Wheelchairs Aren’t Embarrassing!

At least, they shouldn’t be. But here we are…

Why is the use of medical devices stigmatized?

I recently found out someone I know has been struggling with their mobility. Rather than sink to the level of using a walker or wheelchair*, they choose to stay home most days.

It’s sad to me when people STOP living their lives to the fullest rather than use a medical device.

*But this wording alludes to the real problem, right? The need for a medical device seems intrinsically tied to shame. We feel embarrassed to be vulnerable, to have a visible handicap.

I have a lot of empathy for anyone resistant to and terrified of using an MD publicly. At the age of 19-20, my disability Friedreich’s Ataxia progressed to the point where I fell frequently. After countless falls at home and a few particularly humiliating ones in public, I finally gave in and purchased a rollator walker.

Thinking back, there are two big reasons I tried to walk unassisted as long as possible. #1, I didn’t want to concede to my disability progression. #2, I didn’t want to be weird and different from everyone else.

I understand now that using a tool created to help me doesn’t mean I’m weak or I gave up. Rejecting or embracing an MD doesn’t CHANGE the circumstances; it is only a reaction to the circumstances.

(We don’t shame a diabetic for using insulin. We encourage those with high blood pressure to take blood pressure meds. Yet acknowledging and treating physical disabilities OR mental health issues is less societally acceptable. Hmm…go figure?)

Using a walker didn’t make my FA better or worse; it simply empowered me to exist with less anxiety. Funny enough, I found that walking with assistance was far less embarrassing and traumatizing than falling in public – not to mention, way safer. Falls can be extremely dangerous if you land on the wrong body parts.

Nowadays, I don’t feel self-conscience using an MD in public because I’ve used one for several years. Early on, though, I learned that confidence is key. Just “own” it, or fake it until you make it.

Being the cool, pretty, sweet girl in a wheelchair isn’t a half bad title.

~

The serenity prayer provides priceless wisdom that proves relevant in so many situations.

Living and THRIVING with Friedreich’s Ataxia requires a constant balancing act of determining what can be changed vs. what must be accepted. With a progressive disability, the goal posts constantly move. I’ve adapted my workout routines many times over the years depending on what I can or can’t do at the time.

When it comes to YOUR health, what must you accept, and what can you change through faith and determination? I challenge you to reflect on this question. God bless you today!