Forum discussion: Disability and everyday life

1. What is the definition of disabilty ?

There are so many different definitions, I look forward to seeing what some share here!

I am happy that 7 Cups is inclusive, there's no need to fit a certain criteria to participate with disability support. Those dealing with impairments, chronic pain and chronic conditions are all welcome even if they don't see themselves as living with a disability.

2. What disability do you have?

I have multiple chronic illness, hereditary angioedema is the most severe and limiting but there is interplay between them. Symptoms and test results also suggest undiagnosed issues.

3. How would you define your disability to someone who does not know what it is?

Hereditary angioedema is a blood and immune disorder that causes swelling. My particular type is a C1 inhibitor deficiency. The swelling can appear to be similar to an extreme allergic reaction, but the cause is different (bradykinin mediated vs. histamine mediated for allergies) so the treatments are not the same.

4. How does your disability have a impact on your daily life?

I have numerous triggers, so I am often at home in order to minimize their cummulative effects. I have to be careful with physical exersion including something as simple as wiping a counter.

5. What things do you do yourself to cope with your disability?

Medications have allowed me to do much more than before I had access. I pace myself carefully. I find things that work well with limiting triggers, such as working from home with minimal flexible hours.

6. What support do you have? / if you feel you do not have enough support what extra support would you like?

My husband has been really amazing throughout all of this. I also see some great medical professionals. I do wish that medical professionals in general knew more though, I end up educating many about my condition which is problematic during acute attacks where I'm seeing someone new to me.

7. If you could let the entire world know 1 thing about living with a disability what would it be?

How many people are living with one! They may not be readily apparent, but people tend to go out when feeling relatively well and are also able to hide a fair bit.

8. Anything else you would like to share ?

Going back to the first question - how inclusive we are here. If you have a chronic symptom, or a barrier due to something within your body not being the societal norm, you are welcome here!