Chronically Ch(ill) @living-autoimmune - Tumblr Blog

I don't know if anyone has ever told you this but life is so much better once you accept the fact that you're disabled. Struggling to present as able-bodied is not doing you any favors, I promise. I know you see how disabled people are treated in our society and it scares you. But there is a whole community waiting for you. We can't wait to tell you all the best tips and tricks for mobility aids and accessibility. Take your time, just know that we are here.

the-archenlandian-court

Person: Sometimes I forget that you have chronic pain, it’s kinda funny

Me *someone who feels pain every waking moment*: hahahaha, yeah, that must be nice

glittergroovy

cockroach-queer

Some things it is A-OK to say to your doctor:

No

Wait

Stop

(These are full sentences! You do not need to say any more)

I am not comfortable.

I am not comfortable, I would like…

you to wait a moment.

another person in the room.

everyone else out of the room.

a doctor/nurse of my same gender to preform this test/procedure.

the person who came with me to this appointment in the room.

you to explain everything before you begin.

you to tell me what you are doing as you go.

to do this another day.

I want to get a second opinion before we proceed.

I don’t understand, please repeat that.

I don’t understand, please explain more simply.

Please say that slower/spell that, I want to do some research myself.

I would like to talk to [someone in my life, ie my parents to SO] before making this decision.

No, I do not need to talk to [anyone] before making this decision, I am confidant on my own and am ready to proceed.

What are the side effects of this medication/procedure? What are the potential complications?

Why are you recommending/prescribing this specific thing?

What other treatment options are there? Why are you choosing this?

Would your treatment plan be different if I were a man/woman older/younger had kids, etc? Why are you choosing this one then?

IS there anything I should know about this treatment you have not yet told me?

I understand you say not to, but If I choose to do X, against medical advice, what risks am I running? (ie taking recreational drugs while on medication)

How much will this cost?

Are there any less expensive options/tests we can run first?

Is there a generic of this medication you can prescribe instead?

I think you are not understanding me, I said…

You are not listening to me, please let me finish describing my symptoms.

You are not understanding how much pain I am in, let me clarify…

I do not think it is anxiety/depression/my weight/etc, what else could it potentially be?

I think by assuming it is anxiety/depression/my weight/etc you are ignoring some symptoms. Please listen again and let’s discuss what else it could be.

Please write in my chart that you are not testing for X and why not.

I am in enough pain/this is detrimental enough to my life that non-treatment is not an option. If you can not treat this/figure out what is wrong, to whom can you refer me?

Please write (or help me write) a summary of what we did today so I don’t forget

What are our next steps?

If [what you are recommending] is ineffective, what would my next steps be? What other doctor should I talk to?

What is the best way to contact you if I have additional questions or issues?

Remember, a doctor is a person YOU pay because they know a lot about bodies in general, to help you figure out whats best for YOUR body. It is still your body, not theirs! They know about medicine but you are the expert in your body. Don’t let them act like they own you. Don’t leave if you’ve still got questions, don’t stay if you’re uncomfortable, and feel free to insist on ANY information you want.

that-catholic-shinobi

ask questions, advocate for yourself. Be aware!!

candiikismet

Y’all don’t understand how important this is. In this last month I’ve had to pull out every one of these. And it’s no joke, you have to be alert and active in your care at allllll times.

hashtagloveloses

Also:

“No I would not like to be weighed today.”

“Please face me away from the scale.”

sexme-donthexme

“please document your refusal of treatment”

neta-ilan

I’m a disabled Jewish artist, with no income other than my sales. I knit and make jewelry, and I am always happy to take commissions for custom work! Reblogs are greatly appreciated.

Message me or check out my facebook page or my pinned tweet thread for more information, or to make a purchase. And please feel free to message me with any questions!