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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[–] Keld@hexbear.net 2 points 36 minutes ago* (last edited 33 minutes ago) (1 children)

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

[–] 0x2640@hexbear.net 1 points 12 minutes ago

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

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 5 points 11 hours 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 1 day 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 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

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

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 2 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 4 points 15 hours 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 14 hours 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 7 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 3 points 7 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 2 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 23 hours ago (1 children)

Good to hear you're on the mend!

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 2 points 16 hours 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 1 day ago

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

[–] b34n5@hexbear.net 9 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 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.

[–] un_mask_me@hexbear.net 7 points 1 day ago

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

[–] la_tasalana_intissari_mata@hexbear.net 13 points 3 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 3 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 3 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 4 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 3 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 (1 children)

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

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

May your dreams be peaceful and your rest rejuvenating

[–] gingerbrat@hexbear.net 5 points 4 days ago

And yours too love cuddle

[–] Wmill@hexbear.net 9 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Was helping my sibling out yesterday with some health insurance stuff, their treatment had been stalled so needed to see their primary care provider but the mf was in a different system all together. Navigating the insurance site to change it was a nightmare so I was coaching them what to say on the phone and I think we got a doctor that exists. Beforehand I was just calling up clinics to confirm if these doctors even were real and it was a pain... pretty sure the insurance site was just using ai to scrape local doctors around here not really checking to see if they were real and that rightly pisses me off. At least the lady on the phone was way more helpful

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 7 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

Health bureaucracy is so fucked up. I don't even know how they get so fucked up or get the idea to use AI for a database like that.

[–] Wmill@hexbear.net 7 points 5 days ago (1 children)

It's just my guess because holy shit some of the doctors made up names were like wtf

[–] Keld@hexbear.net 8 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Sleve Mcdichael and Todd Bonzalez?

I talked to a tamil person in the healthcare industry once who told me she shortens her name for white people because they can't pronounce her actual name, and once she had to get a nametag and it just arbitrarily cut off half her name. Like her name on the tag just ended in the middle of the name.

[–] Wmill@hexbear.net 5 points 5 days ago

Shit was like Dr Mating, Narwhals I think that for real was take

[–] Wertheimer@hexbear.net 8 points 6 days ago

I've been focused on my health lately, and I just got out of the hospital (maintenance, not emergency). Even if I don't improve my condition I've at least been improving my reaction to it and stress from it, blahblahblah. That said, I'm basically under house arrest since I'm so goddamn fatigued, and I may have a long trial-and-error period with new medications coming up. I know I'm doing what's best for both my physical and my mental health but it's a major bummer to not be able to be involved in any organizing at a time like this. I hope that I can achieve some sort of stability soon and can pick things back up, even if it's not on the front lines. @Frank@hexbear.net had a great comment here a while back that I'm trying to keep in mind:

Whenever folks express dismay that they can't do cool activism stuff on the front lines i try to remind them that an army marches on it's stomach and there's lots of logistics things that need to be done that don't involve marches and protest camps. Handling phones, making food, taking care of kids, coordinating intelligence, teaching classes and sharing expert knowledge. Many people can fight for a cause in ways that go beyonf the highly visible stereotypes of what protesting looks like but our society makes people think they're useless if they can't play tennis with tear gas cannisters.

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