Greetings!
Welcome to the new and improved blog, The Shoddy Body, by Megan Davis.
Who is Megan Davis?
That's me! I am a queer, fat, femme who happens to live with multiple chronic illnesses. This blog will chronicle my journey in transitioning from full time work to professional patient.
Spoiler: I live in the USA so expect plenty of complaining about Social Security, healthcare and fatphobia.
What is a chronic illness?
A chronic illness is a long-term health condition that may not have a cure. Chronic illnesses can be progressive (gradually worsening), episodic (condition increases and decreases in severity), or simply constant.
What's wrong with you?
First of all, don't ever ask anyone that ever again. That said, I live with multiple chronic illnesses, including, chronic pancreatitis, PTSD, and bipolar disorder type I.
But, Megan, you don't look sick!
Fooled you! I'm still sick even though I don't look like it. In addition to chronic illnesses I identify as disabled. Due to the nature of my illnesses I suffer from such lovely benefits like nausea, vomiting, mania, depression, panic attacks, chronic pain and extreme fatigue. Sometimes, I even use a wheelchair.
A wheelchair?!? You're not paralyzed! Why can't you walk?
Along with 6.8 million other people in the USA, I use mobility aids. This means that depending on my health (which, as we addressed earlier, is variable) I may need a cane or crutch at times but, also, I sometimes use a wheelchair. I am an ambulatory wheelchair user. This means that I need the wheelchair to transport myself but I'm able to use my legs and walk shorter distances most of the time. Part of my current healthcare journey is getting a wheelchair approved and provided by Medicaid. This is an ongoing saga.
Still with me?
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