YES! I feel so "out there" with everyone looking at me like I'm a freak, it makes me feel like a freak and I have not gone some places because of it. I'm not permanently in one yet, but have a push one that my husband wheel me around. At work, I use a scooter which has been very hard and almost made me quit work. Husband says I need to get over myself and quit being so proud (Typical man response:)), but yes I understand your feelings. You are not alone in that.

Sometimes in my wc a curious child will ask me why I am in a chair, and despite shocked parents I will take the time to tell them a short story about myself and, hope-
fully, capture the attention of the adults too. We all have an opportunity to learn something about human nature and ourselves from different perspectives leading to enriched lives. A wc opens up the world. It forces the world to open up to you. It's a two-way street where accessibility is the norm, not the exception any-
more. In crowded restraurants people may have to move their chairs out of my way so I can get through to and from my table. What right do they have to hinder my way? A little courtesy goes a long way towards civility. Going to the bathroom? Doesn't everybody visit the loo as a natural
bodily function, or am I missing something here? I have the option of using the bathroom privately or opening a valve near my ankle and drain into a Big Gulp cup publically and hope nobody mistakes it for lemonaide.
The wc is your new norm. It is a part of you as natural as anything else. If something isn't accessible ask them why. Offer to loan them your chair for a day to experience life in a wc because it will change their perspective. A wc will open the door; go through it.

Your not alone at all. I'm chair bound & have been for a few years now. You'd think I'd be use to people's reactions by now, although I'm getting there. I don't get embarrssed by being in the chair. I get embarrssed when anything beyond my control happens. I get embarrssed for my friend & family. Sometimes I really think that's why I'm undatable. No one wants people looking at them funny when they walk in with someone in a chair

Yes. I'm not confined yet but have to use it when we go somewhere when there's a fair amount of walking required. Dogs love us as we are closer to their level! I am noticing more and more people in chairs so you'll get more comfortable with it

@A MyMSTeam Member Thanks for telling me my writing resonates with you. I have published 3 novels and am working on a 4th. It means a lot to me when I can touch someone with my words.

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