"If part of what I've learned about living with a disease – an illness – can benefit other people or change the way they look at people with an illness, then it makes what I do worthwhile." ~Steven Arnold 1968-1998
I was on the phone with my Long Term Disability claims consultant completing a "randomly selected" review of my condition when she asked, "Are you wheelchair bound?" How do I answer that question? My response... "What do you mean by wheelchair bound?" What does anyone mean by "wheelchair bound"? No, I am not bound to… Continue reading Please Don’t Call Me “Wheelchair Bound”
Does anyone see a problem with this picture? We have a problem in America with people not understanding what it means to be truly accessible. As a wheelchair user, I run into situations such as this regularly. Whether it is an "accessible" toilet stall that doesn't even fit my wheelchair, lack of appropriate handicap parking,… Continue reading A Wheelchair Sign Doesn’t Automatically Make It Accessible
When you are living with debilitating symptoms that nobody can seem to diagnose, all you wish for is an accurate diagnosis. I remember the years I spent thinking, "If I could just get a correct diagnosis everything would be fine." Well, I'm here to tell you I was wrong. The diagnosis is only the beginning.… Continue reading With Chronic Illness, The Diagnosis is Only the Beginning
So, it's been a while since I've posted. I've had difficulty obtaining the motivation to write. Do you ever feel that way? You know, the feeling that it doesn't mean anything anymore. The overwhelming lack of purpose. The loss of interest in all activities because you can no longer participate in the activities you previously… Continue reading It’s Been A While
