[Larry]

I used to care what people thought about my disability and how when I’m in my power chair that I do seem pretty normal sitting there, not anymore. Those people that think I am faking are not people I want in my life anyway.

[Larry]

I am similar. It was much easier to be that way when my condition was not very prominent. The last several years though, I have struggled with being isolated or not speaking up at all because I feel like I would just be a burden. So I hide in my bedroom and live a solitary life instead of putting myself out there. Getting just a bit better now but it’s still so easy to just stay home instead.

[Larry]

I have rediscovered my passion for reading.  I joined a couple book clubs. It’s great. Another hobby I have plenty of time for is classical music. I have listened for years but I am going much deeper in my appreciation for the music.

[Larry]

I don’t have trouble with body image, more with my abilities to do physical tasks.  I watch commercials and read about people and much of it is based on physical activity, which I am unable to do anymore.

I know it is important to stay positive but sometimes it is hard when I see my body failing more and more.

 

[Larry]

I used to want to work but not anymore. Fortunately I have the resources to not have to work. I spend time taking care of my body. I also spend my days pursuing personal enrichment through my hobbies. I don’t worry myself that I’m not making much of a contribution through working.

[Larry]

There is a certain stigma though. My partner at times thinks I am just being lazy. That if I tried harder that everything would be much better.

[Larry]

I was alone before and it was very difficult. I know I’m a different person now, but everything seems like it would be more difficult. My fear is that I will go into isolation because it will just be too difficult to go out and meet people.

[Larry]

I think I did. Not abusive, but I definitely settled. I find it now very difficult to leave because of physical difficulties. I will have a tough time being single again.

[Larry]

Thanks for the post. Lot of people would not be comfortable bringing up this topic. Yes intimacy and being sexual are a basic human need, I completely agree. I am not sure there is a place that would provide that kind of service for a person with a disability. I have never heard of that. Sex in general can be such a taboo subject matter with many people.

[Larry]

I am in a very similar situation. I am glad I can help others in my family, but do get it is tiring. They probably lean on me a bit too much. I have tried to step away though from helping them more so I can focus more on my health and what I can still do.

[Larry]

I have a wheelchair van fitted with hand controls and a power chair. I have no real excuse for not getting out more , other than the fact it’s easier physically to stay home. Due to years of self isolation I have no friends. But I do like many things. Movies, coffee shops, parks

[Larry]

Hi Leah,

There are a few books I could recommend. Hard to limit them lol. “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating” by Elisabeth Tova Bailey was extraordinarily, “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” by Mark T Sullivan was a good read if you like historical fiction, and the “Lunar Chronicles” series by Marissa Meyer was fun. It’s a sci-fi twist on the fairytale stories.

 

[Larry]

I have talked to them. Does not appear to make any difference.