Does anybody here have a disability?

[Willow4]

I was just wondering because obviously it's difficult to see and tell online. I don't have anything too major but sometimes I find it does affect my day to day life and I was curious as to whether anybody else lives with a debilitating condition or a disability.

I have nerve damage to both legs and a heart condition. So I sometimes need a walking aid or I'm at home a lot because my heart condition has resulted in almost non existent immune system.

If you have a disability, do you have a support network around you that you find helps? Does the country you live in support your needs? :)

Anonymous people may comment if you'd rather answer privately! :)

[xHoneyxBeex]

I do not have a "disability" but I do have a disease that certainly affect me, health-wise.

I have Celiac disease which means if I ingest gluten (wheat, rye, or barley) my body attacks itself and causes damage to my intestines which can lead to intense stomach pain, throwing up, bowel problems, and various other symptoms. It also means that I cannot efficiently absorb nutrients from food which is why I have difficulty gaining weight and staying in a healthy weight range. If the disease is not addressed early on, it can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and lymphoma. Also, since it's an autoimmune disease, it can cause me to have a weakened immune system.

I can always tell if I accidentally ingest gluten. I start feeling weak, I get severe migraines, and of course, the stomach symptoms. It's not fun. I have to adamantly stay away from food that contains gluten and even cross-contamination can cause problems. So, I can never really eat "out" I have to cook all of my own food. It's very tiring to consistently have to monitor everything that I eat. I also kind of feel "left-out" at parties or small get-togethers where I know there is going to be food because I can't eat any of it. It also gets old when someone, for instance, brings homemade cookies into work and I'm the only one who can't eat it because cookies are made with wheat flour. Lol So, that kind of sucks.

I am fully aware that my disease is not nearly as bad as the conditions and diseases other people have. However, it has still greatly affected my life. My mother has it also, so we both understand each other which is nice:)

[abundantlyrich]

Then how do u absorb nutrients if not through stomach? Iv drips? Injections?

[Willow4]

I've never completely understood what celiac disease is though I've heard people say they have it. That doesn't sound fun at all and I can completely understand you not wanting to eat out, you probably feel happier having more control over your food at home. I think there are some gluten free food products places now though that you can get? I do feel for you about cookies! O. o Though I would gladly trade for an excuse not to pile pounds on eating them! lol.

At least there's someone with you who understands the limitations :) and preparing food in your house must be easier for it :)

[xHoneyxBeex]

No, I just have to not eat gluten. Gluten damages the microvilli of the small intestines which is the little hair-like projections on the walls of the intestines that absorbs the nutrients from food. So, the microvilli heals if I don't eat gluten but it never fully functions as well as someone without Celiac.

What I mean is, as long as I don't ingest gluten, I can absorb nutrients but it won't ever be as efficient as someone who has a healthy digestive system. So, right now as long as I stay away from gluten, I can absorb nutrients but I'll still always be a small person who will struggle to gain weight. It's not necessary for me to have an IV, but my nutrient absorption is still not at the level of other people, if that makes any sense.

[xHoneyxBeex]

@Asker Yes. I feel much "safer" simply preparing my own food at home. I like not having to worry about the possibility of getting sick. It just sucks if I have a friend who wants to go out to eat and I can't order anything. But yes, there are more and more gluten free products on the market these days which is very nice. I always have to get "gluten-free" alternatives to popular foods but it's worth it to not get sick. Haha Yes, the positive side is I don't gain weight easily! Lol So, I like being optimistic about it:) And yeah, my mom has been wonderful through the whole experience of my diagnosis and lifestyle change:)

[Willow4]

Thank you for explaining it! I didn't know anything about it at all. I suppose the benefits to a celiac life outweigh the negatives in some respects and I'm sure a lot of women are envious of your lack of apparent weight gain :P I'm so glad there are more products on the market, my sister is vegan and finds eating out a nightmare aswell... although for you perhaps you prefer to not eat out anyway.

[xHoneyxBeex]

Yeah, I always try to stay positive:)

[SandPlanet]

I have been having asthma since my childhood. It was pretty bad when I was a child and teens, but luckily it has become much better ever since. I still have to make sure to have my inhaler with me where ever I go.

And I know this doesn't exactly count as a disability, but I'll still mention it because it is heart related. My heart's position is a tad off, namely a bit too much in the middle. The heart itself is totally fine, but during growth it cause the left half of my rib cage to jut out a little bit, compared to the right sight. When I was a teen this really bothered me a big deal, aesthetically. But luckily, the more I grew, the less visible it became. Growing slightly larger tits helped too.
I feel kinda stupid now even mentioning this, because it was merely an aesthetical problem. But well, when it first showed and the doctor said it's because of my heart's position being a bit off, I had to have quite a few check ups at the cardiologist to make sure my heart is doing fine there.

There are a few other things, but I prefer to not share them with everyone. :)

[Willow4]

Don't feel stupid! It doesn't matter what disability it is, it still affects your life :) I'm glad your asthma has got much better, does it ever get triggered by anything, like stress or anxiety?
Thankfully your lovely heart is all safe and healthy and having bigger boobs much help considerably lol I bet it's hardly noticeable now at all, especially because most of the time people are looking at your lovely face! :)

It's ok to not say everything, you know you're more than welcome to tell or not tell me anything, privately :)

[SandPlanet]

Your words might make my <3 repostion itself some day. :)

My asthma usually gets triggered by physical exhaustion. Like when I sprint or do any kind of high activity very suddenly. i have allergies too, but those usually just trigger sneezing and itching. Sometimes I just need to inhale, just out of nowhere, with no apparent trigger. Oh, and sometimes eating ice-cream can trigger it. :D

We'll talk about the rest some time in private. :)

[Willow4]

Right... well then you mustn't give me puppydog eyes when I refuse to share my ice cream. It's for your own good ;) *gives you fruit*

I suppose knowing the triggers are half the battle :) I'm just glad it's not too bad anymore and yes please feel free to tell me (or not tell me) anything you like :)

[SandPlanet]

Let's end the PDA now and return to the inbox. :P

[BertMacklinFBI]

I have a disability... im too Awesome :D

okay but for an actual disability? hmm.. I don't know if this counts as disability but when im working on my lower abs and im doing the decline sit ups my lower back experiences some pain unless im really engaging my core and focusing on keeping my back straight. im seriously like the only person who experiences this and my friend said I have a really good arched back so I don't know what it is:P

[PrettyBama]

You goin to hell lol

[BertMacklinFBI]

@PrettyBama nuuu! don't say that!:'(

[Willow4]

Awesomeness doesn't count! lol.. but yes you really are ;)

I don't think I've ever experienced that either :/ Is it really bad pain? Perhaps you've pulled something. *Manhandles you down to the doctors*

[BertMacklinFBI]

hahaa I was afraid it didn't count:D but you and I both:)

it was really bad at first but then I thought maybe my lower back muscles are just too weak so I started focusing more on lower back and it feels slightly better.
oh you're trying to take care of me and force me to the doctors? *Picks you up and carries you back inside the house* hahaa

[Angelina703]

That is so insensitive, come on! There are a lot of people struggling with physical and mental handicaps in this world - imagine what life must be like for them. Have some compassion...

[BertMacklinFBI]

@Angelina703 im so sorry! it was never my intention to be insensitive.

[HookingSwan]

Oh my I think you are taking his humour to seriously. Even the asker didn't react like that. If you knew the guy in question (BertMacklinFBI) you would realise it wasn't badly meant. However I do see where you are comming from... Just take it a litlle easier, k? We are usually a very friendly community :)

[HookingSwan]

And @FBI lol no prob. Anytime. I already got your sense of humour. You're a cool dude chill. Just a friendly advice, try not to be more careful not to be misunderstood. Some people can just jump the gun. Not all are very cool headed.

[HookingSwan]

Sorry try to be more careful LMFAO

[Angelina703]

I understand but there are appropriate times to joke and this was not one of them by any means. Didn't mean to jump down your throat FBI but this is a very touchy subject and you don't know what battles people are fighting on a daily basis. I have people close to me that are severely handicapped.

[Aizou]

I have reduced hearing in my left ear, although
the doctors said that I had adapted to it so I can
differentiate between where sounds come from.

But if there's a lot of noise, and someone calls me, it's
sometimes difficult to locate who's yelling ^.~

[Aizou]

By the way.

This is how I managed to not
get dragged in by the army ^.^

[Willow4]

Ahh well then it had one upside lol ;) You're much safer here with us! :) I'm glad you've managed to adapt to it, and I suppose at least you can still hear even in one ear :)

[misupanda]

I have a depression disorder called "dysthymic disorder", which is basically feeling depressed 24/7. It's not something that I can just "stop being sad", because often times, it's not triggered by anything. It's a chemical imbalance in my brain. Medication does help slightly, but it's not a magical pill. Basically, I used to be extremely suicidal when I was younger, to the point where I would literally daydream about the different ways I could end it. The medication makes me not suicidal, however I still feel depressed most of the time. However, I have learned to appreciate myself a lot, because regardless of me having this, most people would never know, because I act so positive and happy. It makes me proud of myself.

I'm legally blind in one eye, which makes it very scary for me to drive, so I don't have my driver's license yet.. I'm very scared to try to get one, but i know I have to.

I have social anxiety. Just ordering a hamburger in a fastfood restaurant is scary for me. I start at a new college soon and it's absolutely terrifying for me.

I have exercise-induced asthma. It's difficult for me to do things like running, because my breathing gets so out of control. I used to have severe panic attacks, but I haven't for a long time.

I think this is it? xD That I know of anyway...

[misupanda]

Oh, forgot about the last question. No, my country doesn't assist me at all. In fact, I was told by a few counselors of mine that my depression is just "my personality". I look at it in a different way. I don't think I'm defined by my depression. I don't think it's my personality, because I'm able to fight it and become a more positive person, regardless of how I truly feel.

[Willow4]

Hi misupanda! :)

I'm so sorry you've had to deal with something like that at such a young age :( but in a way perhaps it's a comfort to know that it's not you or your situation or anything you're doing.. it's just the way you are. I hope the medication has balanced your moods out a little bit? I hope life has become a little more manageable for you and clearly you have grown to become a happier person if people don't even notice! You definitely be proud of yourself.

I don't drive either, but that's because I failed my test driving up a tree :P I don't have the excuse! I think you'd be very brave to try again and maybe one day in the future you can give it a go :)

[Angelina703]

Sweetie, I am so sorry you have to live with this, I can't imagine. I suffer from depression at times but it can't be compared to what you are going through. Support groups are really great or finding a great therapist/counselor is wonderful too. A friend of mine, who is a beautiful, successful lawyer, married a man who was a quadrapalegic! And he wasn't rich, he is just an amazing person. I am telling you this so you don't emotionally limit yourself. Let your beautiful heart and spirit shine through and the right person will respond. Plus, you are such a pretty girl, you definitely won't have a problem!:) xo

[Willow4]

Awww hi Angelina :) Thank you so much, reading this put a big smile on my face :) I've also suffered with depression and please don't feel like it isn't comparable! Any disability or condition of the mind, in my opinion, is far greater than any physical disability. You can overcome physical problems when you have the right outlook and positive mindset, without it we are helpless to help ourselves. Knowing how tough it can be I truly admire you for what you go through and I think you're wonderful, especially because of how you just reached out to me :)
I can't imagine being quadrapalegic :( He seems amazing, as does your friend. It does go to show that disabilities certainly don't limit your life altogether :) I'm glad they found eachother. Thank you so much for your compliment! :)

[Angelina703]

I can tell you are a beautiful spirit and an old soul - I admire your strength and courage. I have no doubt that you will find love and happiness in this life. Good luck to you sweetheart! xo

[Willow4]

Thank you so much Angelina :) I wish you happiness and contentment in your life and I KNOW you'll find it, you have so much empathy and understanding :) I wish you all the best :)

[Rcjh1987]

I have anxiety issues mainly flares up when I can't get out of a situation that I've been placed in. I think I've always had it but it really came to light after my domestic violence I had 2 years ago. The thought of having him be in the same room as me having to see him etc was extremely emotional and stressful!! It was like reliving the night over and over.. I also think I have OCD when it comes to holidays or birthdays it has to be absolutely perfect like for my sons birthday it had to be the perfect cake, perfect place for the event, friends and family. Perfect present.. I'm the same way with a card it literally takes me 10 minutes to pick it out.

[Ricosuavemente]

I have a heart condition, chronic back pain, torn tendons and ligaments in my right forearm. I'm a veteran that served in the Army so I've been seeing doctors to try and help but the only one is the forearm, the back I strengthen lifting weights. The heart I take care of with a super healthy diet.

[Willow4]

I'm sorry, gosh you suffer with so much physically yet you look so incredibly fit and strong. I admire you for pushing your body to it's limits and trying to stay as healthy as you can regardless. It must be even harder with the pain you're in. Also, I'm not a US citizen but I completely respect what you've done for your country, I can't tell you how much respect I have for soldiers. I hope to hell your country gives you all the help you deserve :)

[Ricosuavemente]

Thank you, yes I persnally train people for free because I tell people that old age or injuries shouldn't stop you from ever achieving your goals. You just have to work around your conditions and persevere! Thanks for the compliments.

[Hans222]

I'm colourblind... not a big handicap but if one day we meet don't be surprised if I call that purple T-shirt blue or the red skirt green :-)
And if one day you become red of anger, make sure to show other symptoms or I'll be smiling and unaware... oh goodness, hadn't even realized that before!

[Willow4]

I won't be offended I promise! lol and I could never be angry at you.. you won't see me blush though so I can avoid the embarrassment of going pink ;)

[Hans222]

Hahaha, you can wear green shoes, blue tights, a red skirt, brown blouse and a purple shawl and I may compliment you on the nice colour combination :-)

[elf69]

I have a condition where I loose muscle mass and slowly the ability to use extremities of my limbs.

diagnosed at 11 but had from birth.

Cannot use most my toes and both thumbs useless, i cannot move them.

its degenerative so will get worse.

I work in IT trade and keyboard use not so easy now.

I even wrote an article for a local disabled magazine about it.

Rare-ish here in UK more common is USA.

Its known as "CMT" for short. cannot spell full thing, lol

[BlueSJ]

I have a bad eyesight LoL, but I plan to do the laser operation after I make enough money by myself, does that count?

I am thankful to the contact lenses invention. I can't believe I used to hide those eyes with glasses. xD

Oh, I used to suffer from a slight stuttering as a child but I got over it.. hehe~! ^-^

[Jahnnavi]

I've got bronchitis and asthma. Its extremely difficult for me to breathe sometimes. And I've got bad eyes. I've got both spherical and cylindrical power in my eyes. And I always remain super cold. My palm and soles of my feet are just so cold as if just out of the freezer.

[Willow4]

I'm not familiar with any of those eye conditions, I hope it's nothing serious? :( It's a shame reading about so many Under 18s who suffer with conditions, it can only make you stronger at such a young age...*holds your hands so you don't get too cold* :)

[Jahnnavi]

Aww thank you so much. My eyes were pretty bad previously I had -5 power in both eyes. But recently I went for my monthly check up and my doctor told me it had impoved to -2.5 in both eyes.

[Anonymous]

I was born partially deaf and my temporal lobe was damaged so I can't control my temper to the same ability that a normal person could. I'm not bi-polar but because of the damage done to my temporal lobe I can come off as bi-polar sometimes. What caused my loss of hearing and damage of the temporal lobe was the same thing. I don't get disability for any of this, and most people that see me would think I'm not disabled in any shape or form, but technically I am a bit disabled.

[Willow4]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this :) Are there any treatments that help your temper or is it something you have just learnt to deal with by yourself?

[Opinion Owner]

If there were treatments I never got any. I had to learn all by myself. It actually made it easier to control my temper once I knew the reason why I couldn't keep my temper under control subconsciously. It's very hard but by consciously reminding myself that my temporal lobe is damaged and I can't control my temper like a normal person, I can actually keep myself rather calm 98% of the time. But when I can't control it and go off... I go off. There's no level. It's either calm or ballistic. It doesn't last very long because I can calm myself back down by consciously reminding myself but when that happens it can cause people to think I'm bi-polar. High level of Jaundice, which is what caused my temporal lobe to be damage and my hearing to be lost, also caused me to have speaking disability when I was a kid. I "graduated" from speech class when I was in 2nd grade. I was kind of sad when it ended because that meant no longer skipping regular class to go to speech class.

[Willow4]

I'm glad you've found ways to deal with it, and I think sometimes you do need to remind yourself that there's nothing you can do about it, you can try and find techniques that work but ultimately, it's not your fault and you can only do the best you can. I always getting out of class for one reason or another lol it seemed more fun when I was little though ;) but it was good you managed to sort out your speech early on :) that way it probably didn't leave you with any major confidence issues :)

[Opinion Owner]

I still stutter, but other parts of my speech that I had a problem with I no longer do. It's been so long that I don't even know what most of my speech problems were. Linguistic comprehension was probably the worse, but thankfully I can comprehend well on visual things. Basically, if I'm being told something for the first time (like directions), show me and tell me. If you just tell me I may not understand what you meant. Not much of a problem anymore, but when I was a kid it was bad. Stuttering and explaining things tend to still give me the biggest problems. One thing I have noticed recently, and I don't think it has any connection to my other problems, is that my attention spam is disappearing. I could be explaining something and in the middle of it forget what I was talking about, or forget that I was even talking altogether and just move on to the next thing. Which could lead people to ask me... uhm... okay, are you going to continue? You just stopped in the middle.

[Anonymous]

Is bradycardia the only condition with your heart? Seems odd that it would cause a decreased immune system. I've got sinus bradycardia too (resting pulse sits about 43), and other than a strong aversion to alcohol, it hasn't affected me in any way that I've seen.

[Willow4]

I've had a heart attack before which I don't really want to say how that happened but it left me with a weak heart as it happened when I was very young, that and the bradycardia have caused my immune system to not be as developed as it should be :)
I'm sorry to hear you suffer with the same thing! :( Do you deal with it ok?

[Opinion Owner]

I haven't had any other issues with my heart. It really doesn't bother me in any way day to day. Like I said, the only real thing is that I don't drink, since the last thing I need is to drop my pulse rate even more.

I do make a point of good diet and regular exercise, though. Most blood pressure medications also lower your heart rate, so I try to make sure that my blood pressure stays proper.

[Willow4]

I also don't drink either, I don't like the taste anyway but even if I did I'd much rather keep my heart ticking over than cause anymore problems.

I wish you good health for the future and it sounds like you look after your heart as best as you can :)

[llorando]

I have chronic pain and fatigue, it's seems to be slowly getting worse and still unable to get answers to whats causing it. It's at the point now to where doing daily task is like running fa 24 hour marathon. I can barely clime stairs any more without being exhausted. At least in my country their is a safety net for those who are unable to work.

[Willow4]

I have a friend who has chronic pain and gets very tired, he has fibromyalgia. Unfortunately it's not as widely 'recognised' in the medical field and is often diagnosed as a last resort after everything else has been ruled out, same with chronic fatigue syndrome. It can be incredibly frustrating trying to find answers but I know there are organisations which help and I'm glad you have some access to them. Please keep being strong, and I hope very soon you'll start getting the answers you need :)

[llorando]

I hope to find answers soon too, 10 years is long enough of not knowing. Hopefully your heart condition is nothing serious that medicine can't fix, you seem like too nice of a person to be sick.

[Willow4]

10 years is a long time, so much wasted stress and going backwards and forwards to doctors and hospitals. You probably end up wondering what you're even doing it for half the time! It's something I'm always having checked so I'm sure if there were any developments it could be caught soon :) and thank you very much, you seem just as nice. I really do wish you all the best :)

[llorando]

Thanks, I wish you the best too =D. Early detection is always best, as it's easier to take care/fix.

[Anonymous]

Plenty. Epilepsy, myoclonus, narcolepsy, Raynaud's Disease, numerous immunodeficiencies, idiopathic vasculitis, chronic headaches and idiopathic muscle weakness. Most believed to be connected. Mitochondrial genome and mitochondrial nuclear gene analyses pending.

[AnimeDreama]

I had an injury a few years ago during soccer and needed surgery on my knee. It's effected my kick quite a bit, but I can still kick pretty straight, although sometimes it hurts so bad that I have to miss games.

[Willow4]

Back in the day I would have loved missing games! lol but a knee injury isn't fun :( I guess at least they could correct it with surgery and it wasn't any worse. You look after that knee! :)

[AnimeDreama]

I hate missing soccer games xD Soccer is my passion and I would be devastated if I could no longer play. And thank you xD

[Willow4]

Well then I hope it improves :( just take it easy! and you're welcome lol ;)

[Ezio1981]

I was born deaf in my left ear! Also I wear glasses so one day I'll be just like Helen Keller... blind and deaf. Hopefully not for many many years though but I know it's inevitable. I didn't know you had all that. I'm sorry *hugs*

[Willow4]

I'm sorry you're deaf in one ear :( But I guess glasses HELP you see, so I'm sure you're not going to end up like Helen Keller ;) There's no need to be sorry but you know I appreciate your kindness and support very much :) *hugs you back*

[Ezio1981]

It's ok don't be sorry. I was born that way do j don't know any differently. And I won't be as bad as Helen Keller but eventually I won't see or hear much, or at least won't be able to see or hear what I want/need. *smiles at your hug*

[Willow4]

Well then I shall have to hold your hand so you know I'm there instead :)

[COCOCHANEL]

i also have a heart condition. it limits me
in many ways.

[Willow4]

I'm sorry COCO :( please don't go into detail if you'd rather not. I just hope you find fun and enjoyment out of life the best you can. You're such a lovely addition to GaG - that made me quite sad :(

[COCOCHANEL]

thank you for your kind words. you are lovely too ♡

[JustinCaseUDontKnow]

I have Bipolar disorder, Anxiety disorder, Schizo-affective disorder
Diabetes, Nerve damage in feet, legs, Arthritis in knees, legs,
Cotard's Syndrome (It feels like I'm non-exisitng ) Cotard’s is
another form of delusional psychosis

[dymphnak]

Depression, asthma, anxiety, prediabetes, hypotension, chronic jaw pain, flat feet, and minor pectus excavatum. Nothing too bad, just an accumulation of small issues. I'm just thankful I have it easier than so many people. :-)

[Red_Dragon]

Awww I didn't know you had those conditions :(. Nah I don't have any disabilities. Mentally I may be different than some people, but no disabilities. I have a phobia that shows up a lot.

[Willow4]

It's ok, it just makes you value life a bit more sometimes! lol but being aware of your own immortality can be a bit scary sometimes. Mentally I think you're different, but in a very good way :) Can I ask what kind of phobia you have?

[Red_Dragon]

That's a good way to look at it.

Well as long as it's a good thing 😃.

[kheserthorpe]

phobias can generally be treated very quickly if it is causing you any issues.

[Red_Dragon]

How?

[HookingSwan]

May I ask... What's the name of your condition? I'm a Med student thats why. If you dont mind indulging me?

[Willow4]

Hi! No of course that's fine :) I have bradycardia but I've also suffered a heart attack in the past. So generally my heart isn't in great condition :)

[HookingSwan]

Thanks for the feedback and I'm sorry to hear that. Other than that, has your condition been stable? Do you jave to avoid any kind of physical exertion or have a special diet?

[BertMacklinFBI]

thank you:) I honestly just meant a little bit of a joke because I know about the Asker's history related to this topic already. I think she is very understanding of my humor and she knows it was in no way to ever be directed towards being mean to her or anyone else.

[Willow4]

Aww that's ok but thank you for being kind :) I'm a gymnast so actually I can manage a lot of physical exertion but some days I will literally be out of energy all together to the point of not being able to get up. I have bouts of chronic fatigue syndrome which probably doesn't help but my doctors have encouraged me to keep active as it doesn't seem to affect the condition :) As for diet I try to keep it very low fat and though it's hard I do make all my own food. Fruit and veg when I can (though it's tough lol) and lots of super foods.. I'm always looking up new super foods and whole grains recipes :)

[HookingSwan]

Nice. Despite your condition you seem like a very healthy dynamic person. I am glad :)

[BertMacklinFBI]

bahahhaaa. im glad you corrected yourself! :D yee I fosho will. its good advice:) I was typing all that up so nonchalantly its like it just happened.

[HookingSwan]

Yeah. I got it was accidentally lol. It happens :)

[Willow4]

Thank you HookingSwan and I wish you all the best with your studying! :)

[HookingSwan]

Thanks :D and you keep busting bad guys XD

[sawno]

Discalculia , prevents me from calculating properly.
Also prevents me from remembering stuff in certain ways.

[Willow4]

Is that kind of like dyslexia? Excuse my ignorance :) I never knew that, makes me respect you even more! :)

[sawno]

Yup but then with numbers. I tend to swap them around So 23 can be 32 in my mind but i say it as 23 at the same time. The 7x8 stuff i never correctly remembered and if i start counting anything more then +3 my brain will forget where i am at.