Using A Wheelchair Has Changed My Life For The Better. Here’s How…

When you have a chronic illness, it can sometimes feel as though you need ‘permission’ to use a wheelchair. Can we take a sec to unpack that belief, right here and now?
Internalised ableism makes us think that we shouldn’t be using mobility aids if we have some ability to walk, even if the act of walking causes us pain. You worry that the people around you will think you’re weak or giving up, and you gaslight yourself by comparing your situation to other people’s and whether they’re using mobility aids… even though you’re usually only seeing a fraction of their life through social media.
These are all things I went through when I started using mobility aids, and I also had to deal with pity - people feeling sorry for me because they saw me using a wheelchair and assumed my life must be just terrible.
But here’s what I wish my younger self knew, as well as the rest of the world: using mobility aids has changed my life with chronic illness for the better. In many ways, it’s given me my life back.
Using a wheelchair allows me to do more of the things I love, without ending up anywhere near as unwell afterwards. It’s true that we have to deal with deep-rooted stigma and an inaccessible world, but using mobility aids is one of the best and most compassionate decisions I have ever made for myself. You don’t need permission from anybody to do what’s best for you and your health. And if using a wheelchair feels like your next step forward, I hope you feel able to make that decision too.
There’s a new post up on my blog now (www.lifeofpippa.co.uk), compiling all of the articles, blog posts, and videos I’ve written over the years about finding and using mobility aids when you have a chronic illness. Really hope you find it helpful!
If you already use a wheelchair, what would be your best piece of advice for somebody new to using mobility aids? #AmbulatoryWheelchairUserDay
~
[Hashtags] #ChronicIllness #Spoonie #Disability #MECFS #InvisibleIllness #DisabledAndCute #YorkBlogger #UKTravelBloggers #DisabledWriter #DisabledBlogger #DisabledPresenter #DisabledInfluencer #MobilityAids #BabeWithAMobilityAid #AmbulatoryWheelchairUsersExist