InconLifer said:
Thanks! Yeah, it's a bonus to be in a community that's so active. Isolation's been something I've been dealing with post-Long Covid and so it's been helping with that and it's been great to have support.
Love the profile pic! I got a Switch last year as I found the main thing about being a wheelchair user is waiting around and it's been a lot of fun getting back into the Nintendo stuff like Mario. I've got Tears of the Kingdom but haven't gotten around to playing it yet.
Yeah, I know people have it worse though so I don't want to be too negative. It's just that illness/disability drove a truck through my plans and I'm trying to find workarounds and stay active. I'd love to go back to a Master's as I'd hopefully have more of a social life again and be around my peers. I'm unable to work but hoping to make a part-time MA work as I can't stand the idea that I'll just sitting around for the rest of my life. Due to my Autism and ADHD I'm waaaay behind my peers and this has really hammered it home. On social media I see people from my undergrad and work having careers, getting married, starting families etc. and I'm just back at home. I guess that given the executive function vs actual age thing I'm not actually behind where I should be but it is super frustrating how Long Covid has really set me back. Fortunately, I found a really accessible uni (where I started my MA was an absolute nightmare access wise and travel wise - I applied before I needed a wheelchair) and hoping that it'll be doable. The main question mark is whether Covid round three has caused a reset or whether I'm still recovering.
I'm hoping that going the academia route may be doable as a long-term change of plans.
Anxious about setting off for physio later on as it's always nerve wracking being out in the wheelchair after a while of being out of practice. The UK's a nightmare in a wheelchair - barring some posh parts of London the state of the pavements is shocking.
I am hoping for encouraging news from the doctor for you today. One way or the other, at least you'll have a better idea of what to expect, how to plan, and can stop dreading the news.
I wanted to reply to this much sooner, but I also didn't want to rush it out half considered. You've been on my mind a lot lately, and I had an idea.
Life driving a truck through your plans (I love the metaphor!) is a hugely upsetting thing, and it happens to many people in many different ways. It's always frustrating, but in your case, it did so in a way that severely limited your options, at least in the short term, for "now what?" I like your thought of getting into academia, but that's long term, as you say, and something to do now would be good for you on many levels. I was puzzling about what to suggest, when it hit me, and was so obvious I felt silly that it took me so long to come to it.
I have read things in the Guardian and on Reuters that weren't half as polished and thoughtful as what you post here every day. I don't know many of your interests, but sports and music are definitely topics with broad appeal, and you may find that either in reporting or opinion, your writing could give you both something to do, and a little extra income. If you have interest in biography or documentation, you could potentially write books as well. I'm not sure about fiction; I don't know enough about you. But I feel certain, based on the quality of the "articles" you've posted here, that you could get into paid writing, one way or another. Think about it?
Again, all the best wishes for your appointment, and getting around the old city with a less than ideal wagon. Hope to hear back from you soon. Whatever the news of your wagon, you're a great person. Never forget.