u/wheelchairThrowawayy

ETA preface: this is not the worst experience ever, nor even the most blatantly wrong that i've had, it seems like just a series of ignorances to me that resulted in damage that should be mild, but impacts me quite a bit. i'm still super frustrated because it impacts my ability to get around. vent commence!

flew American Airlines recently, and when i got up to have them put my folding wheelchair in the on-board closet, they told me very firmly it was full of luggage. luggage NEVER takes precedence over assistive devices, but i just wanted to get travel over with, because the longer i fly, the less i can move around, so i just let them check it. plus, i was alone and didn't feel like making a stink. the airport i was in has given me wheelchair troubles before so i just wanted to get out of there.

well, when i landed on my layover, they bring my chair out, and the pushrim is fucking scratched. my left pushrim has just been lightly shredded, in one consistent direction, like they sent it down a fucking luggage ramp or something. i have very fragile skin, and now i can't use my chair without wearing gloves because the scratches left metal burrs. the pushrim was also loose. their support has been helpful and they've said they're going to fix it, but what even happened that somebody scratched the metal up so badly?

and to top it off, i had been instructed to make a report at baggage claim when i got to my final destination. i approached one of the airline reps and asked her who to talk to, and she actually told me, "if it's just a scratch? i wouldn't do anything." Sure, if i scratched your glasses, it's just a scratch, right? so if i were to take your glasses and grind them across some concrete once or twice, there's no point in getting help for the damage i did to them, right?

i wouldn't be SO upset if not for the fact that travel really really takes it out of me, and that that one person told me tore up metal where i put my hands every time i want to move forward is not a big deal. WTAF? YOU try using it then. i had to literally chip excess metal off so it wouldn't be as dangerous. i have to be mindful when braking or pushing that i don't cut myself. sure, the scratch doesn't LOOK bad. i'm not worried about the look. i'm worried about the metal splinters. Smfh

on the bright side, by the time i get home, i will not need to fly again ANY time soon, and i will have a new wheelchair.

Hi everyone, I just wanted to share how deeply excited I am somewhere, and I figured here would be good.

I finally got my first custom chair ordered after my genetic condition became notably worse and I had to start using a hospital chair. I am unbelievably ecstatic. It's not cheap, we all know that, but a grand after insurance so I can finally get around without needing to crawl, sleep for several hours, or end up in tears sounds honestly unbelievable.

I have some mixed feelings about being disabled young, as many do, and that's been hard. I'd like to find a support group sometime soon, but seeing everyone's posts here has made me feel so much less alone. Thank you all for every post and comment you make. Honestly, it's not really the health that scares me, it's lack of accessibility in public spaces. I don't think I'm alone in that fear, either, lol.

I just cannot believe how much my life is changing for the better just by actually getting the help I need medically. I've been chronically ill and sick my whole life, and disabled for 2/5ths of it. Finally having the assistance I need honestly could bring me to tears. I get this weird headrush from not feeling defensive and scared from lack of ability to be independant. It's incredible.

I hope you are all having wonderful days :) I cannot wait for my Tilite!!!