RickinNYC
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,870
Quite a while back, I had posted a question re: a conversation I had with my better half about "temporary" disabilities. Specifically the discussion was whether there was such a thing. Reason why this came up was because I had been diagnosed with a pronounced form of gout called pseudo-gout and my flare ups were becoming more frequent.
Enough with the background. Nowadays, the flareups have been coming more and more frequently, to the point that it is completely befuddling my doctors. Attacks that used to last a week now last up to two months or more. I get attacks not just in one big toe, but in both insteps, sometimes my right knee, even in my left elbow. That notwithstanding, unless I'm grimacing in pain, or walking with assistance, it's not clear that I have any problems whatsoever. Plus, add to the fact that most don't think I look like my age (40 in less than two weeks!).
In any case, I was in the midst of a very recent, VERY painful flareup that pretty much disabled me and I couldn't walk whatsoever for a couple of days. When it passed, walking was still painful and difficult, but doable with the assistance of my fold up cane.
One morning, on the way to work, I was sitting in the handicapped seat on the subway, something I normally avoid at all costs but this time, I made the exception because I was having a pretty bad day. As I sat there, minding my own business, reading my book, at the next stop a woman of about 50yrs old came on. She stood in front of me and immediatley started berating me for taking a seat that was intended for folks with disabilities and the elderly. She then went on to loudly proclaim that because she was elderly, I should "be a gentleman" and give her my seat.
I have to tell you, it was humiliating. My face turned all shades of red and I was so stunned at her vehemence I was absolutely speechless. Folks around me were pretty stunned as well. I can usually come up with something pretty witty but in this case, I was truely unable to think of anything to retort. I just wanted to get out of there.
So, I reached into my messenger bag, took out my fold up cane, shook it and released it so it could unfold, I stood up rather shakily (with some difficulty) and SHE TOOK MY SEAT! I was so schocked that she'd have the nerve to do that all I could do was burst out laughing and shake my head. When she realized I was laughing at her, she launched once again into her being elderly (again she was maybe 50) and that she was a lady and that I did what was only right.
There was a woman next to her who was clearly much, much older than her who then stood up and said, "Sweetie, you're definitely NOT a lady." And she took me by the elbow and helped me to the seat she just vacated. Taking a seat from an elderly woman was pretty embarrassing but I was, quite honestly, so relieved to do so because of the pain. And still, the evil one never budged, still muttering about her rights to the seat. My savior, this little tiny woman put an end to that by saying, "You should be ashamed of yourself" and waggling her finger rather sternly.
I thought I'd share this with you folks. It takes all kinds, eh?
Enough with the background. Nowadays, the flareups have been coming more and more frequently, to the point that it is completely befuddling my doctors. Attacks that used to last a week now last up to two months or more. I get attacks not just in one big toe, but in both insteps, sometimes my right knee, even in my left elbow. That notwithstanding, unless I'm grimacing in pain, or walking with assistance, it's not clear that I have any problems whatsoever. Plus, add to the fact that most don't think I look like my age (40 in less than two weeks!).
In any case, I was in the midst of a very recent, VERY painful flareup that pretty much disabled me and I couldn't walk whatsoever for a couple of days. When it passed, walking was still painful and difficult, but doable with the assistance of my fold up cane.
One morning, on the way to work, I was sitting in the handicapped seat on the subway, something I normally avoid at all costs but this time, I made the exception because I was having a pretty bad day. As I sat there, minding my own business, reading my book, at the next stop a woman of about 50yrs old came on. She stood in front of me and immediatley started berating me for taking a seat that was intended for folks with disabilities and the elderly. She then went on to loudly proclaim that because she was elderly, I should "be a gentleman" and give her my seat.
I have to tell you, it was humiliating. My face turned all shades of red and I was so stunned at her vehemence I was absolutely speechless. Folks around me were pretty stunned as well. I can usually come up with something pretty witty but in this case, I was truely unable to think of anything to retort. I just wanted to get out of there.
So, I reached into my messenger bag, took out my fold up cane, shook it and released it so it could unfold, I stood up rather shakily (with some difficulty) and SHE TOOK MY SEAT! I was so schocked that she'd have the nerve to do that all I could do was burst out laughing and shake my head. When she realized I was laughing at her, she launched once again into her being elderly (again she was maybe 50) and that she was a lady and that I did what was only right.
There was a woman next to her who was clearly much, much older than her who then stood up and said, "Sweetie, you're definitely NOT a lady." And she took me by the elbow and helped me to the seat she just vacated. Taking a seat from an elderly woman was pretty embarrassing but I was, quite honestly, so relieved to do so because of the pain. And still, the evil one never budged, still muttering about her rights to the seat. My savior, this little tiny woman put an end to that by saying, "You should be ashamed of yourself" and waggling her finger rather sternly.
I thought I'd share this with you folks. It takes all kinds, eh?
