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

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month- Fact 21, 22, 23

All the credit from these graphics goes to the Invisible Zebra Facebook page please go and like their page and let them know that I sent you

Fact 21:

I have disc problems and it is very possible. The thing with EDS is that it affects SO many things and yet you still look fine on the outside. Its amazing going through these graphics and to pretty much everyone I can say "Yeah I experienced that". Although I hate others have experienced these problems it is nice to know that I am not alone.

Fact 22:

It is so funny as I am writing this post I am sitting here with a dislocated jaw. I have horrible TMJ problems and sometimes I get very concerned that I have a cavity but it is my TMJ pain radiating through my teeth.

Fact 23:

I have low blood pressure and for a long time I had something called "drop attacks" where I would just drop to the ground because all the blood had pooled in my legs, now I use compression stockings but I still have them from time to time. I also am very prone to passing out. I have palpitations and it isn't nice. I also have very bad headaches and migraines.

Thank you for reading!