Accepting Help

One thing that I have always struggled with for as long as I can remember. I am a stubborn person that wants to do everything myself and don't like people telling me I can't do it (which can be a weakness and a strength). I don't like letting my EDS get in the way of things.  But there comes a point where you have to accept help and you have to admit that you can't do everything.

I hate feeling like a burden, most people don't make you feel like one but there are people that act like putting a piece of rubbish in the bin for you is a huge deal. But you didn't ask to be sick, you aren't lazy there are just some things that you can't do. Some times leaning down to get that thing you dropped will leave you in pain or carrying in the shopping bags will leave you in a sling.

Here is a shocking statistic about how many people with a chronic illness feel like a burden:

So if your chronically ill, remember your not a burden you just need help to get some things done.



Thank you so much for reading! I know this isn't my most eloquent writing but I wanted to touch on this subject

Why I use a wheelchair when I can walk.

A question I get a lot is why I use a wheelchair if I am able to work. If you haven't had much contact with wheelchairs when you see someone in a wheelchair you think that if someone is in a wheelchair they MUST be paralysed- WRONG.

That mindset is how this meme started getting circulated:

The person in this meme could have very easily been mine. It isn't rare that I will stand up if I can't reach something on a high shelf.

The reasons I use a wheelchair are:

1. Dislocations:

Because of the EDS my joints dislocate constantly and I am unable to walk long distances without dislocating my hips. There are times where I can walk short distances and there are times I can't even walk to the bathroom. Every day is different which means the amount of time I use my chair is different.

2. Seizures:

I have recently started to have seizures so for my own safety when I am out I use the wheelchair as dislocating joints and hitting the floor doesn't help.

3. Drop Attacks:

I have drop attacks so for the same reason as the seizures I use a wheelchair when I am out.

4. Fatigue:

I have really bad fatigue caused by EDS and chronic fatigue and most days walking takes more spoons than I have so I use the chair to help preserve my energy.

5. Muscle Weakness

I have muscle weakness and the more I walk the worst the muscle weakness gets and the more likely I am to fall. So it is again a safety issue.

6. Chronic Pain

I am in constant pain and walking takes that pain from a 4 until a 9 so that I am not crying by the end of my outing I use the chair.

As you can see there are many more reasons to use wheelchairs than just paralysis. I have come to the conclusion that so I can enjoy myself sometimes I use the wheelchair. It was a hard thing to accept but since I have I have been able to get out more.


Eventually I will be in a wheelchair full time and I want to enjoy the fact that I am not glued to my seat and stand up if I want to reach someone. You can't tell if someone is paralysed just from looking at them. Don't judge a book by its cover