1 Year with a Wheelchair for Chronic Illness. What I’ve learned and how I’ve gained confidence!

Рет қаралды 5,931

Жыл бұрын

A look back at my year and a half using a wheelchair for my chronic illness. How my perspective has changed and my confidence grown.
Do you use any mobility aids or walking aids for you chronic conditions?? (let me know in the comments)
Mentioned Videos:
I finally bought a wheelchair: • I finally bought a WHE...
Why haven't I bought a wheelchair yet? • I haven't bought a WHE...
I rent a wheelchair for a week • I use a WHEELCHAIR for...
I use a wheelchair for the first time • I use a WHEELCHAIR for...
Everyone with ME/CFS is different! So you or someone you know might have a very different experience with ME/CFS than I do at the moment! Also, remember that chronic conditions such as these can change dramatically over time, so my life may look very different to this in the future (and has be A LOT worse in the past).
Thank you so much for watching!! Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to see more videos from me every other FRIDAY!
About Me:
My name is Elinor, I am a 24-year-old sociology graduate who has been living with ME/CFS for 6 years. I also have anxiety and depression as co-morbid conditions! I started making KZfaq Videos consistently about my experience with chronic illness and mental health struggles in June 2020! I also love fashion, connecting with people in the community and being creative!!
Watch Next:
Waking up at 7AM with ME/CFS: • WAKING UP AT 7AM for a...
GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN book review: • CHRONICALLY ILL GIRL r...
TRAVELLING with a chronic illness vlog: • Travelling with a CHRO...
ME/CFS Essentials: • ME/CFS ESSENTIAL ITEMS...
A GOOD ME/CFS day in my life: • A good ME/CFS day in m...
Weird ME/CFS symptoms: • Weird ME/CFS Symptoms ...
I used a WHEELCHAIR for a week: • I use a WHEELCHAIR for...
I use a WHEELCHAIR for the first time: • I use a WHEELCHAIR for...
My experience using a WALKING STICK for 6 months: • My experience using a ...
I Bought a FASHIONABLE WALKING STICK?!: • I bought a FASHIONABLE...
Covid-19 Vaccination experience PLAYLIST: • Covid-19 Vaccination (...
My Chronic Illness story PLAYLIST: • My Chronic illness sto...
Social Media:
Follow me on Instagram / ellellell_brown
Follow me on TikTok / elinorbrown3
Contact Me:
Direct Message me on Instagram / ellellell_brown
For Business enquiries elinorbrownbusiness@gmail.com
#Babewithamobilityaid
#Chronicfatiguesyndrome
#Myalgicencephalomeylitis
#MECFS

Пікірлер: 52

@kaybrown3162 Жыл бұрын

All the stress you suffered while getting used to the wheelchair has been worthwhile 😊

@suqarbuns7239 Жыл бұрын

when i first got my wheelchair [ also for cfs what a coinky dink lol ] i was super scared and anxious about taking it out in public. it was actually my boyfriend that gave me the motivation to take it out because we both knew that i needed it. whenever we go out and someone asks an intrusive question or is just being rude, he’s always giving them looks and telling them that they’re overstepping. he was and is still my number one supporter of me and my disability lol

@ElinorBrown Жыл бұрын

it’s great that you have someone so supportive! 💜

@nyetgale 13 күн бұрын

Bravo! I went through the same thing each time I "upgraded" my mobility devices (-->cane-->mobility scooter-->manual chair-->power chair) and has such a hard time with imposter syndrome, but my power chair has given me back my freedom. I could walk far enough to take the bus to my weekly pain clinic appointment, but it flattened me for the rest of the week (to the point where getting up to pee was an ordeal). Just because we're not paralyzed doesn't mean mobility devices aren't for us, too! Keep rolling!

@Jules-zw7iu Жыл бұрын

Thanks Elinor for the encouraging words! You also helped me make the decision to buy a wheelchair since the pain and fatigue in M.E. prevents me from walking more than 5 min. It is funny how people react around you with a wheelchair. I find often people get flustered getting out of your way a lot - funny and slightly annoying sometimes hahaha. It does take time to get used to it all. I've just come to the point where I may need to give up walking all together (outside of a few steps here and there) and that's scary!!! Wheelchairs make life so much more comfortable though 👍

@ElinorBrown Жыл бұрын

so happy to help 💜

@blazefairchild465 Жыл бұрын

I am at the point I can only stand about 30 seconds without screaming pain. I have meds ,but the dose is low due to other meds I must take to survive. People who get rudely flustered when I struggle in front of them through a door , have worse issues than I. If I have time to mess with them , I stop in the doorway & look in there face & say don’t I know you from the gym. Lol just to plug up the doorway a few more seconds so their stress level makes them sweat. Boy those mean ol bossy rude people don’t want to get behind me & get pushy.

@jasonquinn3888 9 ай бұрын

Eleanor I’m in the same situation. I have chronic pain in my spine. And it’s getting bad in the thoracic area. I’ve thought about getting fitted for a wheelchair myself.

@mia7736 Жыл бұрын

I currently use my cane, but I’m on vacation right now and I’m renting a wheelchair for the first time. I just want to say that I really appreciate you and your honesty, no matter what mobility aid

@bekahbarnettmusic 26 күн бұрын

Thanks for your videos! I love how you share so frankly and openly about how it was challenging at first but has gotten easier. Also, I appreciate your discussion about how you relate to different types of people and kids etc when you are out and about. I can really relate to how you described that experience of going out with a wheelchair and how accepting it as a mobility aid is both difficult and freeing. Also, the fear of taking up space and that people will be upset and accuse you of not needing a wheelchair. I have that same anxiety sometimes. I had a spinal cord injury in 2020 and I can walk with crutches but not for long distances. I’m in the US too in an area where driving is really necessary so I ended up getting a wheelchair van with a folding ramp so I can be more independent. That was a very difficult journey to become comfortable with that because it meant accepting this is permanent and this is my life now. But I am so glad I did it. It’s been so awesome to be able to get around in my own and meet up with friends without needing someone to come pick me up and drive me and push me. I’m a musician and it’s allowed me to get more involved and do more gigs and open mics. I didn’t realize how small my life had gotten until it opened up again in this way. I love how you decorated your chair. I am on a quest to get my chair looking amazing but it’s a power chair rather than a manual one so I need to use different techniques than you did. I know I’ll figure it out eventually. One day at a time. Thanks again for sharing your experience-it helps to know others are going through similar things. Sending you love and good vibes from California ✨🌸💖🎶🌈🌸✨

@ruby3200 Жыл бұрын

I just bought my wheelchair this month and love it! I was limited to going out maybe once a month, now I can go out maybe once a week. I was nervous to use it, thinking people would judge me because I’m young. Instead people smile as if they are happy to see that I’m not ashamed to be out in my chair, and that I’m enjoying myself. It’s funny to see people panic in the store aisles. Even though the chair is smaller than a shopping cart, they freak out and don’t know where to go.😂 You helped me make the decision to buy a chair so thank you for that!💗

@darkteatime Жыл бұрын

I love this, congrats on your new chair! I don't have a chair yet, but have felt those same fears you used to have. Thank you for sharing your experience, makes me feel a bit more hopeful!

@ruby3200 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Getting one is scary and a bit sad, but I have zero regrets. It’s improved my life. The minute I sat in my chair I felt confident and strong. I prayed about getting one for awhile, and that really helped me make the decision. When I sat in the chair I knew it was where God wanted me to be. I highly recommend renting a wheelchair first, and deciding from there. If people are rude, just remember that they have no idea what you’re going through, so therefore their opinions about you aren’t valid. Its none of their business why your using a wheelchair. Just know that most people are helpful and kind. Before I got sick and didn’t need a chair, if I had seen someone in a wheelchair I would have thought nothing of it. That’s I believe, the average persons view. They might stare, but it’s all good intentions. I don’t think they realize that they are doing it. They stare innocently, not with malice. I just look straight ahead knowing I have every right to be there and go about my business.😊

@blazefairchild465 Жыл бұрын

In my case , my Dr. Ordered it. You get your first one free with my insurance following ones they pay half . I think they must change for kids depending on size .

@seabliss22 Жыл бұрын

I just got my wheelchair after fighting with insurance companies and doctors I saved my money and bought it for myself. I was so excited until it arrived. I tried to test it outside and I can't control it!!! I kept running into cars 😞🥺 A friend said I need to practice at the mall so I'll try that. Can't wait to watch this video. I need encouragement

@seabliss22 Жыл бұрын

Like you my hands and wrists are super weak and it's painful to push the chair on my own. I do have a pride issue when it comes to asking people to push me. I need to get over that so I too can enjoy a more mobile life. I've followed your journey and you have brought me much encouragement.

@runaroundsueaccessibletrav6357 Жыл бұрын

Started watching you around the time tou got the wheelchair. I have had mobility issues for about 6 years and I realised about 3 years ago that a scooter was what I needed and started a you tube channel to help others. Then about a year ago I realised that for working I needed a wheelchair and I find it much easier in shops as its smaller. So after a year of wheelchair using I am comfortable with it instill get odd looks when I stand up in a shop to look at higher shelves people don't seem to realise ambulatory wheelchair users. Anyway I had big shock in January when I was diagnosed with ME. But I already use spoons theory and have the wheelchair and have changed my life to make the most out of my new life. You go girl your rocking wheely life.

@darkteatime Жыл бұрын

I'm in the process of trying to get my hands on mobility aids, and your videos have helped me a lot. Thank you so much for putting yourself out there and making content!

@celineeugenieaimee Жыл бұрын

Hi! Fellow sufferer here since 2016 (only diagnosed with fibro & working on CFS). Just got my wheelchair yesterday and it was already helpful after my tilt test. Currently moderate but with dysautonomia it's really hard, I already planned trips to shops that I wouldn't have done without it. The hardest for me is doctors saying that it's not the best option, and so family starts to think the same way. It took a lot of energy and strengh to explain every time that if I was without it I would be bedbound so this is question that shouldn't get asked. Thank you for your video I am sure it helps a lot of people in the same situation. I also appreciate that you deep dive in all sorts of situation, I found it very tricky to answer people when they ask what's going on ( I used a cane for a few months & neighbors started to wonder). Although I can confirm people are usually very nice and mobility aids helps to have more help in general, which is very energy Saving and also makes life so much easier. New subscriber, by the way I ve discovered your channel with the custom wheelchair video, love the butterflies.

@ElinorBrown Жыл бұрын

having freedom with mobility aids is always better than being isolated at home without them in my opinion!! you got this!

@celineeugenieaimee Жыл бұрын

@@ElinorBrown Exactly! Thats what I ve told them in the end :-) Thank you

@octoberna7949 Жыл бұрын

I'm waiting for my new wheelchair to arrive - been a wheelchair user a while due to probably a mix of ME and Autism. At times I've felt kinda awkward like "but what if I don't REALLY need a wheelchair", but thankfully ig my mobility is shit enough that trying to walk reminds me that I do lol. It's definitely a process, and feeling comfortable in your chair imo is the biggest part of that!

@kayleighweldon7855 10 күн бұрын

I hate to say this even tho I know many people go through it but I’m terrified of getting a wheelchair and accepting I’m disabled. It’s so hard to stand and walk at the grocery store w my conditions. I try so hard through diet and PT to stay strong but I just can’t have enough endurance for just doing the bare minimum to care for myself :(. And I’m so scared I’m so scared of accepting it Everytime I use the wheelchair I get sick to my stomach with worry. But everytime it gives me more independence which shows me that I need it. Thank you for making this video it really is a journey

@demileigh6113 11 ай бұрын

I’m getting my first chair tomorrow and have been spam watching all your videos and it has definitely eased my worries still scared to out in it but you have come so far from what I’ve seen these videos have helped me and so many others keep going x

@rindrr Жыл бұрын

I personally don't like anyone staring at me but it's nice to hear people aren't as weird. I also feel a lot of times I don't need one but I know if I got one it would most likely change a lot, I love love your flower earrings >w

@floatwiththesticks Жыл бұрын

How have I never watched your videos before? I’ve just started making videos about CFS too. It’s so nice to see someone else approach these topics with positivity 💓 edit: and we’re both 24 and English haha! I actually just applied for a Blue Badge this month! I’ve used a wheelchair a few times but I’ve realised that I’m going to need to start using it a LOT more regularly if I want to get out the house 😅

@annettesuterswiss 11 ай бұрын

Cool chair with all the colors and butterflies! I like it. I am sometimes asked whether I have multiple sclerosis. Because that's a disease most ppl know about. Sometimes I explain HEDS, sometimes I just agree with them having a disease causing some similar issues like MS.

@Star__girl626 12 күн бұрын

I dont use a wheelchair, but i do use crutches from time to time due to chronic pain and balance issues!

@mariethedicedragon5977 Жыл бұрын

I'm in the process of getting my first chair & that is part of why I went with the bright pink frame with matching push rims. My hair was that colour for years, so my wardrobe already looks like it goes with it.

@ElinorBrown Жыл бұрын

Thats so perfect!

@Wisephoton Жыл бұрын

Really encouraging, thank you. For me I have cultural issues to overcome but I am getting there. I am planning a trip to the Natural History museum. I would need a wheelchair but I don't have one yet.

@oogly-boogly Жыл бұрын

another new video!! i missed you so much!! you really inspire me and help me accept that one day, i’ll be in the process of buying a wheelchair as well ❤

@ElinorBrown Жыл бұрын

💜

@AprilLeighchronicallyme 11 ай бұрын

I think it’s great you know what you need and you go for it! I totally get it. I’m still holding onto my disability sticker to take to the DMV after six months of having it in my hands for the very same reason. It’s like the more you have to see a doctor or take a medication or use something to cope or to manage. It makes it more real not that it’s not real. Real, as in the sense of admitting that it may be forever .

@Dollie_Babie Жыл бұрын

I love that you've come so far with your feelings regarding it! And I love your chair, it's so cute 💕 Please keep making videos, I enjoy watching them!

@ElinorBrown Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!

@theresainns4342 5 күн бұрын

I must just be lucky (not) - first time I used my trial wheelchair in a shopping mall and I got a wee one yelling "Look Mum a wheelchair" and some "kind" people wanting to pray for me - to be hones I really wish I had been quicker on the uptake when they asked "What is wrong with you" and said "nothing. What is wrong with you asking that question of a stranger"

@vickilindberg6336 2 ай бұрын

I understand how it must be so much harder for a beautiful, young person like you to have a chair but it has to be better than being isolated. Now, save for an electric - a nice, lightweight, one made of the same material as mountain bikes, so you dont need to be pushed. Expensive but worth it.

@frankienixon8413 7 ай бұрын

Been suffering from chronic fatigue and pain I have finally just fucked it started using my crutches just get scared of people judging me

@KyleLeeuw Жыл бұрын

Congratulations beautiful honey ❤❤❤❤❤

@javierbarrucz7755 3 ай бұрын

A YEAR WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS IN A WHEELCHAIR 🤔🤔🤔🤯😴🤯🤯🤯

@frkk6933 Жыл бұрын

Wow, you look good! You lost weight! You need to get more confidence in your body again. No "crashs" anymore. You are strong and energetic. The weelchair is more a psycholocical thing. If you have more confidence in your body you don't need that wheely anymore. Keep it up!

@countrygirlsstopanimationw6928 Жыл бұрын

Pls don’t comment on peoples bodies Ty.

@seabliss22 Жыл бұрын

Are you out of your mind!? Physical disabilities have nothing to do with mental health.

@frkk6933 Жыл бұрын

@@seabliss22 i think she knows what I mean.

@elinalannah0022 Жыл бұрын

Christ this is the worst comment I ever read. You have no idea. Please keep your awful opinion to yourself. And learn about chronic illness before you comment something so ignorant again.

@Dollie_Babie Жыл бұрын

Don't comment this kind of stuff. You're delusional if you think "confidence" will heal a chronic illness and it's symptoms. 😒