This post is one of a series I call “The Paratriathlete Diaries” – in the series I hope to take a regular look at the random things that happen in my life as an athlete with challenges. Any ideas, questions, or suggestions throw them my way. I would like to use this feature as a way to answer questions anyone might have about living with chronic conditions such as Charcot Marie Tooth disease and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, but with a light touch and a bit of humour. I’m all ears!
It’s 9am. You are in a big city. Rush hour. Time is running short. You are almost late for work. Almost. You run to catch your train, need to change at the next station. Run off one train and down the stairs to the next, to hopefully slip through the doors before they shut. Just to make sure you can squeak into work before you are officially late. You dodge and weave, bound past people, and skip a step or two as you hurry to make it… Phew. Just snuck onto the train. Doors shut. You can breathe easy – you will be at your desk with 30 seconds to spare.
Sound familiar?
Well, that would not be me.
This week I am back into work after two weeks off enjoying the sunshine and time with my family (and puppy!). The hustle and bustle of re-entering the morning commute has been nothing short of a culture shock after two weeks of sunshine, smiles and relaxing with the other half…
Note: this is not a picture of me on my morning commute!
You see, I am the one you bound around. The one who clings to the side of the stairs. The one glued to the handrail.
I am the obstacle in your rush to be on time.
Due to CMT and EDS, I am uncertain on stairs. Scared of missing a step and falling. I am the person who impedes your progress.
So my plea to you today is this…
We may not use crutches. We may look just fine. But if you see one of us gripping the handrail, please don’t expect us to get out of your way so that you can run to your train. Be patient, give us room, and please – let us use the handrail.
Instead, give yourself a bit more time to get to work so that we don’t feel scared of falling down the stairs when you come running past and through us. Besides, the stress of running late is so unpleasant – if you gave yourself a bit of extra time, you’d be saving both you and me unnecessary heart palpitations!
Thank you in advance.
#holdthehandrail