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From: Ruthie.Hoffman@f223.n260.z1.fidonet.org (Ruthie Hoffman)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Am I handicapped?
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Date: 30 Oct 90 04:16:13 GMT
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 >  As a weldor I injured my back in several places, and as the
 > years passed when I did things I'd always done, like carry two
 > bags of groceries, I'd hardly be able to walk.

Ah yes...  the "grocery shopping syndrome" :)  I know it well.  I have 
FINALLY given up on the idea of trying to pretend that I can carry it 
all!  I have delegated the job to the hubby of buying and carrying the heavy 
things, such as the large bag of cat litter and the water jugs (we buy 
our drinking water, as we live in a very rural area and we don't 
particularily like our well water)

 >
 >  I would think "If I had a child, I wouldn't be able to carry
 > it".

Thank goodness I don't, because I couldn't pick him/her up!

 >   It made me so angry.  It was years before I let it in that I
 > really had permenant damage.  I felt so sad. I think it was the
 > sadness I didn't want to face.  I did start telling myself

After seeing the neurosurgeon on this past Monday (10/22) and hearing 
him say that the nerve damanage may never completely heal, plus 
hearing I may be developing some arthritis (gasp!) in that area, I 
have been feeling a bit .....  different  ?? about it all.  Not 
necessarily depressed completely...in fact in some way hearing it said 
to me by someone I trust and feel is knowledgeable, I may be beginning 
to accept the limitations I will have to impose on my lifestyle in 
order to minimize the constant pain.  I will be going for another MRI 
next week, so that is still looming ahead tho.

 > Now my sister has twins, a year old! Those kids walk a lot!
 > (GRIN)
  :)  Aren't neices and nephews grand!!  I just love mine to pieces!

Thanks for the reply, Rob, it sure helps to talk to folks who 
understand how I might be feeling way down inside.

CU,   Ruthie

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