Why do I use a wheelchair when I can walk? 🤔

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⭐️ FAQs ▹
1.What conditions do I have?
‣ I have Tourette's Syndrome, FND and suspected POTS
2. How old are you?
‣ 17
3. What is FND?
‣ fndhope.org/fn...
4. What is Tourette's?
‣ www.cdc.gov/nc...
5. What do I use to edit videos?
‣ Final Cut Pro X
6. What filming equipment do I use?
‣ main camera - amzn.to/3MW7v8w
‣ tripod - amzn.to/3P7G8Ly
‣ vlogging camera - amzn.to/42CBQ1G
‣ mic - amzn.to/3qD5gjg
‣ wireless mics - amzn.to/3X2RxOE
⭐️ KZbin Setup + Equipment ▹ amzn.to/42QmxCN
(not sponsored! but these are af links so i make a cut from any purchases💕)
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Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition and disability which causes involuntary movements called tics. I use my platforms on social media such as TikTok, KZbin and Instagram to advocate and raise awareness for the condition and show what it is like living with a disability as a teen in school.
My name is Zara Beth (zeezee25 on tiktok) and I post videos about tics, tic disorders and what its like to be a teen living with Tourette's syndrome, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and a seizure disorder (NEAD/NES).
I show what its like having tics and Tourettes in class and in school and college, vlog, and I also bake, do other challenges and answer all your questions in Q and A videos.
I am also an ambulatory wheelchair user so I show what life looks like using various mobility aids and how needs change from day to day!
I am also a musician! My newest release is my first single (original song) called "She's Mine" which is now available on all streaming services - I sing and play piano, guitar, ukulele and I write, produce, mix and master all my own songs and content myself!

[@Qu1nette]

I swear we need a subject in class that teaches all this.then maybe the world would be a little nicer

[@BlueBanana.]

Fr

[@TVNerd3]

What we need is a class that teaches people how to be nicer. Like seriously some people are soooo mean. I know there's a lot of nice people out there, but it'd be nice if we were all nice. (I've said nice waaaay too much)

[@Thanos-u5f]

My teacher used racist words for normal people what can we expect for differently abled students 😢

[@Qu1nette]

@@Thanos-u5f my school sucks for how they treat disabled students. Especially if it’s one they haven’t had to accommodate before 😭

[@Qu1nette]

@@TVNerd3 agreed.

[@confused_mortal]

It’s like using a car to get somewhere miles away! Could you walk? Sure I guess so. But does driving make it easier, and less tiering and leave you less sore? You bet ya! ❤️

[@Bee___333]

That’s a really good way of putting it! I’ll be using this :)

[@BlueBanana.]

Ooh I like that!

[@mcvenne8935]

My friend's brother had a rare joint problem. He used a wheelchair when he was younger because standing up was hard to do for long periods of time. Once, the whole family went to an amusement park. They used the fast lane in the lines. An angry Karen saw him stand up and walk and went crazy, accusing him of faking to get privileges. Thankfully, the park employees did not give her the time of day and all was well.

[@mikegay]

tbf even if he was “faking it” the parks usually ask for medical proof like pip so it’s makes it more unreasonable for the karens to get so mad

[@ginat.8064]

Thank you! I am chronically ill and use a wheelchair in airports, because otherwise the long distances mean I have to spend two days in bed recovering from the effort of walking so much. I am always self-concious about beeing wheeled in front of everyone waiting at the gate and then standing up, but thankfully people either don’t care or are nice about it. Thanks for making this video and spreading the word ❤️

[@healthy2202]

that is my nightmare. Being in so much pain and have to stand in line and forced into the tiny seats. I'm 155 lbs so I'm not huge.

[@Carolyn_Cannon]

I have FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) and sometimes I have to use a wheelchair simply cause other weird things have been happening that day and it's not unlikely that I'll go paralyzed at some point during the day. In other words, it can also be precautionary.

[@lauralahtinen2639]

This is a battle that I have had as well. It is infuriating that even some of my family sees me able to walk around my home because I have things I can lean and and plenty of places that I can sit down, but can’t understand why I have to use my chair in public. The first time that I ever had the paralysis hit me, I was walking through the local mall, and all of a sudden I couldn’t move my legs at all! This lasted for nearly 18 hours. I didn’t even know that this was something that could happen with FND and just about scared me to death!!

[@Tedmason897]

You mean conversion disorder?

[@rockercaterrorencountered4924]

@@Tedmason897 same diagnosis but the name has changed. The reason it changed is because "it's just stress" is no longer considered a valid explanation for someone suddenly not being able to walk. The new name reflects that just because nothing shows up in scans, doesn't mean nothing is going on.

[@Tedmason897]

@@rockercaterrorencountered4924 no it isn't actually, the change is because of the DSM-* lastest addition decided it's better to lie to there patients to avoid upsetting them, rather than following the most reliable proven methods that achieve remission/recovery from the disorder.

[@rockercaterrorencountered4924]

@@Tedmason897 I've never heard of anyone going into remission for FND after mental health therapy, it usually just leads to more stress because they're constantly pushed past their limits because it's "all in their head".

[@elizabethfreed472]

I'm also an ambulatory wheelchair user (I have EDS = chronic fatigue + easily-dislocated joints) and I love your videos!! I feel like I am always having to educate people EVEN MEDICAL STAFF. So many doctors and nurses have been shocked to see me use my legs, and one even asked, "I thought you were paraplegic?" I'm so glad you're talking about this. Ty ty ty ❤❤❤

[@bluesunquake]

Yup, medical people are often very ableist.

[@topes_soup]

thank you so much for helping to raise awareness about this! i’m an ambulatory wheelchair user too, and im always hesitant to bring my wheelchair places because im so afraid of what other people think. awareness helps me and many others feel more comfortable and not waste valuable energy or skip out on doing things due to chronic illness, so thank you!! ⭐️

[@Michael_Weirdo]

Exactly! I have a stress-induced fainting disorder and knee and joint issues, and possible hereditary arthritis (currently getting tested) and I usually use a cane, however it's been getting worse and worse and I eventually HAVE to start using my wheelchair. I've been avoiding using it for 2 years and only use it during events/crowded spaces, but I always felt so ashamed because I don't "look disabled".

[@topes_soup]

@@Michael_Weirdo omgoodness are we the same person? im highly suspicious of either arthritis or hEDS, and also POTS ahah. unable to get a diagnosis currently, though. i also have a tendency to only use my wheelchair for big events, but im slowly starting to use it more so i can actually do more things and not suffer for it! its hard, but usually worth it 😌 you can do it too, i believe in you!!

[@Michael_Weirdo]

@@topes_soup Thank you so much! Yeah, getting everything tested and diagnosed can take a long a-- time and a lot of times, symptoms can overlap and it may not be the same issue you thought it was. My neurologist and I didn't find any cardiac or brain problems, so we just assumed most was stressed induced, because of the psychiatric disorders I have. Turns out, I have 4 different kinds of hereditary arthritis on my mom's side, and since my knees are getting worse, it's more than likely one of them. Just stay strong and patient, and all will be dealt with 💙

[@topes_soup]

@@Michael_Weirdo omgoodness, i really hope you can find diagnosis and treatment soon! i didnt even know there were that many kinds of arthritis, that’s crazy. and thank you so much, i’m doing my best! that’s all anyone can ever ask for ahah ⭐️🧡

[@Michael_Weirdo]

@@topes_soup Yeah! It's crazyyyy. I hope you have an amazing day☺️💙

[@elizabethr.9359]

Thank you for talking about this! And I can confirm EDS is incredibly painful and beyond pain the constant injuring of your joints is obviously really bad so even if we can endure the pain a lot of times it’s better for our bodies long term to use a wc. And combine that with pots which so many of us have and yeah it’s rough lol

[@munkyjammin]

Thank you. This is me. Accepting my limitations & trying to have enough energy to get through the day as a busy parent. On going cancer treatments affect me deeply. I struggle with severe bone pain, frequent joint dislocation , biomechanical dysfunction, extreme fatigue & neuropathy. When I don't work within my limitations I will be bedridden for days utterly broken. Supermarkets are Mt Everest for me. I cannot conquer a supermarket...maybe an aisle or two. To avoid tears, suffering & ruining a fun outing for others I am better off in a wheelchair. Zoos, museums, shopping malls, long walking. Then we all have a happy time.🙂

[@joshharding203]

Thank you so much for posting this, both my disabled sister and grandad use a wheel chairs and I feel so embarrassed when people stare at them getting in and out of the chair in public. I really wish this was seen as more ordinary and was accepted, and you definitely help with that!

[@emmiemia3078]

Same thing with some elderly people - my grandfather could technically walk but he was extremely slow and had to take lots of breaks. Not everyone’s bodies have the same capabilities and that’s okay. The wheelchair is what helps you stay mobile like everyone else without the mental and physical exhaustion

[@wilburaah]

Tw: Cancer A lovely girl in my class, Tarendeep, had lung cancer. She could definately walk, but she did have a wheelchair and used lifts through school. She was so sweet and positive. She died on the 6th of April, in a lot of pain. Rest in peace Tarendeep..

[@f.xo15]

Well kids we learn something new every day

[@Shadowdhdgs]

I learned something new today most people in wheel chairs can walk

[@Thanos-u5f]

@@Shadowdhdgs 🙂🙂

[@saphyrislove]

​@bryaaltamimi8803 Most blind people are actually visually impaired people. I'm one of them😊

[@Shadowdhdgs]

@@saphyrislove add another thing to the list

[@scizorsky9152]

I don't use a wheelchair much but when I do. People assume it's because I'm fat and not because I have a muscle disease. Thanks for the PSA!!! This video is 100% me lol

[@vm1776]

I had surgery and wasn't able to walk for a few months earlier this year. when my daughter wanted me to take her to a festival, I was able to walk at that point, but I hadn't walked for more than an hour at that point, so I didn't know how it would go. I took the wheelchair and used it like a walker or as a wheelchair depending on the terrain and/or how my foot was feeling. I was nervous that people might hastle me about having a handicapped tag and the wheelchair when I could walk, but no one did. mobility, is a spectrum and challenges can come in many forms. wheelchair users have enough challenges, the attitudes of others shouldn't be one of them.

[@jaanaberg6125]

I have a friend who's got a wheelchair, which I actually found out long after meeting her because she can walk most days, except when her joints/whatever really hurt. Anyway I remember being really psyched to find this out about her because of the humour aspect. Like imagine if when she gets up from her wheelchair to temporarily walk up some stairs, the rest of us start praising god like "she's healed it's a miracle!" 😂😂 I thought that would've been hilarious and she also burst out laughing at this thought. Later I found out these jokes actually meant a lot to her as most people tend to get really awkward around disabled people and dance around the whole concept of disability as if it's something negative or sad, whereas I just fully went for it. This was not my intention when making my jokes but I have to admit I felt really touched when I heard that. Moral of the story, disabilities can be funny as hell, you just have to laugh with the person, not at them.

[@The1707regina]

That cute little sneeze was everything ❤

[@Todoroni72]

Ive seen people acuse wheelchair users of mot needing one because they can move their feet and legs so im gald you made rhis video I allways find your videos to be both entertaining and educational ❤ Also the frog teddie in the back is SO CUTEEEE

[@owlsquad889]

im so glad you mentioned this topic! i used to get told i was faking my chronic illnesses because i can walk. but i have an electric wheelchair because with my muscle issues, it’s really hard on my joints to walk long distances. I wish some people would just ask instead of assuming, it would make life a lot easier😂

[@thesheetghostnextdoor]

In student council last year there was a girl who was an ambulatory wheelchair user. She was so nice and would always help set up even when she had to use a wheelchair. A lot of the kids however told her she was faking. Luckily she had a good group of friends.

[@daishiv]

EDS folks, roll out! It makes SUCH a big difference for me and my daughter.

[@Toadhouse2003]

When I used to have to use a wheelchair going to Disneyland, a concert,etc., people would actually freak out if o stood up! Thank you for explaining that this. 💖💖💖☺️🤗

[@obsessedwithmina6877]

I don’t have any chronic illnesses but I use a wheelchair for extreme foot pain cuz I have flat feet and I’ll have an operation next year

[@Poisonesc]

Yes the EDS rep! It will always make my day when people acknowledge and are aware of EDS ❤❤❤

[@skullydraws]

Honestly same, I have eds and people I've seen don't know what to do with me it's very frustrating

[@blueskies7538]

Thank you educating! I wasn’t very aware of this before now and now I know 🥰

[@melody_tuazon]

thank you so much for explaining this to people who didn’t know this! I have juvenile arthritis and use a wheelchair at theme parks, or long distance walking. This helps a lot ❤

[@CassidyOfficially]

As someone with EDS and POTS, I dont use a wheelchair, never have. Ive been able to keep myself in a good place. However I know that its coming. I know people who use one permanently because of it. I think this should be taught a lot more than it is❤️

[@LianaE]

My grandma uses a wheelchair, although she can walk. She suffers from joint pain, and it’s painful to see others claim that if you’re not paralyzed, you can’t use a wheelchar

[@winterseyfer9056]

Thank you for posting this. It’s very educational and I really appreciate you taking the time to explain this in detail. It must feel frustrating at times that people don’t understand this already, and I really appreciate your patience in this video. You have a kind soul.

[@Charlotteyourfellowperson]

Thanks for the information It helps me understand people more now thanks for uploading

[@laurahackett7045]

I have hip dysplasia, pots, scoliosis and potentially eds (have yet to find a doctor who will test me for it though). I have days where I feel like I'm going to faint constantly or my hips or back hurt tremendously but because I look "normal" I hate using wheelchairs in public because people assume I'm just a young capable person being lazy.

[@tiffany-rosecooper2650]

I hired a 4 wheel walker with a seat for the first time while on holiday a month ago. This meant I could walk around and enjoy the sights and sit down when needed. I could preserve my energy and was able to go out all day and night too (although did still nap during the day). My family are still against me using it all the time, especially in my hometown so I havent bought my own yet. I was an ambulatory wheelchair user when I had cancer too as I was too weak to walk and again, my family would rather I had stayed in the house than going out in the wheelchair. I did use crutches too when i was away at uni which helped me a lot and I could attend more uni lectures. Thank you for this short ❤

[@schr4pnel]

My grandma can kind of walk, but it takes SO MUCH energy out of her, and she has physical issues to where she can only walk a few feet. She uses her wheelchair, and it helps her so much! If she didn't have the chair, she might be stuck in bed all day.

[@everlynknowseverything]

My mum has epilepsy, especially after my sister was born medication for awhile, so she had to use a wheelchair because of her seizures medication, but it wasn’t strong enough and I like that you spread awareness for everything that some people might not understand

[@courtneymcgraw5036]

Being someone with chronic joint pain due to my somewhat rare form of dwarfism I have used electric scooters at Walmart Kroger Target before especially after work or a day out and about I need that I can't keep up sometimes I'm just having a bad day and I still need to buy things it is so much cheaper to just go to the store and buy what you need instead of ordering it I do not have the finances to cover delivery fees and taxes out the ass I have been yelled at multiple times because they seem to get up to reach something mind you I'm away under 5 ft so I have to get up I'm too short when I'm sitting down to reach almost anything but the scooter still helps me a lot thank you for making this video sadly the rate that my body is going downhill I'll probably end up having to use a wheelchair more frequently than just electric scooters in the next 15 years easy which I'm not looking forward to because I don't have the money for that what will cross that bridge when we get there

[@jlcmsw]

You are a wonderful example of explaining the needs of those with invisible illnesses. I have chronic fatigue syndrome and have been in a wheelchair many times, yet at some times I can dance.

[@sarahjosh24]

I am paralyzed but thank you for this message. People meed to hear it!!

[@mawi1172]

I understand that. Its kinda like my cane use. People think I don't need it when they see me carrying it. But halfway thru my walk I get very weary and NEED it. Sciatica, spinal stenosis, it gets you eventually.

[@LuciiDixon_Tattoos]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 I use a wheelchair due a severe spinal condition. I can walk but not very far before my legs forget to go one in front of the other so it’s beneficial for me. Keep raising the awareness of your condition, I’m here for it ❤

[@sophylophy9332]

Thank you for explaining! This stuff is important to know!

[@MorganScribbler]

bless you! I am given a wheelchair in airports due the fact that airports are almost a guaranteed combination of stimulation, stress etc - that trigger my tics and neurological conditions. they often give me the wheelchair just so I can put my things in it & not be as risk of throwing the across the airport or down the hallway/travellator etc - it's helped me SO much when they offered this. The first time they suggested to give me a wheelchair (i didn't ask for one) - i was like instantly a melted pile of goop - the recognition that sometimes i need mobility aids, even though most of the time i can "technically walk" - was literally life changing. Also the fact that us humans with hidden disabilities - get those "looks" - like when we are brave enough to admit that using disabled toilets means we minimise the risk of injury to ourselves, that we benefit from the hand rails, extra room, not having someone pounding at the door, being able to properly do what we need to do (you know... take care of basic bodily functions without setting off tics, and in my case hallucinations caused by my neurological condition. I get this also with my service dog, people are like "oh, so cute, you have an emotional support dog" - i'm like "um... yes, she supports me emotionally - all the time - she also helps me live a more independent life by doing things like bringing me toilet paper when my legs decide not to work and I'm literally stuck on the toilet. She helps me get out of episodes or goes gets others to help me. I never fully grasped how difficult hidden disabilities are - until they ramped up after my health crisis in 2021. It's eye-opening, frustrating, lonely and hard to get through some days. But people like you sharing your experiences makes it that little bit easier xx thank you xx

[@MiiCreator23]

My sister uses one though she can walk. She can’t walk for long, as she has a prosthetic leg. So when she gets tired, she uses it. Once she got judged for using a disabled changing room as the person assumed she wasn’t disabled. You are so good for spreading awareness about hidden disabilities:)

[@melissaha]

Very valuable information, thank you for the enlightenment..

[@Jo-hello]

I’m so glad you shared this! I only occasionally use a wheelchair. I have M.E. And fibromyalgia so generally if I need to use a wheelchair I’m not well enough to leave the house and do an activity but occasionally I use one when I’m already out and have a crash in my energy level or pain. But someone might see me another day and be confused as to why I needed one. I’m happy to explain to them if they ask me, more understanding on this is a good thing. You are lovely btw ☺️❤️

[@TheLadyVaticia]

Wise words that everyone needs to hear and understand. I'm also an ambulatory wheelchair user due to congenital heart disorder and other things, but I get lots of disgusted looks from others. It's all ignorance. So keep speaking the truth, young warrior! God Bless. Xxxx

[@Mel12722]

My friend had a pretty damn bad injury from gymnastics and while they were at Disney with choir, they used a wheel chair from time to time to get a break. My friends all immediately said "they don't need that!!" Or "theyre faking their injury" or "they could have left it for someone else who needed it more" like uhhhh thats not the only wheel chair at the Disney parks???? She had a note from her doctor that she could use one... And my friends STILL say they were faking it......

[@y0ur_fav0r1te_p3rson]

I got so happy when she mentioned EDS, I have it. It’s not to the point of using a wheelchair but I do find it painful to walk in the morning, it hurts to walk for a long time because my arch in my foot collapses when I walk too

[@MadaamEQ]

Thank you for raising awareness. I appreciate your content to very much ❤

[@definitelynotbatmanfr]

genuinely wish this was taught in school, [ not to be that person but] i have an autistic friend and the verbal abuse she receives is horrific. I wear headphones to school to cope with loud noise and i constantly get called autistic and the r word which is disgusting and i hope the world becomes kinder as we go on. thanks zara !!

[@SN0WFL4KE122]

I never actually knew this thank you for pointing this out and spreading awareness.

[@Alex-mi6vp]

I'm glad you mentioned and put out a video on this... my mom has had to use one on and off and what you said is perfectly true. Keep up the great content!! 😌

[@SKOLAH]

I have a manual and an electric chair - THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING EDS!! - and now I have a new bike too. The looks when I stand up out of my chairs! The shock to see me on a bike! Cycling is the only exercise I can do since pain started aged 11. I had 10 years in bed with a pelvic injury...It's not always black and white. ❤❤❤

[@hyperrr__]

Thank you for clearing this up! I am an ambulatory wheelchair user due to having ataxia and chronic fatigue so it is very difficult and exhausting for me to walk very far even though I technically can. And I have been asked multiple times in public why my legs move even though I’m in a wheelchair or why I’m in a wheelchair since I “look fine”.

[@Polish_Axolotl]

I don’t use a wheelchair but I use crutches and everyone keeps saying I’m faking being on crutches however I don’t need them to actually walk like others need the to be able to walk I need them for total weight bearing (spreading my weight out on the crutches.) Everyone’s disabilities are different so don’t go straight away and conclude that person is faking their injuries/disabilities.

[@mamoros56]

Dont forget about respiratory issues as well.... especially in airports or needing to go long distances in short timeframes. Thank you for raising awareness about this! ❤

[@bluesunquake]

And pain.

[@user-hp7im7ko5o]

Your voice is so soothing and this is definitely true

[@travelwell6049]

As someone with Chronic fatigue I think I could do with something for the bad days. But if I still have to wheel myself around, I don’t think It’d save much energy 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@cattycat7329]

Zara I love you sm!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ❤ I think we should be aware of this, cause even I thought someone was faking it tbh. Now I'll look at it another way. Thank you!! ❤

[@andrewborden1100]

You are a strong awesome person. I enjoy watching all your videos Zara ❤️

[@andrewborden1100]

I'm trying to figure out this KZbin thing and it won't allow me to go live or do anything. It's saying something about eligibility but have no clue what it means can anyone help me figure it out. 🙂

[@janecarlin5910]

I have to use one on and off as well and the looks people will give you when you stand up to get in the car 😢

[@bipolartorecovery1485]

Also crutches ans and other devices can be hard on joints so a chair can be a good option to prevent joint strains in wrists and shoulders

[@nunya4752]

Great video Zara. My mom has used a wheelchair at times even though she can walk. This is especially true when a ton of walking is required (such as at Disney World).

[@Melodias09]

YES! I WISH THERE WAS A CLASS IN SCHOOL THAT TAUGHT THIS TO OTHER PEOPLE!

[@ashley14-04]

I have an example of this This girl, she had a weelchair Once i got in a conversation with her, and i asked why she had one She suffered brain damage and she can walk, but with every step she has to think about it and send signals to her legs So she uses a weelchair Its so weird to think about needing to think for every step you take, the risk of tripping over increases a lot im sure

[@violetskies14]

I have neurological problems that basically mean my nervous system doesn't work properly and I'm in constant pain and sometimes there's this delay between what I want my body to do and it actually doing it. I have to concentrate really hard to make, say my hand, lift up the thing I'm trying to lift up. As you can imagine that makes walking nearly impossible when it happens and since I can also collapse at any time with my legs not working and I now have tremors in them I'm no longer an ambulatory wheelchair user. I can still move my legs most of the time (sometimes they do randomly not work) but using them to walk is nigh on impossible. It's always so strange to regular people when I describe having to concentrate in order to move and when they see me flop completely over when I laugh even a little because I can't hold myself upright and laugh at the same time because they don't understand how holding myself upright is a thing I actively have to do.

[@NikkiMX]

Thank you this is something a lot of people need to be aware of❤

[@mainly_marvel]

thank you bringing awareness to this!

[@Cottage11Core]

Zara you are so inspirational keep doing what you do!!!❤😂🎉😊

[@ash-wp6zt]

I’m a public school teacher with chronic illness, I’m constantly in pain especially with my legs. I try to sit as much as possible but I am usually on my feet for most of the school day. It’s hell on my body, so when I am not working I use my wheelchair 99% of the time. It makes me feel so self conscious going to a store after work and being unable to walk even a few steps after being able to spend my whole day on my legs. I guess I have subconsciously taught myself how to ignore pain when I am working, but it does catch up to me. I am always afraid of seeing my students or their parents when going out because I don’t want them to judge me or to have to explain. I’ve spent all of my life trying to have that normal life, but at the end of the day I am disabled and that is okay. You should never judge someone who uses a wheelchair even if you usually see them walk. I have a caring boyfriend who takes care of me when I am home so I’m lucky enough to not need my wheelchair in my inaccessible home. I’m always grateful for all that my legs let me do, even if they don’t always work.

[@sierrabaer4972]

I just found your channel and it’s life hanging. Thank you so much.

[@ElliottRodgers]

❤ this! I had two legs but my nerves in my left foot were wrecked. My left leg would just give way. I also had 24/7 severe pain. Got so much grief from a*sholes. Ended up with left below knee amputation.

[@KERMIT_LOVER1234]

As someone who struggles with EDS but has never been given the chance to use something like a wheelchair, it is absolutely valid to do so!

[@AlfrescosEmporium]

If I may just chime in on the chronic illness part. I used to suffer with gout a lot. It's extremely painful and I had it in both feet. There was days where I could only very slowly limp, essentially disabling me from being fully mobile. Problem is, I could be fine for months then flair up. Or be a constant gout attack lasting weeks. To me it felt like a temporary disability. I never felt like I could understand if I was disabled or not, partially disabled? Because I never knew where to fit myself and had to use crutches with no blaringly obvious reason why I needed them, I never question anyone's use of aids. I will occasionally ask if someone with a sunflower lanyard or aids needs help with anything, if it may appear they need help, because I know there were times I could have used a hand. I feel it's important to not impose yourself in the assistant role immediately as it could take away there independence or sense of, and asking is always better. Small tangent. Sorry. Adhd brain.

[@Issy-h6i]

That's me toooooo omg finnaly someone that understands ❤❤❤

[@crispywalters4431]

You made me feel heard ❤.

[@Itz._.rei.]

I have EDS, (I was diagnosed when I was too younger as hypermobile - hypermobility) and it used to be that I’m js really flexible but now (aged between 10-15) my knees lock in place and my hips sometimes do aswell and just a bunch of muscle pain, I also have fell over aswell which has been pretty recent 🙃

[@maisiecalladine]

I used a wheelchair because i had an operation on my knee and couldnt walk that far and then i stood up and people looked so confused

[@tpillsbury1981]

I have suffered from Lupus nearly 20yrs & I have to use a wheelchair when I travel. It helps reduce stress and keeps me from severely flaring

[@benjaminrackley6117]

I fall under this umbrella as well. There are times I could walk, but fall risk is so high that it is Better to sit in the wheelchair. My left side works like normal but my right can become inconsistent.

[@gierepier99]

Thank you very much for this information! Whenever I see a person in a wheelchair, I still automatically assume that they can't walk. This made me a little more self-aware that that might not always be the case.

[@violetskies14]

Thank you for accepting and understanding this. I am no longer ambulatory but I can mostly move my legs and I still get called a faker because some people can't comprehend someone who needs a chair that can move their legs.

[@Angel-iz5vm]

Thank you so much for telling me. I never knew this and this is awesome information. Thank you so much!

[@lxcal_yuki]

i’m really young and didn’t know this but i’m proud to say that i also fall under this class. it’s rare to see people who have disabilities that don’t stand out as much. people can always notice. it nice to see someone like me

[@Aahiri142]

Thanks for spreading awareness, love it ❤

[@selfgaming1456]

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I’m a year my body has gotten weaker and weaker to the point where my joints give out and I fall. My physical therapist recommended I use a wheelchair after physical therapy days or bad flare up days because he is pretty sure my tired muscles are the cause. My mom asked me to not bring my wheelchair when we go shopping this Black Friday and when I told her I can’t go then she was shocked.

[@WhimsyCourier]

Thank you for making others aware of this. 💛

[@julieraroha8189]

I totally get the reserving your energy Spoon Theory they thought ehlers-danlos syndrome then they thought pots then fibromyalgia no one gave me a conclusive answer aside from the fibromyalgia but I also have an autoimmune condition which can attack my body as well so I realized if I go shopping I'm literally incapacitated for like an hour or two to just drive home afterwards so I found one of the benefits after covid a lot of stores have drive up options so if I can do the drive-up option it reserves my energy for other things that I would prefer to do rather than pass out just cuz I went grocery shopping

[@lilstax-empty-]

I love that print on your wall ✨your attitude is so hopeful/ educational have a good one 🎶

[@theteanerd7246]

Keep preaching it, girl. Also, not everybody with disabled parking is in a wheelchair. Sometimes there are other reasons. Disabilities are not always easy to see. Don't judge lest ye be judged.

[@Vipuccino]

Omg her eyes are so pretty

[@joannewojcik.7631]

Yeah ive seen loads of people who can walk and use a wheelchair snd i think its a brilliant idea because it eases their energy ajd their backs x

[@crazy4schleich852]

There's a girl at my school like that. I've never actually seen her use the wheel chair but I do see her pushing it around in case she needs it. My aunt also uses a wheel chair but she can't walk. She gets by great by herself tho and hardly ever needs help. I do have to say that the amount of unnecessary singular steps everywhere is annoying.

[@NonBinary_NonHuman]

I'm diabetic. Have feet circulation problems. It would be beneficial for me to have a Walker &/or a Wheelchair. Do I have either? No. It's not covered & I live off of Disability. I wish I could have a wheelchair or other mobility aid (Canes didn't work for me). It'd make my life a whole hell of a lot easier

[@ananigma7]

Yessss girl! I'm with you! 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@AZjesse1]

Your gorgeous keep doing you

[@malihax.dresstoimpress]

yes! im so sick and tired of people saying if u can walk why do u need a wheelchair or a walking frame ( something that helps me walk incase i get tired ) i can only walk for like a few distances but i get tired easily in my knees. in small areas i dont use them but if i do get really tired i go down without sitting on the floor-

[@-Ray_Moon-]

YES. thank you for saying this! One of my friends uses a wheelchair as he has a condition that means his feet turn out when he walks (can’t remember what it’s called, sorry david!) and while he is able to walk, he can’t walk without crutches or a walking stick and it’s a very slow and painful process for him so he uses a (very cool looking covered in stickers) wheelchair :)

[@paulprigge1209]

Do you know many of us who have a handicap parking placard can move better at times and other times. That’s why we don’t always use it.

[@emullett3965]

Ive seen an old person move in there wheelchair but i didn't assume they were faking i though maybe its easier for them to move or somthing else.

[@gwenstacy-kn2ij]

I have narcolepsy and dystonia and use mobility aids on occasion.

[@IAstroTheFox]

I never knew this! Thank you so much

[@Amywhite80]

This is so true I use a wheelchair sometimes because………. I have a lot of “hidden disabilities” but one disability that stands out BIG to everyone is my eczema,I’ve had it since I was born and it’s changed my life a lot so I get eczema everywhere and I mean everywhere! But one specific place it likes to “place itself” is at the backs of my knees,sometimes I can walk but sometimes I need a wheelchair because when I itch the eczema (because it gets itchy) it bleeds and some people think that if I just itch it the eczema will go away but it doesn’t,it bleeds but when it bleeds that blood hardens and it makes my leg’s stick together or it creates more eczema so I can’t bend my legs and that’s why I use a wheelchair. The reason I used the term “place itself” so describe my eczema was because it basically grows anywhere on my body,it’s like touretts almost because I can’t control where it grows on my body and another reason why is because if my skin itches,I have to itch it,I can’t just leave it because it’ll just get more and more itchy but the worst thing is when I sweat because when I’m warm that’s the most time i itch because I get sweaty and bothered,I hate hot weather and I just hate being warm,the reason is because when I sweat I get warm and when I get warm I itch(like I said) but when I itch I bleed and when I bleed things stick to my blood,examples:my hair,my clothes,fur,my bedsheets,bandages,plasters just anything so it actually very annoying but when things stick to my blood I have to pull the thing off my skin (or the blood) and this HURTS the pain is like when you have a scab and you pick it off or like I’m ripping my skin off basically but when I rip it off it makes me bleed even more.