Lewis T. — Technical Services Analyst, SOC Analyst (in training), Packet Wrangler, Event Goblin, “That’s Definitely Not Normal” Specialist, and Certified Chaos Wrangler
A slightly more personal post from me today.
I’m currently on medical leave, and over the last few years chronic illness and disability have become a much bigger part of my life than I ever expected.
I live with a number of conditions, including hEDS, PoTS, ME/CFS, Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, chronic pain and a neurogenic bladder, alongside ADHD and autism.
A lot of that is invisible.
People might see someone working from a desk, answering calls, fixing technical problems or talking about telecoms and IT, without necessarily seeing the appointments, fatigue, pain, mobility aids, medication, procedures and planning that can sit quietly behind the scenes.
So, while I’ve got some time away from work to focus on my health and recovery, I’ve decided to start sharing a little more of that side of my life.
I’ve created an Instagram account called A Body With Opinions.
It’s not intended to be a polished “inspirational journey” or a highlight reel.
It’s simply somewhere I can talk honestly about living with chronic illness and disability, share what different conditions and treatments actually look like in day-to-day life, document my own experiences, and hopefully help make some of the less visible parts of disability a little more visible.
There will be serious posts, educational posts, hospital updates, good days, difficult days, and probably a fair amount of humour along the way.
If sharing my experiences helps somebody else feel less alone, helps someone understand chronic illness a little better, or starts a useful conversation around disability and accessibility, then I’ll consider that worthwhile.
If you’d like to follow along, you can find me on Instagram at:
@abodywithopinions
https://www.instagram.com/abodywithopinions?igsh=bjJyMXRlaWtkN3Jj
Thanks to everyone who has supported me, checked in on me, or simply been patient and understanding while I’ve been navigating all of this. It genuinely means a lot. 💙
#ChronicIllness #DisabilityAwareness #InvisibleIllness #Accessibility #Neurodiversity
3 reactions · 2 comments
Topics: #invisibleillness, #neurodiversity, #accessibility, #chronicillness, #disabilityawareness
Comments
Samantha S.: You're incredible, my friend, I am in awe of how you continually keep getting back up (figuratively and literally) no matter what comes your way.
Lewis T.: Samantha Swift Thanks Sam. I'll text you later