I personally don’t see myself as ‘disabled’ but I do have an invisible illness. I’m fit, can walk for miles, I even look quite healthy. However, I live with the consequences of Neuroendocrine Cancer. These consequences differ from person to person but I know that some people with this disease have even met the criteria to be officially classed as ‘disabled’ through government schemes. Judging by what I read, I have less debilitating issues than others, so I feel quite fortunate. That’s not to say I don’t have any issues at all – because I do!
I was therefore delighted to see news of an initiative supporting invisible illnesses by Asda (for those outside UK, Asda is a major UK wide supermarket chain). Asda have now recognised that many conditions can be classed as ‘invisible disabilities’ and this need is now recognised in the availability of toilet facilities. This is particularly relevant to my own disease, types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis), anyone who has issues due to the consequences of their cancer or treatment (e.g. GI surgery, Chemo, Radiotherapy).
I also wrote a blog about my own concerns focussing in on the issue of ‘Stomach Cramps’. This is something that causes me issues from time to time and I dread a painful occurrence if I’m ‘out and about’. I generally don’t let Cancer stop me doing stuff. Consequently, I will still visit remote places as I have done so for the last few years and have intentions of continuing to do so in the future. Fortunately I have been lucky with my experiences to date. If I’m out and about including on holiday, I have no reservations about waltzing into hotels or restaurants where I know there will be toilet facilities. I’ll also use a disabled toilet if others are not vacant. My worst and most painful experience was in 2014 whilst I was walking along Hadrian’s Wall in remote Northern England – this is covered in my blog “My stomach sometimes cramps my style“.
I have not yet been challenged in my use of toilet facilities (without being a customer) but I always carry some ‘Get me out of jail’ cards just in case. I have two, one from NET Patient Foundation and one from Macmillan Cancer Support. You can order these online (links given) and I’m sure other national advocate organisations do similar things.
I applaud Asda for their initiative. Lets hope it catches on anytime soon!
I may look well but you should be my insides!
Thanks for listening
Ronny
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