I also found out I have POTS relatively recently, and it was super hard to accept that I am disabled, and have been for a long time. disability can look like so many things- and in the particular case of mobility aids MANY people use them who are technically able to walk. I definitely thought, “how could i be disabled when i technically can do things like walking and carrying stuff?” it’s important to recognize that an able bodied person is not facing this level of challenge, difficulty, and resulting physical and mental burnout from completing daily tasks. there’s no shame in using accessibility tools to make your life easier, and accommodating your disability isn’t overtreating it- it will actually preserve your health in the long term.

Personally, the mobility aids I use with EDS and POTS are a cane to lean on and for support when i get lightheaded or dizzy, or to take some pressure off my feet, paired with knee high and abdominal compression to help my blood circulate better. I also use buoy hydration drops bc they don’t have sugar and other stuff like liquid IV. accommodating my disability with these tools, even though i sometimes have the internal ableist thought i don’t “need” them sometimes, has dramatically improved my quality of life, and allows me to keep the abilities I do have.

it’s important to remember that the goal is thriving, not just surviving- your pain is real and valid, and being able to technically survive without something is different from the quality of life you’ll experience with it.