have an invisible illness but then I figure I don’t owe anyone an explanation. I owe my kids an amazing time in Florida and the only chance I have of doing this is by accepting I can’t possibly walk miles (I can barely walk 100m) so I will be gratefully accepting the help of a scooter and maybe getting to cut a few lines 🙂

By: Pippa

Pippa — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 09:46:39 +0000

In reply to Kim. Thank you so much for reading, Kim! Oh I totally feel you, if we didn't laugh we'd just cry! Hope today is as kind as possible to you xx