disabled-bug

[disabled-bug]

I literally just saw someone saying “I like this trope” when talking about a few characters with canes/mobility aids in media and I’m bewildered to say the least. there a too many problems with this sentiment to phrase them all but disabled people are not a fucking trope, we’re people. I didn’t realise this was astounding!!! disabled people don’t exist purely in media and literature!!! like, not only are we ostracised and stigmatised and treated like a condition or a rarity or someone something to pity, or dehumanised, but now we’re also being reduced to a recurring fictional archetype. there is literally so little disability representation in media and literature that when people find out about more then one book/movie/show/whatever that includes a character with a disability, they don’t go “oh yeah, a person with a disability is written into this story” they go “oh, the disability trope is popular at the moment” or “I’m really into the mobility aid/disability trope as of late” and I don’t think I could roll my eyes harder I’ve literally seen my brain at this point. I’m losing my fucking mind out here. there is no way people actually see us as a TROPE omfg

[disabled-bug]

[disabled-bug]

Just a reminder:

If a mobility aid helps you live life, then use one. Seriously, i mean it. If that cane or walker or whatever helps you live more and manage your symptoms and flare-ups, then do it.

You are not too young

You are not "not sick enough"

You are not faking

You are valid, and your disability is real whether or not it's visible or diagnosed

Mobility aids are for anyone and if you think you need one then you probably do babe✨️

[disabled-bug]

Hey, it’s ok to not be a “productive member of society.”

Some people are housebound. Bed bound. Some people physically can’t eat, shower, or use the toilet without the assistance of a caretaker. Some people don’t have the spoons to get out of bed in the morning, let alone work a 9-5 job in this capitalist hellhole.

You’re not lazy. You’re not less than.

And this is coming from a disabled person with chronic pain who can leave the house and walk (with some pain) without mobility aids.

You deserve to take up space. You deserve to cost money. You deserve to be here without feeling guilty just because you can’t give back in the traditional way.

You’re worth it, hun. 🫶🏼

[disabled-bug]

I don't know if other disabled people can relate to this, but when it comes to my identity, I'm disabled before anything else. I'm a disabled lesbian. I'm a disabled agender person. I'm a disabled student. A disabled worker. A disabled cat owner. A disabled lover and a disabled friend. And none of these are meant in a negative way either. The only exception to that is that I'm white before I'm disabled, with privileges I don't want to just deny and/or forget.

My chronic illness and disability simply shape the way I experience life in so many ways that it would feel wrong not to make them an essential part of me as a person. A part that I'm also still learning to accept of course, but that's realistically also never going to fully leave my side regardless of what I do.

[disabled-bug]

me when my disabilities disable me:

[disabled-bug]

Accepting your limitations when you have a chronic illness or disability doesn’t mean you’re lazy or pessimistic. It’s more than ok to acknowledge and respect the fact that there are things you just can’t do. Don’t listen to anyone who tries to put you down or make you feel guilty for saying “no” when you aren’t able to do something. 

[disabled-bug]

Autoimmune diseases, “Here, we got you this fever.”

Me: “Why!”

Autoimmune diseases, “Just because.”

[disabled-bug]

So you just got diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis....

A guide to coping with inflammatory arthritis written by someone who has been living with it for years

1. Warmth helps with pain and stiffness

Take a hot bath or shower

Use a rice bag to heat your most stiff and painful joints - How to make a warm rice bag (no sew) How to make a warm rice bag (sew) Adorable heated stuffed animals

Heating pads can also be good for heating specific joints (I don't like either of the ones I've had so I'm not dropping a recommendation)

2. Compression helps with stiffness

Compression gloves work really well in particular - Really cool compression gloves

Compression for other joints works well too

3. NSAIDs help reduce inflammation in your joints

Topical diclofenac is my personal favorite, it works wonders

Meloxicam is only available by prescription but has fewer negative side effects than over the counter NSAIDs do

Ibuprofen and Aleve/Naproxen are both OTC NSAIDs

Here's a full list of NSAIDs

4. Steroids reduce inflammation but are usually only used for flares. If OTC remedies are not working for your arthritis it may be worth asking about steroids to manage flares

5. Use adaptive devices

Note that I haven't tried all of these!

In the kitchen - Jar opener, pull tab opener, arthritis friendly silverware, ergonomic knife, another ergonomic knife

In the bathroom - My favorite shower chair, long handle bath sponge, shower grab bar

Dressing - Many button and zipper aids, magnetic jewelry clasps, sock aid

Standing assists - Bed rail, couch stand assist, cane with stand assist

Office - Pencil grips, book stand, vertical mouse

Other - Arthritis friendly gardening tools, so many grips adapters and holders

.... and many many more

6. Use mobility aids - I'd strongly recommend talking to a doctor before deciding to use mobility aids. mobility aids cause damage to your body so it's important to weigh the pros and cons of using them. Anyways my personal recommendations:

Canes - NOVA T cane, Carex ergonomic offset cane

Crutches - Millennial In-Motion Forearm crutches

Other people with inflammatory arthritis are welcome to add on!

[disabled-bug]

I'm chronically ill. I'm disabled physically and mentally. I live a rough life from day to day. People always tell me how strong I am.

This may be with the best of intentions but in all honesty I'm not strong, I'm very weak from being broken down every single second of my life from my chronic illnesses.

I don't get to live my life, I'm surviving not thriving.

[disabled-bug]

Sometimes u just need to sob and scream and cry and bitch about ur disability

I think a lot of people feel like they need to be at completely at peace with their disability

And you don’t!

Be mad be sad be pissed off!

[disabled-bug]

reblog to save a life so i don’t mow a fricker over

[disabled-bug]

you can start anytime.

you can brush your teeth in the middle of the day. you can wash the dishes at 2am. you can do things outside the normal times assigned by society.

[disabled-bug]

[disabled-bug]

Reminder to those who need to hear it that you can sit while you do things.

You can sit while you brush your teeth, wash your hair, prep your dinner…you can sit. You don’t have to stand just because other people do.

[disabled-bug]

If you feel like you didn’t do anything but survive in 2024, then good. I’m glad you’re here. I hope 2025 is gentler with you.

[disabled-bug]

Acid reflux is so stupid. Like girl you put the acid there why are you mad about it