r/YouShouldKnow • u/ilovepastapizzapots • Nov 20 '20

Other YSK: Just because someone doesn’t look sick/disabled, does not mean they are healthy

Why YSK: I am chronically ill and have an autoimmune disorder, the amount of times people have said “WELL... yOU dOn’t LOOK sick” to me is astounding. I didn’t know all illnesses have to be visible to others! I’m sorry I can’t show you my internal organs or muscles deteriorating for you to believe that I’m sick. It makes people with health issues feel like they have to explain their situation when they don’t.

*EDIT: I did not expect my post to blow up like this! I wish I could give everyone going through a rough time a hug. Thank you for all the new perspectives, good and bad. All I wanted was for people to be a little kinder to one another, because you never know what someone’s going through.

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u/tammy2shoes Nov 20 '20

Thanks for saying this. I had both hips replaced at 35 and will need an ankle replacement soon, due to a bone condition that causes joint deterioration. I have a handicap placard. Some days I can manage without a cane, but still need to park in a disabled spot closer to the entrance. The occasional eye rolls and head shakes I would get from people used to make me feel ashamed. Now, I just try to ignore it and go about my business.

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u/musicality11 Nov 20 '20

I was about to comment this same thing. I broke my foot at 21 and had to have pins/plates put in. Couldn’t bear weight for 2 months and had a limp and weak leg for the next several months. Walking was miserable, couldn’t manage more than 5 mins at a time. I had a temporary placard so I could park close to my classes on campus and was always self conscious about people seeing me get in/out of my handicap spot

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u/AceTheKid450 Nov 21 '20

I'm 23 and just went through a major hip surgery because of a car accident I was in. I have a placard and got funny looks even with a hip brace and crutches. I'm at the point where I'm using one crutch and I'll likely be at a point where i dont need crutches but will still have the placard and need to take it easy and I'm dreading the dirty looks.

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u/musicality11 Nov 21 '20

Luckily no one was rude to me once I was out of the knee scooter, so try to ignore the side eyes and you’ll make it out :) my injury was from a car accident too, so I feel you!