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Showing: 1 - 3 of 3 RESULTS
a young woman wearing a prosthetic on a red background - the header image for my discussion of health insurance
Disability Advocacy Lifestyle Personal Story

Health Insurance Is A Nightmare – Why The Prosthetics Series Is Delayed

It has been 8 years since I’ve gotten a new prosthetic. The only reason I am looking to get a new one now is because my old socket is too big. Since January 2020, I have lost about 25-30 pounds. I sought a diagnosis for constant nausea and stomach pain for months before finally learning of a new chronic condition I possess in late July (yes, I know I haven’t talked about this on here yet, I am still processing the diagnosis and will discuss it when I am ready). The chances of me getting back to the weight I was at the beginning of the year seems highly unlikely. So, given the age of my previous prosthesis and the inability to shrink the socket down enough to fit the new circumference of my leg, it was determined that I would need an entire new limb.

Jessica Ping-Wild behind the wheel of a car at 23 years old
Disability Advocacy Personal Story

Learning How To Drive As An Amputee

I grew up in a small, farming community, so driver’s education is a part of the high school curriculum. The big question on the table was whether or not I would be participating in the behind-the-wheel portion of the class and learning how to drive with the rest of my peers.

Having zero neurological or mental deficits and being proficient at Mario Kart, I didn’t fully understand why the school even bothered asking. OF COURSE I WOULD BE DRIVING! HOW SILLY!

But, I quickly understood it was much more involved than I originally thought.

Disability Advocacy Personal Story

Seeking a Diagnosis During a Deadly Viral Pandemic – Still No Answers

Gastritis.

After 15 minutes with the doctor, that was the initial diagnosis. I was to take an over the counter antacid for 2 weeks and then report back if things didn’t improve.

Less than 10 days later, I was plopped down on an examination table feeling as though I could vomit at any moment.

Blood was drawn. Urine was collected. A pelvic examination was completed. Still nothing.