u/LibraryUnited8773

Quick Background: I have multiple disabilities. Physical, Sensory, Psychological, Etc. I have multiple medical devices; some of them are easy to spot and well-known to the public (prosthetic limb) and others that aren’t as obvious (feeding tube, CGM). I have multiple complex disabilities that sometimes require emergency care. When they do, it’s usually a life or death emergency where I lose any ability to advocate for myself. I recently have lost all spoken language and use a high AAC device. Even when I use it, my language/communication is difficult to understand. (My sister is helping me type this out).

I used to be super on top of emergency planning with my disabilities. I carried an updated medical folder with all my conditions, meds, and any other important information. I always wore a medical ID. I had a seatbelt cover that was clearly visible. The systems aren’t perfect and medical professionals weren’t always receptive to that information. Nothing on them. I understand that it can be diff to get information from someone who is…..to be blunt….. actively dying.

Since my disabilities have changed, specially my speech/language disorders, I feel completely lost on how to approach preparing for something like this.

This past weekend I had a medical emergency where I became unconscious and was grossly unprepared. I’ve been disabled my entire life, but more “severely” (not trying to rank disabilities, just trying to paint a picture of my own situation) for over 6 years. I didn’t have any info on me about what my baseline is. I was presumed incompetent *eye roll* by every medical provider, before they even attempted to get information from me once I was stable enough to be able to “speak” for myself. The entire thing was traumatic and a new type of traumatic, if that makes sense.

However, the communication/language/speech disability is something I’ve never dealt with and I’m beyond overwhelmed.

I’m really struggling and would love any and all advice/information/personal experiences/tips on how you prepare for emergencies if you’re disabled.

*Especially if you have complex disabilities that require frequent interactions with the healthcare system

I greatly appreciate any help you can give. I’m terrified, traumatized, and feel completely alone.

I’ve been browsing online looking at some guided journals and workbooks for getting organized that seem more friendly for people with executive dysfunction. I don’t want to order them online and have to worry about them
a) being useless
b) needing to return them (because executive dysfunction *face palm*)

I was going to try and going to a Barnes and Noble or other bookstore today.

Anyone have any recommendations?
I’m really looking for a guided workbook focused mostly on physical organization and/or digital organization that’s easy to follow and not too overwhelming.

I’d love allllllll suggestions!!!

Any you’ve had success with?

If you go to therapy, is your therapist disabled?

If your therapist isn’t disabled, do you feel like you’re able to discuss disability?

Do you feel like they show engagement when/if you speak about your experience as a disabled person?

I’d love to hear about your therapy and disability experiences! I’m struggling with this right now.

TW: vague mention of sexual violence

Hi!

I’m not particularly interested in forensic nursing. However, in a CSA, SA, and DV survivor. I’ve been under the care of more forensic nurses than I can count (unfortunately).

I recently had to revisit the ED (not related) in a hospital I was seen at for a forensic exam at one point. When I was a patient in the forensic unit, I remember vaguely being given a fidget toy and some kind of Knick knack type objects. They were extremely helpful for me in such a dark time!

I am on a tight budget, but want to give back to the unit. They accept donations of all kinds; it seems as though they don’t receiver many.

For people who work in forensic units and/or with survivors of sexual violence, what types of small and affordable items could I donate to a forensic exam unit that are most appreciated? Or most wanted? Any unique ideas?

All the love for everyone who chooses to work in this field. You make a difference.