An observation, of sorts.

[oh_kimberley]

As someone who suffers from an 'invisible' illness, I often struggle in coming to terms with the use of crutches for necessity. When I first started requiring additional support for getting about, I was about thirteen years-old and it was more a matter of if-and-when I needed them, rather than consistently. When I relapsed several times over a

Comments

[kashinthegreen]

I feel your pain. I'm a closet cripple too (dodgy joints) and go through periods where I need to use a stick. I only use it when I have to make a trip, and I couldn't do it without, mostly because I hate the thing, it's cumbersome and it makes me feel self concious. The longest period I consistently used it for was when I was recovering from appendicitis (the surgery damaged my psoas muscle and various other bits of lower abs required for controlling my right hip). I always felt a bit guilty about the doddery old men who would hold doors open for me! I can agree with everything you said above, plus, the really irritating bit for me was people asking me why I needed a stick *all the time*, mind your own sodding business! I assume it is because I am young and fairly healthy looking, but it's such an intrusion

[oh_kimberley]

Oh, goodness - I can imagine pregnancy and using a stick is terrible. I've been told I'm at risk of developing SPD early on if I get pregnant. Apparently, the hormones released will make my Hypermobility Syndrome worse. I already suffer with horrendous pelvic discomfort so I can sympathise to an extent - obviously, I'm not carrying a wee one. I agree with the bus-stops too. The slanted benches and the veritable likelihood of sitting on them without falling off alongside attempting to support oneself is ridiculous. I've given up and, on occasion, enjoy protesting by sitting on a wall nearby or sometimes on the floor (though I usually get up five minutes before the bus is due because it takes *five minutes* to get up

[kashinthegreen]

Yup, I am afraid to say I think it is my hypermobility that brought mine on too. I have never had pelvic issues before, just hips, knees, wrists hands and back, it is a new and interesting game, the best rounds of which include the turning over in bed game (must not twist, must not lift weight on feet) and trying to get up after sitting on a hard chair.

[oh_kimberley]

There is some evidence online to suggest that Hypermobility and SPD are linked. If you've ever found your problems exacerbated during your periods/ovulation, that's an issue too. I've done the turning over in bed game with a broken pelvis and, as it is now, with dislocations and it is ow, ow, ow! Luckily, I get my blokey to give me intense massages to manipulate the bones back into the joints so I can hobble rather than stay stuck in bed. Fingers-crossed you'll have a noticeable improvement as soon as little Nate is born! :)

[urwen_sakurafu]

Wow, people are dicks. I'm sorry you were getting glares.

[oh_kimberley]

It happened more when I was younger - and at 15, it hurt a hell of a lot more. These days, I just frown back. It's a shame people can't be more polite.

[devalmont]

God, I really sympathise with you on that one, as you know I have people staring all the time, a tall, muscular fit looking guy limping along with a stick. I imagine they assume I've hurt my ankly playing rugby or I fell off my motorbike or something like that.
Sorry you had a poo time of it, sweetie. I'm sure nobody meant any malice, it's just not something people are used to, young apparently fit people with sticks and stuff.

Have a look at this, if you haven't before :www.butyoudontlooksick.com

[oh_kimberley]

I like butyoudontlooksick.com. I can't believe I've never been on there before :/ But yes, I know how bad it is for you (having been there, calling you a cripple but, of course, meaning it in the most loving well - or, even, WAY! - possible!). As a female, I suppose it's easier to pass off looking vulnerable and weak, whereas it's expected of a man to be upright and strong, not struggling to get about on a stick. Personally, it doesn't bother me because I know what's going on but to the rest of the world, you've OBVIOUSLY damaged something. There's just no other way of thinking.

[thedinster]

Argh, that is horrible :( and I know exactly what you mean.

When I bashed up my knee in January, people on the train would look at me evilly because I took up a lot of space (I couldn't bend the fucked up knee so dared to stretch my leg out), and some people knocked it with bags and such which really fucking hurt. And I was bashed into many a time for walking slowly/limping, and no one bothered to help me on or off the train/stairs even though they could see I struggled with walking. Which is why it took so long to heal.

But, of course, as Mr Griggs said, the patients at his hospital have MUCH worse things with them so it was a doddle really :)

[oh_kimberley]

Well, I suppose it depends. Jon would be dealing with worse cases but that's primarily because hospitals are places where you'll find all sorts of frightening things. I mean, I was the worst on my ward after my accident but I was, by no means, the worst in the hospital. He was just insensitive about your injury, unfortunately.

I had worse experiences in a wheelchair. I had a lady fall into my lap because she hadn't been looking at where she was going; another refused to move for me and I had one hit me in the face with a handbag because, again, I wasn't at a height to be 'noticed'. You've had experience of it but it is incredibly difficult for some of my friends who are virtually housebound without sticks or wheelchairs and face this sort of attitude on a regular basis. It's not fun and it's certainly dented my confidence with walking aids.

[adamant_turtle]

Hi there! *waves* Just surfed on in, via my Google alert for "invisible illness," and just wanted to tell you I felt I could've written this all myself! Having had several serious chronic illnesses since about age 21, resulting in big-time mobility issues (while I can technically climb stairs, it's really hard, esp. if it's more than just a few). Everything can set me off, even a tiny breeze sometimes that will push me a bit off balance as I'm simply walking on level land; and stepping up on a curb? Forget it