Sort or Card/Proof

[cynzilla]

Hi I was wondering if there is any sort of a card type thing that I can get that I could show that I have a disability? Like an official handicapped card of some sort?

From the outside I look fine, but I have a severe nuero problem called Syringomyelia (which is a blockage of CSF fluid in my cervical spine, 80% blocked from C2-C5 [my MRI looks like a hamster in a garden hose my cord is sooooo expanded]) that causes sometimes distance/depth perception issues, dizziness and vision issues (among the host of other issues). I have REALLY GOOD DAYS and REALLY BAD DAYS. Sometimes I need help carrying a heavy bag or box, or assitance to get on public transport and people look at me like I have eight heads, beacuse I look PERFECTLY FINE. I guess your face has to be falling off to be believed. After walking into the electronic opening door at CVS and having to sit on the floor with medical personal and explain that it is "normal" for me, some of them didnt believe me.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated, cause I am about ready to say my handicapped placard got stolen, get another one and wear them as earings!

 

[Piper]

There is nothing that I know of (other than a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace.) You just have to get really good at explaining your condition or develop a thick skin.

I have Lupus, Neurofibromatosis, type I (a neurological condition where tumors grow on your nerves) and JRA (yes, at 65 they still call it juvenile!) Some days are horible and others are better. People don't see any of my conditions (I am fortunate that I only have 6 visible tumors when clothed--and more than a dozen visible scars)

Even the people I work with don't realize how much pain I have on a daily basis and that's fine with me. I have learned to ask for help when I need it, use a crutch for balance when needed, and rest, rest, rest when I can. You do what you have to do to have a "good" day and ignore the idiots who are insensitive.

 

[KPeveler]

You just have to be good at explaining what you need or what is going on... You don't want everyone you meet to know you may have an illness or disability. It gets VERY boring to talk about when you have done it a while...

I now use a wheelchair everyday, so everyone knows... and every stranger I meet in an elevator asks what is happening...

You can explain what is happening to people who need to know.. to everyone else who needs a quick answer just say "I hurt my neck." or something...

 

[Earstou]

I have Chiari, which can cause Syringomyelia, so I'm a little acquainted with it (had to have an MRI to check for a syrinx).

Usually no one has heard of Chiari, so I printed the fact sheet off from Conquer Chiari and carry it in my purse.

Here's a link to their Syringomyelia fact sheet:
http://www.conquerchiari.org/awareness/Syringomyelia Patient Education Sheet.pdf

 

[cynzilla]

Earstou-I PM-ED you.....

Everyone else thanks. I have my Medic Alert Bracelet, I just hate when I need help and I get those looks like "you have to be kidding me" I just wanna flash something and and say "SEE!"