Change Rooms

Hi Simont

Thats a really good point and well worth raising.
I always felt guilty using the disabled toilet. luckily for me I didn’t have to change when travelling I’m sure it would have been challenging. 

Hi Ann

I don’t feel guilty at all using a disabled toilet, as it’s something I need to use. I’ve changed in many disabled toilets in multiple airports and not found any issues with them I have to say. They’ve had plenty space, and I can do what I need to do! I don’t really understand the original post as it’s not been something I’ve ever given thought to, and I’ve never had dirty looks or comments from anyone.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah. 
It’s just me. I spent a while at Salisbury when my son was in rehab. It’s just my issue old scars I suppose. He broke his neck and spent months in a chair it was then that I realised how difficult things were. Even taking him to a restaurant was like an obstacle course when we finally got a table his legs wouldn’t go under. So i have a sense of guilt about it as I’m up and able. 
Invisible disability can make a mark, and others would not have a clue what space is needed to change a bag. 
We have a blue badge for parking for my hubby you wouldn’t believe the looks that we get. 
I just glare back as I put the badge up. Thinking go on say something. We do have a Mini Cooper S though.

Ha ha. Such a boy racer car. He’s no boy racer now. Getting in and outs not the easiest x

Hi Ann

I’m going to apply for a blue badge for us for when we are out in the car together now that I qualify for it. I could get to the supermarket then!  And woe betide anyone who dared  to say anything. If I’m entitled to it, why not? I cannot walk much and can’t stand for long so it would help, and life is difficult enough for me. There are so many places I can’t go and things I can’t do nowadays.

Your poor son! Oh my goodness, what a lot to go through. Life is incredibly difficult when you’re disabled and unless you experience it in being disabled or caring for someone, I really think people have no idea just how hard it is. Everything is so much more of a challenge. I do hope your son recovered well.

Sarah xx

I'm in a wheelchair full time and I still feel a fraud! The reason I have to use one is because I have emphysema, which has got steadily worse, but when I'm sitting, I look healthy enough! I can walk short distances and feel the glares from people around me, as if I'm sitting in the wheelchair because I'm lazy! It's probably all in my head of course,  in my mind I'm still young  and fit so, of course, that's how I imagine other people see me!

As for the Blue Badge Sarah, go for it! If you can get a disabled persons Railcard, get that too! All of these things help to make our life easier! 

Take care,

Moira x

Hi Moira

I look healthy enough too, so I dread being judged because people don’t know my issues. But I bit the bullet and just got myself a second hand mobility scooter at the weekend. I’m hoping it will allow me some independence as I’m housebound and I don’t drive. When I was fit and able walking round town there were mobility scooters everywhere so I’m hoping to blend in when I do go out! Unfortunately I can’t manage train travel, but yes, I’d qualify for the rail card if I wanted one. I didn’t choose to end up like this but it’s how my life is, so anything that makes it a bit easier is a good thing.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,

good for you! I joined Shopmobility so that I can use a scooter in my local shopping mall and it's great! I got it because I felt guilty about my husband pushing me but now he's complaining he can't keep up! We don't drive either but where we live is so hillyit would be hard to use one! Plus I'd have to drive 3 miles to get to a decent shop! We all have to stop feeling guilty for things we can't help! Even with my family, I feel guilty that I can't do what I used to! No, we didn't choose to be like this but, as you say, it's what we've got! Have fun on your mobility scooter, pretend it's a Harley Davidson, you'll have a new lease of life!

Take care,

Moira x

Hi Sarah & Moira 

the blue badge is a game changer for us. My hubby needs to open the door fully and push the seat back to get his new knee replacement out. No it wasn’t a success. He also has the trolley to help walking but big shops have been a no no until now because he can park closely. 

It’s funny how others judge. My sisters daughter in law has M S and it’s moving really fast she’s very little leg movement now. Anyway J takes her out shopping and whilst parking her mobility car her D I L started glaring and raising her voice at another parking.
Look at them what right have they got to park here! 
J said look you need the door to be fully open to get your scooter out but once you’re in there there’s no stopping you ! Some people need to park close because they can not walk. 
Then she named Parkinson’s!

I do think that some blue badges think they’re the only ones allowed to park it’s not always the able bodied !

The mobility scooters are amazing. You go for it Sarah and Moura

Just don’t go too fast and remember to charge it. 

I think we should have T-shirts printed. What would they say on the front. And what would you put on the back? 

Xxxx

It’s pretty flat around us Moira, and all the way to the town, so that’s given me hope I can manage to get around on it. I might just pimp it up-after I’ve given it a really good clean!! Perhaps I should look out my leather jacket and start a biker chic vibe!!

Sarah xx

I think you should give tee shirt design some though Ann since you’re the artistic one! I’m going to have a bit of a think about that question though. 

Sarah xx