I can use the loo, too!
This
is a sponsored post! How exciting, eh?! Thank you in advance for
reading it.
You
all know about my illnesses, right? I go on about them rather a lot.
Well, that’s because they’re a huge part of my life, and most
days I have a lot of things I have to consider, and compromise on if
necessary, because of them. I am also faced with ignorance a fair
bit, and even prejudice. I once tried to use a disabled loo in the
Arrivals area of an airport, because my IBS had flared up badly
during my journey, which then triggered my PTSD, and it was a whole
load of YIKES. Anyway, when I made for the disabled toilet, a man
stopped me and pointed to the ladies loo, which was across the big
room with a queue of about 15 tired-looking women waiting
impatiently. I tried to explain that I was eligible to use the
disabled facilities, and even gave him a peek of my tummy scar in the
hope it would convince him, but there was a language barrier and he
seemed to have decided that because I was standing upright without
assistance, and had no visible wounds, that I was a just a ‘regular
person’. On the surface I was fuming, yes, but I also felt deeply
hurt.
(Bra was a gift from Hara)
Just
because you can’t see someone’s illness, doesn’t mean it isn’t
there. Not all disabilities are visible. Take someone’s word for
it, trust
them, and don’t make your own assumptions. Why would someone lie
about a condition – especially when, in my case, it involves a lot
of poop talk?
Luckily,
we’re coming into a new time when it’s more widely accepted that
not everyone is as able-bodied as they may appear. We still have a way to
go, but I’m hopeful that someday, my fellow IBS sufferers won’t
be turned away from the loo, and folks like me who are living with a
bit of cancer
won’t be told it ‘doesn’t count’ or automatically asked how
long they have left to
live.
There’s so much more to chronic
illnesses than you realise, my lovely reader, and the best way you
can support those of us living with them, and ultimately become more
understanding and helpful, is by letting us tell you the facts;
listening to what we have to say, giving us support and asking any
questions you have when we’re in a safe space.
Millercare
are mobility specialists, helping those of us with disabilities and
chronic illnesses get around and live our lives every day. They have
mobility scooters, wheelchairs, powerchairs, stairlifts, and walking sticks for sale. If you know anyone who could do with some help
moving and generally being more independent, then please check them
out!
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