I reluctantly came to this board to ask if the "handicapped" rooms at POP resort are close to the bus pickup area. I have Fibromyalgia and severe arthritis in my knees (among many other places) so from day to day, I literally do not know how my mobility will be. On my worst Fibromyalgia days, my muscles hurt, my joints hurt, heck - most of my body hurts. My energy level is best described as a helium balloon with barely enough helium left to occasionally bounce off of the floor if a draft blows by. "But, you don't LOOK sick!" is, sadly (though understandably) a frequent comment FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome) sufferers hear. At my lowest point, a few months ago, I could not continue walking through a large store. My husband was so insistant that I ride on one of the store's electric shopping chairs, that I ended up in frustrated tears and reluctantly got on the beast. It's NOT that I am vain, it's that for me, this was the beginning of truly knowing that my life has permanently changed. The RUDE people I encountered in the store just multiplied my frustration. People who gave me "the look" as I got off of the chair and walked to my car, etc. They don't know the pain I was in, but I understand, "But, you don't LOOK sick." My husband has been insisting that I rent a scooter or wheelchair when we go to WDW in August. I cannot tell you how much I've been dreading this idea. I want to feel as though I am a part of everything our family wants to experience at WDW. After reading Sue's post.......I'm now understanding that I have to learn to live within my limitations - or, miss out on a lot of life.
Sue wrote: Originally Posted by SueM in MN
"2 examples that often work with teens:
- if someone needs glasses in order to see, would they look at wearing them as being dependent on the glasses? Of course not - people look at glasses as a tool to be able to see. Wheelchairs are like glasses for the feet - something that helps you to do things.
- look at energy as a savings account. There is only a certain amount in the account and if you use it all up just getting around, there won't be enough left when it's time to have fun. And, if you use too much energy one day, the account will start out with a smaller balance the next day."
This had me in tears because it IS the way I need to look at things. Sue, I am truly grateful for your insight.....I want you to know that you've not only helped teens with your words, but also a 53 yr old NaNa who has the joy & privilege of seeing my 5 Grandchildren's faces when they experience Disney for the first time. I will NOT go back to my room for a rest because I am too fatigued or in too much pain to take another step. I WILL get my buns in a wheelchair, or on a scooter, so I will NOT miss out on one minute of joy with my husband, daughter, son-in-law and 5 precious Grandchildren. I WILL live my life, save my energy, etc.. And, for the RUDE people who will say ignorant things, or give me the look - "But, you don't LOOK sick." (Trust me, it's almost a mantra from the idiot's - OK, I'll be nice - the uninformed) I will simply smile a sincere smile and remember to say a prayer for them.
Sue wrote: Originally Posted by SueM in MN
"2 examples that often work with teens:
- if someone needs glasses in order to see, would they look at wearing them as being dependent on the glasses? Of course not - people look at glasses as a tool to be able to see. Wheelchairs are like glasses for the feet - something that helps you to do things.
- look at energy as a savings account. There is only a certain amount in the account and if you use it all up just getting around, there won't be enough left when it's time to have fun. And, if you use too much energy one day, the account will start out with a smaller balance the next day."
This had me in tears because it IS the way I need to look at things. Sue, I am truly grateful for your insight.....I want you to know that you've not only helped teens with your words, but also a 53 yr old NaNa who has the joy & privilege of seeing my 5 Grandchildren's faces when they experience Disney for the first time. I will NOT go back to my room for a rest because I am too fatigued or in too much pain to take another step. I WILL get my buns in a wheelchair, or on a scooter, so I will NOT miss out on one minute of joy with my husband, daughter, son-in-law and 5 precious Grandchildren. I WILL live my life, save my energy, etc.. And, for the RUDE people who will say ignorant things, or give me the look - "But, you don't LOOK sick." (Trust me, it's almost a mantra from the idiot's - OK, I'll be nice - the uninformed) I will simply smile a sincere smile and remember to say a prayer for them.
