Disability Rant?.. [TW...]
Wow! I've read SO many amazing stories about everyone's illnesses, you all are like...amazing? I thought it'd be nice to share mine maybe...? (Praying for all of you ICONS.)
When I was 10...so around 8 years ago, I was in a house fire. My face and several areas of my body were burnt, since than I've had scar revision surgery, and I look relatively normal except a small scar where you can see where they cut my skin when I was 12. One thing they could not fix was my leg. While attempting to get my sister out, a part of the roof had fallen on top of my leg, burning it and severely messing it up. I have to use a walking stick, and it's SUCH a hard thing to adjust to. I had to attend physical therapy several times per week before I could even walk again, spent time in a wheelchair and with a service dog who I love and still keep now that he has retired. Now that I no longer need to use the wheelchair, it's not an issue, but using a walking stick and a service dog is. It seems easy, but having to remind the service dog of some things to help me with as she is new is quite an issue. I cannot stand up instantly after waking up or laying down, and my leg is twisted severely. I need my pup to grab my cane for me, but sometimes she forgets! I love Charlie, but she cannot always remember everything, and sometimes my former dog, Syd will instead retrieve it even though he is old as well. I don't know if they should be fully trained because friends have told me that they've been giving not fully trained pups to disabled people now but goodness it's hard to have to help my pup finish her training and than deal with a disability!
Lovely! Wishing you all the best, you all are amazing for sharing your disabilitys here!!!
@AidenMicahz47
Thank you for sharing your story with us!
You are a truly warm, inspiring and courageous person.
Welcome to seven cups, it's so nice to have you here with us!
I really think people's disabilities become their strength!
💜💕
@AidenMicahz47
Thank you for sharing your story with us too. Seems like you're a part of the amazing icons on here too now.
That being said, I'm glad to hear that the scar revision surgery seems to have yielded good results. I can imagine that this took off some of the weight after the accident happened.
It's impressive how strong and perseverant you seem to be. Look at how far you've already come since the accident happened.
Adjusting to changes in our equipments regarding disabilities can be difficult to deal with. It's great to hear that you can now use your cane and don't have to rely on your wheelchair anymore.
Unfortunately, your new service dog doesn't seem to be as consistent with support you as your previous was. I can imagine that this is immensely frustrating. After all, one would expect those dogs to be trained in what they do rather than having to remind them over and over again.
What was that experience like with your previous dog? Did you have to finish the training with him too?
As I can't get around at all without my wheelchair, there's also something I wonder. That's why I always have to keep my wheelchair close to me. What usually leads to situations where your service dog needs to fetch the cane for you?
Either way, I wish you enough strength to deal with training the pupper while also dealing with your disability. Having additional weight on your shoulder on top of the disability itself can be immensely draining.
@NorasNook
I'm actually glad you asked this! My older pupper I did have to complete his training, but back then I had my elder brother who is a certified assistance dog trainer to help me, but now he's moved back to Asia, so I don't have his help anymore...plus, Sydney was a lot easier! I am not gonna give up on Charlie though, I love her she just needs proper training.
As for the cane situation...I currently share a room with 3 little girls, 12, 10, and 12...love my siblings half to death, but they always rush out of the door on their way to the bus and knock my cane around! It wasn't an issue when Syd still worked, but it has become one since Charlie sometimes gets confused...Will be talking to my siblings about it, since it's not 100% Charlies fault...
Also thank you!!! You're amazing as well!! <3
@AidenMicahz47
Ah, that's pretty unfortunate your brother isn't around to help you with training Charlie anymore. It's great to hear that you're hopeful and full of appreciation towards her though. It shows how much you care about her, which will definitely lead you to having more of a support dog you need.
Since I haven't met a support dog, I'm rather curious. What will training her further look like?
Oh dear. I understand now. Teens can be the worst when they're in a rush as it's easy for them to forget their surroundings. Talking to them and raising awareness for the issue sounds like a great idea though!
Thank you! <3 I'm only giving back the love you deserve.
@AidenMicahz47 awww I hope charlie learns all your needs soon 💖 I live in the UK and I know people here are waiting years and years till they get a support dog🙁 there's just not enough people to train them, so perhaps that's why they are giving half trained dogs, so they can reach more people in need!?! Thanks for sharing your story 💖 you've been through alot 🙁 I'm sorry sweetie 🙁 you should be very proud of how far you've come💖 gives you a giant tiny hug 💗 we are all here for you 💗
When I was 24, I got in a plane to fly out to the USS Constellation CV-64 to deliver an F-14 Tomcat to VF47. As I was taking off from the ground, the watchman in charge of scaring off the ducks (Ducks - Mallards to be precise) did not scare them off that morning. As I rumbled down the runway, making a ton of noise, the Ducks flew up when I flew up (I could see this on the Video Tape provided to me by Aircraft Controller) In which case, more than one Duck went into the intake of the F-14 Tomcat. The Navigator/Bomb expert, pulled the ejection handle and we both ejected from the F-14. He went first, straight up, opened his chute and landed safely. The F-14 experiencing an explosive effect of both engines, rolled to the right, and I bounced back down the runway. After Three Weeks in the on base Clinic in a coma, I woke up to a myriad of dismay. That was back in 1980. Since then, I've learned how to walk again, learned how to talk (somewhat), and surprise of surprises, even got married to a Disabled Woman who put up with my stupid out bursts, ignorant prodding, and being stupid due to some type of depression. As for how many operations I've endured, I stopped counting in 1983. Since then, I've gained an ex-wife named Carla who found other guys to play with [found her in a bathroom at the VA with a guy]. And since getting divorced in 1988, I was no angel. Any women that walked across my path, I offered them a Beer and yeah, we did. I have no idea how many women I did. I was having trouble with remembering pretty much alot. Then I met Wendy. My present wife. Therapy for us is a companion thing, we both do it together. Wendy was in a car accident in 1985. Then she broke her foot in 1999. And then broke her right hip in 2022. All the while, I'm still going to the VA and removing/cleaning up my injury. [and yes, my air filer is still on cleaning up the air]. Thank You for reading most of this, got alot of baggage off my chest. Presently 69, when I wrote this, and I get to go back to the VA 15,16 Oct 2025. Every time I go to visit, I'm worried they will keep me. :-)
@revwillie56 wow! For the first time ever I'm lost for words. Thank you for sharing your story 💖 I'm glad you survived, and I'm glad through it all your still standing and able to live your life💖 you are very inspiring 💖 I'm glad you found Wendy you deserve to be in a loving relationship💖 hugs you gently 💖
@AidenMicahz47
Wow- that’s such a powerful story. I can’t even imagine how hard that must’ve been to go through! It’s incredible that you’ve come so far and still have such a positive outlook.
Charlie and Syd sound amazing, they must bring you a lot of comfort. You’ve honestly shown so much strength through everything. You’ve been through so much, but it sounds like you’ve handled everything with so much resilience! You are an amazing person, honestly.
