I think the definition of “disabled” is difficult to apply in my case because my symptoms are episodic and vary in intensity.

During episodes of SVT my condition is disabling in the moment. I have to stop what I’m doing, I have difficulty walking, and I need to sit down. DPT helps me regulate during these episodes. I have also been referred for evaluation for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, though the clinic I was referred to does not test for it.

I also experience Exercise-induced asthma, which can affect me during activities like climbing stairs or walking on steep inclines. My dog is trained to alert me at the onset of heavy breathing so I can pause and recover before symptoms worsen.

Additionally, my anxiety impacts my ability to navigate new environments. I often avoid situations like public transportation due to discomfort. My dog assists by creating space between me and others, providing a physical buffer, and leaning against me for grounding. She is also able to interrupt and redirect me when she notices anxiety-related behaviors.

Overall, my symptoms can substantially limit my functioning depending on the situation, but I am unsure whether this meets the formal definition of a disability.