I didn’t want to write this post but my Other Half insisted that I did, otherwise he won’t let me go to Blog Camp Birmingham on 21st May.
Now, I’ve been to Blog Camp before and loved it. It’s fabulous to catch up with lovely blogger friends and learn lots of new stuff about blogging…believe me, even an old timer like me still has lots to learn. I’ve never had a problem attending, but this year is a little different. This year will be the first year I go in a wheelchair.
I’ve already created a faff with the event location and the organisers. I didn’t mean to, I just asked about wheelchair access and one of the rooms is upstairs. It’s ok though, everything will be fine and I didn’t mean to cause any faff. I get it now, sometimes you mention disability and some places will jump through hoops to accommodate you. I guess it’s a shame it’s not all places, but I’ve never been one to cause a fuss.
Now, the nitty gritty and why my OH wanted me to write this post. I’m not very good in my wheelchair, my condition also affects my arms and hands as well as my legs and I find wheeling myself a little difficult at times. I’m worried that I’ll get in the way, run into people, get left behind, get stuck in a doorway etc etc. I’m also worried that I won’t be able to fetch myself a hot drink or food…and cake.. I wouldn’t want to miss any cake (or waffles.)
The waffles at last years blog camp! |
Sooo, against my normal nature of I can do it all myself, I don’t need anyone, I just wanted to say that if you see me and I’m looking like I’m struggling or lost, could you give me a hand? I’m really not good at asking for help, and I’m not good at being fussed over. So I don’t want any fuss, I’m just asking for a little consideration. In return, I promise to do the best I can not to run into anyone.
I’m happy to talk about what’s wrong with me, but just in case you see me and you don’t want to ask here is a brief outline. On January 1st this year I was admitted to hospital with inflammation on my spine. I was paralysed in both my arms and legs for a couple of days, but then I began regaining some strength. I can walk but the inflammation has caused nerve damage and now my brain doesn’t communicate properly with the rest of my body. So my walking is slow and wobbly. The nerve damage also causes a lot of pain, which is constant and exhausting. (I may not make it to the end of the day!) This means each step I take really hurts my legs and feet. So, I am now in a wheelchair, with no idea if I will get better or not. The condition I have is called Transverse Myelitis and it is so rare it only affects 1 in 3 million people a year in the UK. I have a tab at the top of the page where I’m recording my TM journey.
Have a wonderful time….I'm sure people will help you if it's needed. Try not to worry x
Thanks Kim, I'm trying not to worry, but OH is really worried for me. He knows what I'm like! x
Sorry to hear about your change in situation. I would be exactly the same; I'm too embarrassed to ask for help like I'm a bother, but I don't mind helping people one little bit.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the day (sadly I'm still waiting on the list lol), so hope you blog about the day… pretty please!
I've never been before and in my 2nd year of blogging with still a lot to learn! x
Thanks Vikkie, there is still hope you may get a ticket. I know you have to be really quick to grab them. x
You will have a wonderful time amongst the blogger family, I am sure! Enjoy the opportunity! #FridayFabulous
Thank you Jacqui x
Oh I so wish I was going, I'd be happy to get your coffees and cakes (any excuse to grab more than one piece 😉 ). Am on wait list so still hoping but prob unlikely. Am sure you will be well looked after though; hopefully the disability experience will turn out to be a good one x
Thank you Steph, I wish you were coming too…of course you do realise the second piece of cake would be for me 😉
Sweetie, I will be there. I'm the tall lady with daft hair. I'm volunteering to bring you food and help you through doors.
Thank you Julie, that's really sweet of you, I will look out for you x
I"ll be at blogcamp and more than happy to give you a hand if you need it. x x
Hope it all goes well, I'm sure there will be lots of people around willing to help. Well done for being so honest and brave in talking openly about it. Thanks for linking up to #FridayFabulous