I was born with a disability that progressed as I grew and aged. My loss of mobility was much greater than was ever expected. Nineteen surgical reconstructions helped slow it down a bit, but nothing could stop the eventual loss of my mobility.
I had a career I loved. My disability’s progression ended my ability to do that job (even with accommodations, which were not an available option back when this happened.) I had a master’s degree in my field, 12 years of successful experience, and had worked my way from an entry-level position to a top management position in a relatively short time.
And just like that, it was gone. I couldn’t physically do it anymore.
Losing your mobility is difficult. Losing your job at the same time (which also meant losing my health insurance, at a time when a disabled person couldn’t get health insurance outside of a workplace) was devastating.
That was over 25 years ago. I took some classes, got certified in another field that I could physically do, and began a new career. Again, it was a job I loved. And then, after 20 years in my new career, once again, a physical issue made me unable to continue at that job, or any job.
Inflammatory arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis left me almost bedridden and in so much pain. Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, I was diagnosed with invasive cancer.
Throughout all of this, adaptability was my best ally. A bit lost without the ability to work anymore, I took the chance to write and publish a book, which had been a dream of mine since I was a teen.
When your circumstances alter your life, you really only have two options — let it destroy you or embrace adaptability.
Thank you for your thoughts today. It takes a long time in our life to realize change is constant, and nobody likes it. I’m sitting here 2 days out from extensive foot surgery and wondering what this change will bring. I’ve managed to overcome the physical changes but each new challenge keeps me wondering, can I do it again. Although my infirmaries are minor in comparison to yours, I only pray I can pull myself up once again. So thanks for your encouragement today. have a little post surgery blues, plus hurt like hell😂. Thanks all to a drunk driver 23 yrs ago. orthopedic surgery number 10.
Change is constant. I’m not sure the majority of people have any idea how different the change is when it is caused by a chronic issue or disability. You mention that your changes and pain are minor in comparison to others. I soundly reply that pain is pain, no matter the degree. I think we all have unwanted changes that are a challenge to accept and adapt to.
My mother had something she always said that sticks in my mind when pain overcomes me or I’m overwhelmed with frustration — “This too shall pass.” It may seem trite, but one thing I’ve realized over the years is that no matter how horrible the pain is today, at some point I will either adjust to it, get help from pain management, or recover from it, and once that happens, I won’t even remember that pain. Even when pain is chronic, given time, we can find ways to cope.
My motto has always been “It’s okay to be down — just don’t stay there too long.” I hope your pain decreases, that the changes you need to make are not too life-disrupting, and that your joy returns as quickly as possible.
Best wishes!
Deb,
I wanted to make sure and invite you to my new Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2087810748226050 called Adaptability — It’s a Lifestyle.
It is a group dedicated to making physical and emotional changes due to illness or disability progression.
Whether it is finding accommodations that can help you continue in a job you love, changing careers due to a change in physical ability, or learning to live with a chronic illness, this is the place to find support, encouragement, and resources.