this post was submitted on 29 May 2025
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disabled

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Welcome to c/disabled, an anticapitalist community for disabled people/people with disability(s).

What is disability justice? Disability justice is a framework of activism which centers disabled people of multiple intersections. Before participating in in this community, please read the Ten Principles of Disability Justice.

Do I count as disabled/a person with disability(s)? "Disability" is an umbrella term which encompasses physical disabilities, emotional/psychiatric disabilities, neurodivergence, intellectual/developmental disabilities, sensory disabilities, invisible disabilities, and more. You do not have to have an official diagnosis to consider yourself disabled.

Follow the Rules:

  1. This comm is open to everyone. However, the megathread is only open to people who self-identify as disabled/a person with disability(s). We center the experiences of disabled people here, and if you are abled we ask that you please respect that.
  2. Follow the principles of disability justice, as outlined in the link above.
  3. Zero tolerance for ableism. That includes lateral ableism. Ableism will result in a ban.
  4. No COVID minimization.
  5. Do not offer unsoliticed health advice. We do not want to hear about the wonders of exercise or meditation, thank you very much. Additionally, do not moralize health or "healthy choices".
  6. If posting an image, please write an image description for our blind/low vision comrades. (If doing this is inaccessible to you, DM one of the mods and we will help.)
  7. Please CW and spoiler tag discussions of ableism.
  8. When it comes to identify-first vs person-first language, respect the language that people choose for themselves. If someone wants to be referred to as a disabled person, respect that. If someone wants to be referred to as a person with a disability, respect that.
  9. Try to avoid using ableist language. It is always good to be mindful of the way language has been used to oppress and harm people.
  10. Follow the Hexbear Code of Conduct.

Let's kick back and have fun!

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Hello everyone! Don't have a lot to say, finally got around to making the new mega.


As always, we ask that in order to participate in the weekly megathread, one self-identifies as some form of disabled, which is broadly defined in the community sidebar:

"Disability" is an umbrella term which encompasses physical disabilities, emotional/psychiatric disabilities, neurodivergence, intellectual/developmental disabilities, sensory disabilities, invisible disabilities, and more. You do not have to have an official diagnosis to consider yourself disabled.

Mask up, love one another, and stay alive for one more week.

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[–] onandrah1@hexbear.net 4 points 4 hours ago (1 children)

Hey again friends. Thank you for holding space for one another .. it's powerful just to be here with all of you.

I’m still in Gorom Camp with my trans sisters and things remain incredibly tough. We’re struggling to find safety and food, and I’m doing my best to keep my head above water while living with HIV and limited care.

If anyone has any ideas or knows of mutual aid resources I can reach out to or even just some kind words... it would mean so much. Sending strength to every disabled and neurodivergent soul out here trying to survive another week...💜

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 1 points 12 minutes ago

Sending all my love and energy to you comrade

[–] TheSpectreOfGay@hexbear.net 5 points 7 hours ago (1 children)

not sure what i should do relating to disability aid. called them, got put on hold for over an hour before giving up. emailed them, got ignored for 3 weeks. i guess i should try to go in person.

but this isn't even for deciding if im actually disabled or not. this is supposed to be the super short/simple check to see if im not lying about having no money. THEN they have to spend over a year deciding if i'm actually disabled, which im not sure if they will since im applying for depression/anxiety/autism

sigh catgirl-flop

[–] onandrah1@hexbear.net 3 points 3 hours ago

I hear you, and I’m really sorry you’re going through that. You’re not alone.

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 6 points 15 hours ago* (last edited 15 hours ago) (2 children)

Bleh, not relevant and I shouldn't clog up this mega

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 5 points 5 hours ago

Like pup said, you are not clogging the mega, and your problems are valid. Please don't feel like a burden, we appreciate you posting here meow-hug

[–] 0x2640@hexbear.net 7 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

you arent "clogging up" this mega by posting here, thats kinda the point of the mega

also theres no such thing as "not relevant"

youre valid, and your pawblems are valid, and youre allowed to take up space and say whatever you wanna say

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 5 points 10 hours ago
[–] Keld@hexbear.net 5 points 1 day ago

When I told them how the screaming of our common neighbhor sometimes woke up my other neighbhour told me how to buy weed in this apartment block thing since weed helps her sleep. Honestly that was nice of her, but also totally useless.

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 10 points 2 days ago (3 children)

I went to my posts surgery checkup and according to my doctor, it's healing slowly, but that's to be expected with my medical history. She was happy to see that I got through the worst of the pain and am on the mend. However, she was highly confused when she realized my surgical stitches had already dissolved completely, even though the wound isn't done healing. Apparently, I am, was, and probably will be a freak of nature all my life, and I quite enjoy the "surprising the doctors" energy I have. Still can't sit, but that'll get better soon.

[–] DisabledAceSocialist@hexbear.net 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Glad to hear the healing is going OK, hope you can sit soon! meow-hug

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Thank you love cuddle

Hope you're doing okay too these days. How's your walking working out so far?

[–] DisabledAceSocialist@hexbear.net 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Not anywhere near as well as I would like. I can wear shoes and walk for about 5 or so mins. So shopping is OK now, my landlady drives me, parks outside and i go in and get a few things (my landlady won't go in to shops since covid). Although carrying any weight, like more than a few things in a shopping bag, at all flares the achilles up again. Walking for more than about 5 mins flares it up too. My landlady has a tiny dog who i used to walk but now all we can do is drive him to the park, walk up and down for 5 minutes then drive home. So apart from these short trips I am still stuck indoors. The physio said if the achilles isn't better in another 2 months, go back. It's been about a month since that appointment and it's no better. Even if it does get better there is always a high risk of it going again. It's all because of my stroke, my left side is so weak now doing anything makes it get injured. The achilles injury happened just from carrying a shopping bag a short distance. I've previously torn all the muscles in my right arm just from lifting a small object. Constant plantar fasciitis in the left foot and a whole list of other injuries because of this damn stroke. The neurophysio said the3re isn't any more improvement to be expected and I just have to learn to live with it. I just want to be able to hike again. Having issues with my thyroid meds too.

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

This sucks so much, I'm sorry you're suffering still, honey cuddle

I know it's not much, but the fact you can walk at all is still impressive, especially given the rest of the issues you mention. I hope that the tendon will get better, and that you can walk pain free for more than five minutes. Out of curiosity, is there a way to improve your left side slowly again? Like, some way to strengthen muscles and tendons to give you back your mobility? And if so, is it affordable/available?

Nooo not the thyroid meds again ._. Is it too much or too little or something altogether different?

[–] DisabledAceSocialist@hexbear.net 3 points 22 hours ago (1 children)

I've been having physiotherapy for several years now, and seen the neurophysio, and the podiatrist has been dealing with it too because these issues are concentrated in my feet a lot. It just isn't going to improve any more now. It was on the NHS so it took ages to get the first appointment, by which time the damage was done, and the appointments have been spaced out far apart. Maybe if I'd gotten better help i might have made a better recovery but it's too late now.

The thyroid issue will never go away either. It's just impossible to keep a steady level. After the endo lowered the dose it got too low, so it was raised again, now I have symptoms from it being too high. It will never stop.

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 4 points 21 hours ago (1 children)

It breaks my heart to read again that it was too little too late to actually help. cuddle I wish there was something I could do to improve all of this for you, love.

[–] DisabledAceSocialist@hexbear.net 3 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

Having you as a friend and being able to talk about it does help. meow-hug

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Good to hear you're on the mend!

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 2 points 1 day ago
[–] onandrah1@hexbear.net 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Wow, I actually remember when you first mentioned the surgery..so reading this really made me smile. You’ve been through so much, and I love how you still manage to keep such a good spirit. That “freak of nature” line got me but honestly, it suits you. Keep surprising those doctors! I’m proud of you, and I hope you’re able to sit comfortably soon. You deserve all the healing.

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 3 points 1 day ago

I'm happy to hear my humor made you smile/laugh :) and I hope so too, comrade, thank you meow-hug

[–] 0x2640@hexbear.net 12 points 2 days ago (1 children)

these tariffs are killing us doggirl-tears we are already disabled and broke and now the things we need to be slightly less disabled cost like twice as much doggirl-gloom woof

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 7 points 2 days ago

They're really out here trying to deny us every little thing aren't they? owl-pissed

[–] b34n5@hexbear.net 10 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

Today I received an important update on my psychiatric diagnosis. I probably have autism too, aside from schizophrenia. I just need to complete a questionnaire to confirm the diagnosis.

[–] onandrah1@hexbear.net 1 points 3 hours ago

Thank you for sharing this update. That must be a lot to process, and I really admire your openness.

Getting closer to a clearer diagnosis even if it brings mixed feelings can be such an important step toward better understanding yourself and getting the support you need.

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 7 points 2 days ago

Hopefully the diagnosis can get you the accommodations and any additional help you need, comrade

[–] la_tasalana_intissari_mata@hexbear.net 13 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Worst part about support groups is that often everyone else ends up getting better except me, then they move on

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 13 points 3 days ago (1 children)

You're the cure. Holy shit.

Cause boys don't cry
booooys don't cry

[–] onandrah1@hexbear.net 11 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Hi everyone, I'm Onandrah

I'm a proud trans woman and disabled refugee currently living in a settlement camp in . I fled Uganda after the passing of the anti-gay bill..it became too dangerous for someone like me to live freely and safely. Now, I'm doing my best to survive and hold on to hope even in very difficult conditions.

I also live with HIV, which adds another layer to my daily struggles especially with limited access to healthcare and support. Being in a space like this, where we can speak openly and support one another, means a lot.

Sometimes life feels like too much, but I'm still here. And if you’re still here too, I want you to know you’re not alone. I see you. I’m rooting for all of us.

Sending love and strength from Gorom Camp in South Sudan. Onandrah

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

My heart goes out to you, love, and I thank you for your words of hope and kindness meow-hug

I hope you can get to a safe place with better healthcare soon, so you don't have to live in fear. Take good care of yourself and never hesitate to contact us here in the mega or via private messages.

[–] onandrah1@hexbear.net 4 points 3 days ago

Thank you so much for your kind words and support. It really means a lot to be seen, especially in such hard times. I’m doing my best to survive here in the camp as a trans refugee with limited access to healthcare. If you know of any groups or people who support cases like mine, I’d be deeply grateful to connect. Thank you again for being here.

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Hi Onandrah, we're rooting for you too! Thank you for your kind words. Sending peace and solidarity your way, comrade. Stay safe, and know you are loved and you are beautiful.

[–] onandrah1@hexbear.net 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Thank you for your kind and supportive words. Being a trans refugee is very hard....every day is a struggle for safety and basic needs. Your solidarity means the world to me and gives me strength to keep going.

Stay safe, and thank you for standing with me meanwhile how is it going??...

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 3 points 3 days ago

Hoping you can find peace in the future, comrade, and that you can get the care and necessities you need. It's goin alright on my end, I appreciate you asking. Mostly job hunting and hanging out here on hexbear these days when IRL stuff is quiet. How are you doing this week?

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 6 points 4 days ago

I finally fell asleep about two hours after I wrote the last post. While they were fighting I was on my phone scrolling (and posting) wondering if I should intervene. Anyway things cleared up. I got my sleep. I read about Chinese history and boned up on anatomy (hehehe).

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 9 points 4 days ago

My screaming neighbour got interrupted by another neighbour who started slamming om her door screaming at her. Violence has been threatened, stuff has been thrown in both directions.
I am not equipped for this.

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 7 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

I forgot to eat all day so now I'm hungry but it's too late to eat. This is a conundrum. I should eat smarter

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 6 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I'm gonna have some crackers. Sadly no hummus since no food processor, sad times.

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 5 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

So relatable, hope you get some good sleep...oh no just saw your other post. Hope everything settled down ok

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 8 points 5 days ago (2 children)
[–] DisabledAceSocialist@hexbear.net 9 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I've started falling asleep in the afternoons again, which I hate. I feel horrid and groggy. I don't know what's started it again, whether it's an issue with my thyroxine or poor sleep. It's awful being tired all the time, and people are like "What have you got to be tired about?"

[–] mendiCAN@hexbear.net 10 points 4 days ago (1 children)

"What have you got to be tired about?"

"well for one i have to field a lot of tiresome questions"

i-cant Maybe I'll try that next time.

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Yeah same here, afternoons have become the worst. The "what have you got to be tired about" is so gross, too. We could just gesture broadly at the stress of everything as a reason without even going into the actual disabilities that aren't always visible. Wishing you some good rest soon, comrade.

Thanks, you too. cuddle

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 6 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Me too. I'll have a nap for the both of us, you should be feeling more awake soon sleepi

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