When a person is diagnosed with arthritis, the conversation is filled with medical information, predictions, changes, fears and ifs. It may be all at once during the initial diagnosis or trickle in over time, but at some point, these areas will be discussed.
In 1986, when the surgeon explained my lab reports and findings, he spoke in a serious tone, used layman’s terms to help me understand the seriousness, had concerns because of the aggressiveness at my age, defined ‘chronic’ and ‘disabled,’ shared treatment options and predicted I’d be in a wheelchair by the time I was 30 years old.
At the time, I was an active 21 year old, going to college, working toward my dreams, focused on walking down the isle at my wedding in three months. As I listened to the doctor, understood the seriousness and picked up on his concerns, I didn’t care. I was in a hurry to get on with my life so I listened, agreed to follow up with specialists, thanked him then hurried out the door.
As the months passed and symptoms began to interfere with the plans for my life, the surgeon’s words repeatedly played in my mind. The reality was, regardless how hard I tried, rheumatoid arthritis could not be ignored. Worse yet, his timeline was accurate and everything he predicted, came true.
Wikipedia defines Disabled as; "Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations. Thus disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he or she lives.” A disability may occur during a person's lifetime or may be present from birth. A physical impairment is any disability which limits the physical function of limbs or fine or gross motor ability.
There is a fear associated with becoming disabled – rightfully so. It’s not on anyone’s list of things to be when growing up.
Personally speaking, being disabled does not stop us from living our lives. In many ways, I am living a better life now than I would have if I stayed healthy. In addition, the diagnosis of arthritis does not guarantee being labeled disabled.
The premise is life with a disability will be harder. But the truth is, life IS hard – period! Look around. Nobody has it easy. We all have burdens to bear.
Yes, physical limitations, loss of abilities, fears, surgery, constant pain, finances, and the list goes on, are extremely challenging. When they interfere with the way we want to live our lives, mental anguish and the will to continue cause us to question our worthiness. I am not discounting these facts. I know firsthand what it’s like to feel burdensome. But I also know, it’s doable.
Over the next few weeks, I will address the subject of disabilities and would appreciate your feedback. Agree or disagree, your opinions and experiences are important! At some point, we’ve all thought about it, while some of us live it. Have you been labeled disabled? Do you fear or fight your limitations? What are the predictions for your future? Were the doctors right or wrong?
Well put!
Your words are encouraging and at the same time, have left me speechless! "If" I could clap, I'd applaud your response ;o)
Thank you -
You're only truly "crippled" if you let the disease control you. It may guide you in a different direction than you had planned, but it does not have to control you.
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