Something about relying on medical devices might say otherwise- remember disability doesn’t have a look and it looks different for everyone!

#IVFluids #TubeFed #ChronicIllness #InvisibleDisability #MedicalDevices

VD: Clips of Lindsay a white woman with long blonde hair doing her IV fluids and setting up her tube feeds on screen very quickly with on screen text “when someone says but you don’t look disabled but I literally have to drink through my heart and eat through a tube in my stomach to live soooo yes, I might not look disabled at times but I am.”

5/25 Edited to

... Read moreLiving with invisible disabilities often means facing misconceptions about what disability looks like. Many people assume that if they can't see a physical difference, someone must not be disabled. However, chronic illnesses requiring medical devices like IV fluids and tube feeding challenge this notion daily. From my experience, managing life with such devices requires a significant adjustment and constant care. For example, intravenous (IV) fluids help deliver essential hydration and medication directly into the bloodstream, which is vital for those who cannot consume enough fluids or medication orally. Likewise, tube feeding offers essential nutrition when eating by mouth isn’t possible or safe. It’s not just about the medical side; it’s about navigating social misunderstandings. When people say, “but you don’t look disabled,” it overlooks the complex reality of these conditions. I often find myself explaining that while I may appear healthy on the outside, I depend on these devices to maintain my health and daily functioning. Invisible disabilities challenge society’s narrow definitions of what it means to be disabled. They remind us that disability is diverse and personal. By sharing experiences and raising awareness about IV fluids, tube feeding, and chronic illness, we can foster empathy and understanding beyond appearances. For anyone living with such conditions, it’s empowering to connect with communities who understand these challenges. Ultimately, living with chronic illness and medical devices like IV fluids and tube feeding means resilience and adaptability. It’s important for broader society to appreciate these invisible struggles and support inclusive attitudes that recognize disability in all its forms.