I hate that word, retarded, and the fact that so many people still remain uneducated about PML (Progressive Multifocal Leucoencephalopathy) and its effects. PML is a brain disorder caused by HIV and other immunosuppessant diseases or drugs which causes a host of physical infirmities that can include dexterity, walking, eyesight and voice, to name a few, and it can vary in severity from one individual to another.
I am writing this in response to anyone (particularly another PML-sufferer who had the sheer luck not to have a lot of bad symptoms) thinking they are so much better and has never, EVER been belittled in life for one of their shortcomings whether physical or mental/ emotional. Unless you claim to be 100% perfect, then you are my God and I will keep quiet.
There is nothing more demeaning that having a person talk loudly and slowly to you like that will help you understand them!! And, to have the person think they have to bend down to be heard and understood! (I am in a wheelchair) There is nothing wrong with me cognitively! I can think more clearly, remember things, calculate and have my talents which more than likely; exceeds the jerk talking to me.
And, I really love to hear how I or a colleague is not trying!!! So, having a daily therapy and exercise routine that would do any gym or work out fanatic proud, for almost nine years means nothing to the unqualified idiot stating such generalizations. Maybe, that person cannot empathize with any plight or affliction that they, themselves, are not personally coping with. It would be a very hard lesson.
Wheelchair, or a cane, or a walker also does not equal stupid or lazy! I do appreciate a door being held open for me or anyone struggling with the door because of a cane or walker. I sometimes take an offer from a courteous stranger to reach up for something, although; many times I reach for it myself because I can stand from my wheelchair. To me it is courtesy or being decent. I appreciate any offer and if I am inclined to do something myself, I answer very politely, “No, thank you, but thanks for asking” and smile, which almost always is returned.
So why does any person feel the need to berate another human being? All I need to ask is, “How perfect are YOU?”
Hello God
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"Hello God" Haha...
ReplyDeleteThat is going to be my catch phrase this week. I enjoyed reading your blog. Keep up the writing.
Amanda
http://h1vpos1t1ve.blogspot.com/
Hi Ron,
ReplyDeleteNobody is perfect and every one of us have our shortcomings. In my opinion most people don't mean to be demeaning when encounter a person in a wheel chair, they just don't know how to react and until they learn that different can be equal or even suppress them in many areas, their preconception is hard to shatter. My grandfather was wheel-chair bound for many years, and one thing I learned from him is that he wasn't less then anyone else and I respected him more then other people because of what he achieved and how he got there. So my preconception, that others might have, it's not existent, because of my experience, but for others that might be hard to learn.
I'm glad that you started this blog, it's a rare insight on a PML survivor's life. I guess you also realize that not many PML patients are so lucky as you are. At least you can be an inspiration and proof of hope that with early progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy treatment this horrible brain disease can be beaten.
John.