Don,
#10 "Yes I can drive." people are just floored when they find out that I
can drive.
#11 "OH, what a shame your so pretty." I still haven't figured out what
that comment should mean.
#12. Participating in sports. The para Olympic's is a perfect example.
Sent from my iPad
On Aug 23, 2012, at 5:30 PM, Don Price <[email protected]> wrote:
> http://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/dailydose/2012/08/06/top-9-myths-people-believe-about-individuals-livin
>
> Here are the results to our question along with some of the commentary from
> our community:
>
> What is the # 1 myth you think the general public believes about individuals
> living with paralysis?
>
> 1. Not interested or can't have sex. (19.0%)
> Yes, somethings still work. - Chill
>
> 2. Life must be so sad. (18.0%)
> A lot of peple think that we are not suppose to be intelligent, productive
> people who enjoy living a full life doing those very same things that people
> who are not paralyzed like to do. We work, fall in love, get married and
> raise a family, we have a social life,
> yes we do enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. - Marva
>
> 3. Number one wish is to walk. (14.8%)
> Every opportunity I get I let people know that paralysis is so much more than
> not walking. Yes, I tell them I can't poop or pee on my own...to complete
> strangers but they need to know!!! - Wheelchair Mama
>
> 4. Mind must not work either. (13.0%)
> People seem to automatically associate impaired physical function with a
> mental deficiency. I often meet their comments with: "I broke my spine, not
> my mind." - Catherine
>
> 5. Must not have any pain. (9.9%)
> People think, well your paralyzed that means you can't feel anything how
> could you possibly have pain? (My husband) lives with indescribable nerve
> pain, the worst in his hands and in his feet and butt. - Susan
>
> 6. Unable to have a successful career/family/life. (9.2%)
> So many people want to blow sunshine up our a**es, or, want to believe that
> we are bitter if we don't have hope of ever walking again. But in reality,
> many of us have come to terms with our respective situations and have chosen
> to make the best of it. - CJohn
>
> 7. Only medical problem is the paralysis. (8.8%)
> There is significant neuropathic pain, bowel and bladder control, fighting
> with insurance companies, reduced energy, changed relationships, loss of
> independence, lack of access to our homes an no financial help for needed
> accessibility adaptions or exercise equipment, increased infections
> (especially UTIs)' and lack of appropriate sensation that allows for some
> spectacular accidents (and AD). - Shel
>
> 8. Have all expenses paid by the government. (3.9%)
> "So, how do you get by? Social Security?" Yeah, because we, as individuals,
> are part of a disadvantaged minority group, we all must either be on the
> government dole, or looking for a handout. And because the former must be
> true, we all must be liberals. - CJohn
>
> 9. Always want help. (3.5%)
> No matter what an #### someone is, I should alway's be nice and gratefully
> for any unwanted help I get! - Ben
>
> All of the above are myths, some are just more pervasive.
