Many of my readers know that after a visit to a local specialist they finally were able to determine my years of pain(over 10 years) in my ankle and knee is due to severe untreated Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. In short terms it’s basically carpal tunnel in your feet.
The Medical break down of it is(thanks to http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome.htm)
“Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression, or squeezing, on the posterior tibial nerve that produces symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Both disorders arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space”
Discussion with my doctor has been pretty limited on what can be done. It’s, not something that with surgery will magically go away, especially since I’ve dealt with it so many years untreated that it’s caused damage. On top of that, I also suffer from Sever Anxiety and issues in my neck and head that stem from a traumatic birth. I have to take medication and it’s pretty much a daily struggle to go outside some days to even get the mail. Due to my neck and head issues I have to go to the chiropractor often or else I get debilitating headaches and car sickness to the point I can’t even drive down the road, because of that of course its delayed me actually driving myself.
So anyways, An invisible illness or disability is just that, looking at a person it may not be immediately apparent what their disability is.
Iv noticed since I have had to walk with a cane that people can be truly nasty to those who are young(I’m 22) who walk with aids. On most days I look like this.
But on some days it consists of using my cane, loading up on Ibuprofen and heating packs. I have canceled MANY outings because I could barely move.
Of course, many people automatically assume it’s because I’m “overweight” or “lazy” and because I don’t exercise on a daily basis. But that just adds to the stigma of being young and disabled.
It’s like some people think we do it for attention(trust me! Walking with a cane is a complete PAIN!, First you gotta remember the dang thing! I don’t know how many times I’ve leaned it up against something and completely forgot about it until I go to walk, then you gotta deal with he rudeness, honestly instead of staring and snarling your lip at me, just ask! I would MUCH rather explain why I am so young walking with a cane then deal with your rude assumptions!)
So Anyways, my whole point of this post is the next time you want to judge someone because they might not look disabled or it “could be worse”(My BIGGEST pet peeve! Its like a HUGE slap in the face!! Your basically saying Suck it up to someone is disabled would you say that to someone in a wheelchair? I doubt it!) Learn their story. I know personally(I can’t speak for everyone else) that watching me struggle or staring makes it so much worse! If your wondering ask! Feel free to hold the door open for me if you want to or if you see me struggling to reach something, Help! If I don’t want your help I will kindly decline, but your stares, whispers and laughs just makes it harder on us with invisible disabilities.
I for one am super open about my disabilities if you want to know just ask!!!
Thank you for reading my rant 🙂