Damn Emma being a real one. Wanting to experience this herself in Japan. Thanks. But for real. Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad that it didn’t lead to something much worse.
Back in 2016 we got billed over $1000.00 for an ambulance for my son when his appendix fully ruptured and he almost died. I'm sure it's even more expensive now. We live in Washington state by the Idaho border. After that incident I have been afraid to call an ambulance because it's so unaffordable even with insurance. I'm a disabled person too, I have had constant pain 24/7 since I was a toddler and have many health challenges. Most of my disabilities are "invisible illnesses" and people can be quite rude when you don't have visible disabilities.
I knew it was gonna be cheap (compared to American prices) but I still gasped when I saw the actual price 😭 My husband has a a 5,600 usd bill from our hospital due to a bruised inner chest cavity. It took one scan, nearly 5 hours of waiting, and they didn’t give him any pain meds or work notes even though he could barely move 🫠 while he was waiting a financial advisor said they estimated his bull without insurance would be about $500. The next day we received the $5,600 bill.
This is a reminder that anyone can join the disabled community at any time. All humans deserve respect and access. A lot of the world is not disability accessible, so many places are bared by stairs, really steep ones in a lot of cases. Some places in the world disabled people just don't leave their homes because they just can't. They become invisible, forgotten and its wrong. Disability access only makes things better for everyone. Even able-bodied people benefit from good disability access.
And this is not remotely just theoretical. I was a happy chap, had a great day, did some shopping, was about to return home on an e-Scooter, overlooked a step of maybe 2 inches... 1 year in bed, another half year (really, up to now) regaining the ability to walk. Only then I understood some of the challenges some of my fellow humans face _each and every day of their life_ . Get out of a subway train and only the notice the elevator is broken? Wait for the next train, drive to the nearest station that has an elevator in the first place (only to find out that this is broken, too in the worst case) and _somehow_ make it back to your original destination.
Yes to all of this! But also even if able bodied people DONT benefit from disability access it is still important to have it everywhere! We are the love we have for others, and even if there's way fewer disabled than abled people they still deserve everything!
That's what I keep saying all the time as an ambulatory wheelchair user since over 11 years now. Anyone can at any time become disabled, either short term or long term. We're also all born disabled, and even if not spending our entire life as disabled, we will become disabled again with old age. Accessibility that works for someone with mobility aids, doesn't just benefit someone in a wheelchair, it also makes life easier for parents with young children, the traveler with heavy suitcases, the random person who's bringing their groceries home, the otherwise healthy clutz who took a tumble and sprained or fractured something, the elderly in our societies who are still able to and want to be independent. And let's face it, even if you're not hauling around something heavy or not using mobility aids or anything, a lot of the time it can just feel nicer to walk up or down an approved, accessible ramp instead going up or down a flight of stairs. Accessibility just simply helps everyone of all ages and all walks of life
One of those three sinks is a ostomy specific toilet! It's designed so that people with ostomy bags can empty their bags while standing, if they are able. Japanese disabled bathrooms having ostomy specific accommodations is incredible. I really wish that was a lot more common where I live.
As a permanent wheelchair user people stepping over me is my biggest annoyance, and people do it all the time. Just ask us to move if possible it's not that hard. Also I've been using a chair for most of my life and I still get guilty asking for help sometimes, I think it just comes naturally with how the world handles disability.
tbh, I also wouldn't want to ask the disabled person to move, because I'd feel guilty if I have to ask someone that is already disabled to move their wheelchair... I'd rather inconvenience myself by squeezing or shimmy around the wheelchair, while softly saying "sorry, excuse me, I'm sorry".
@@DamonTorro Yeah I know that for a lot of people it comes from a good place, but for me at least it makes me feel a lot worse it makes me feel like I'm just an object that they have to crawl around. When you're in a movie theatre and you need to go to the washroom you ask the people by you if they can move so you can get by there shouldn't be any difference with a disabled person. The world treats us as an inconvenience, vaulting over us without saying anything doesn't really make us feel any better about that. If we aren't able to move we will let you know, then some people might be okay with you trying to get around them. I use a power wheelchair so it takes no effort for me to move you just have to wait a second. I can only speak from personal experience though, I'm sure some people don't mind it but it never hurts to just ask.
@@DamonTorro Would you ask an able-bodied person to move? What does “they’re already disabled” mean? Moving out of your way isn’t an inconvenience, and anyone who treats you like it is doesn’t deserve respect. This goes both ways, so in fact, I think not asking us to move is doing more harm than asking us would be, equality-wise.
I remember the time I broke a bone in Frankfurt. Since I couldn't speak German, I resorted to performing a bizarre pantomime in front of the doctor to explain that I had slipped and fallen. I also recall the moment of despair when, after finishing my pantomime, the German doctor started speaking in English.
I’m so glad you touched on how quickly a person with health and mobility can become disabled. I also appreciate your mentions of ‘medical tourism’, internalized ableism, and chronic pain. This disabled person with invisible illness is proud of you for sharing your experience in a mindful way. 💌
My wife uses a power wheelchair do to a car accident in 1982, we are going to Japan this coming September 2024 coming by cruise ship. we have been planning this trip for a while and had to learn that Japan uses the term slop in stead of ramp, thanks for the WheeLog info that is something we had not heard about.
That's cool! I didn't know these existed until college when I knew someone who used a motor powered one. I'm so glad she can enjoy such a trip! Have a fun and safe one!
Be sure the cruise ship is notified in advance about her specific chair type and needs. I’ve seen a video on a handicapped person being turned away at the port for not doing this in advance.
As someone with a disability, I apperciate how much thought you put into this. Alot of Able-bodied people don't do that and treat us like second class citizens... so thank you. I am glad you are feeling better!!
"Mostly for old people... and for me!" I am chronically ill and that causes physical disability and this gave me a good chuckle as this is something I feel so often!
As someone who is legally blind, I will say that the train station support is godly. The guidance is amazing. The only issue is that sometimes it takes some times to get everything planned so you don't always know how long you'll be spending in the train stations. But hey if you're not in a hurry at least it's very stress free. Keep in mind that staff getting down on your level isn't just for when you're disabled, they will always do that when they need to talk to a client who is sitting. You can see this happen in airport too. And other places. The stations themselves don't always feel like the most accessible place though.
That's good to know, I think a lot of people in the West are a bit unsure of the etiquette when it comes to people in wheelchairs etc, it can feel like you're treating someone like a child if you don't take a seat yourself if possible. And I suppose particularly a lot of the old stations there were built in full expectation of making up for the architecture with a lot of great service staff.
I’ve been in a wheelchair many times due to a mobility issue and subsequent surgeries, as well as one time due to an injury. I was in Tokyo in a wheelchair at Narita airport and also at Tokyo Disneyland- Disney Sea. The rest of my time in Tokyo I was able to get around without assistance as my need for walking was limited. I found the Japanese people to be extremely helpful and polite, especially at Disney Sea. In the airport I was met at the plane by an employee with a wheelchair (set up in advance through the airline), and they took me through customs, all the way to my baggage pickup process. I had friends to manage my bags for me and was able to walk to our bus. At Disney Sea I rented a wheelchair (don’t remember the cost, but it was very reasonable), and I found it very easy to get around. My friends pushed me throughout, but one decided to hop on my lap without telling me. BAD IDEA! I actually ended up with a worsened injury. I didn’t tell her until well after the trip, I didn’t want her to feel bad. Otherwise, I had a great time. Staff made access very easy, communicating with a little green booklet they gave me to use at each ride, and even had an employee escort me and my small group to a special viewing area to watch the water show when they noticed me trying to watch from my chair. Besides this, I’ve also been home, here in California, and experienced life in a wheelchair. NOT FUN, not even at Disneyland. You don’t realize until your in the situation, how hard it is to navigate hallways, doorways, thresholds, bathrooms, and even handicap accessible parking lots until you need to do it on your own in a wheelchair. Luckily, I could get up and transfer myself, and even move my chair through an area separately, then sit back down. And Disneyland is horrible in a wheelchair or mobility scooter. People cut in front of you like you aren’t there, causes you to stop suddenly to avoid hitting them, and things are going on above the level you’re at. And trying to navigate alone in Disneyland? I wouldn’t suggest it. I had blisters on my hands within hours as the distance and changing elevations made it very physically demanding. But someone pushing you in a crowd can be very nerve wracking too, especially when you get very close to other people or objects. Chairs pivot on a point below the center of your body, so a fast turn means your feet are swinging around very quickly, easily injured if you hit anything. Anyone helping you needs to know what they are doing; how to move, set the brakes, move the foot supports, take you over bumps or go down inclines (often easier and more comfortable to do in reverse/backwards), and deal with other people around you. And socializing is difficult if everything is happening a couple feet above you, and you just see butts and crotches all day. It’s nice when someone sits down next to you to chat. And don’t get me started on people who take disabled parking spots who are not handicapped.
Thank you for your insight, I've done disneyland/world in my mobility scooter amd it can be daunting to say the least. 🤦♀️ Going to tokyo/Disney at the end of august, and I've been so worried.
I’ve been in a wheelchair for one day in Disney World due to an injury in both my legs. I learned that whose pushing your chair is very important very quickly, some of my friends were questionable. I second people not really paying attention to you. My friends almost ran me into people multiple times because no one was willing to give way.
@@solarmoth4628this is why i always ask for an electric one, even with people you love and trust they will try and be playful or get distracted and you are at their mercy
I used to rent a mobility scooter to use at the theme parks in the US, as it's easier to get around, and saves my hubby pushing me in the heat. This woman came up to me and exclaimed "Wow! You've got the right idea about how to get around in this heat! Wish I'd have thought of that!" I said pardon me?? She repeated herself. I said I don't have a choice about being in this thing! If I could walk round the park, I would 🙄. I then got off the scooter to go into the toilets, using my cane (and limping). The look of horror on her face was something else! Why do people say things like that? It's so ignorant! I had teenagers fall on top of me, as they were looking at their phones, and I got hit in the face with backpacks constantly! It wasn't pleasant at all. Parks in Europe are way better for folk with disabilities, in my experience
28:01 the ”feeling like an outsider in conversations” is so real. I’ve been in the wheelchair for 3 years and I thought I was the only one who felt like that :’D My mom is my main caretaker, and I’m always sitting there like🧑🦽, facing the wrong direction or a wall while she’s having a convo with someone else and it’s so akward to look back or crane my neck so I just act like I’m not there lmao, it also ”helps” that I don’t really get addressed since people mainly only talk to my mom instead of me 🗿 Thank you so much for this video, It’s going to be really helpful for wheelchair users who are interested in traveling to Japan 💖🐁 I was actually wondering about this exact topic last month and this video answered a lot of my questions :))
A blind RUclips person I follow (Molly Burke) had gone to Japan and she was blown away on how accessible it was for her! Thank you for sharing your experience but I don't think many people share on RUclips insights to what is like if are in a wheelchair. Sending you continued healing from Minnesota😺
Yeah you are correct! I do have my bag now for almost 2 years and I wish the netherlands where I live has those sinks in the disabled rooms. Japan looks so modern when it comes to bathrooms.
I'm a full time wheelchair user.Thanks heaps for letting able bodied people understand what it's like with the challenges we face everyday being in a wheelchair. People would never understand till they face it themselves 🥰🙏
My son is 12 in wheelchair and I want to take him to Japan, so this is great thanks for posting this! He has an electric wheelchair but I’ve heard horrible things from airlines damaging them and it’s hard to basically loose your only way to get around upon arrival, so I think I might rent one when get there or get a cheaper electric chair on Amazon that folds up like a stroller not sure. I usually walk in front of my son when there is a big crowd and they never see him I have to say excuse me wheelchair or long wide load 🤣 it just amazes me that no one notices him, the amount of times people stop in front of him is the worse or step so close to him to get past. He is always honking the horn I have to say stop.. but he gets frustrated.. like hey I’m down here.
Hey Emma, I'm a doctor also from Australia. I am not an orthopod but I am quite surprised you were taken out of a cast for a talus fracture. I *think* it would be standard practice in Australia to be in a cast and/or have surgery, but obviously I haven't seen your scan. It would be very worthwhile to take your CT with you to Australia when you visit, but in reality the podiatrist won't be able to do a whole lot with it, and without going private you probably won't be seen in time by a public orthopod unless you're back in Australia for a while. If you have problems with pain while you're back home though, and you go via ED, then an ortho team will see you and can probably review your scans to give you an opinion, but I would hope you wouldn't need to go to ED for pain this far from your injury. Best of luck.
There are some fractures that heal with mobilization tho, so I don't think it's super scandalous that the doctor declined a cast 😅 I'm not an ortho doc either but my friend is and I've recently had some friends with fractures that didn't merit the cast which is what I'm basing this off.
@@for.tax.reasons Yeah but I'm guessing none of them were talar fractures. There are lots of things you can break that we wouldn't cast, or where immobilisation is generally counterproductive (take simple rib fractures for example). But I've never heard of a talar fracture not being immobilised or given surgical intervention.
As a person who is fortunate enough to not have to allocate much energy when encountering these sorts of physical and social barriers, this was such an enlightening video. Lots of great perspectives and lessons for anyone watching to take seriously, whether in Japan or not. I really appreciate the physical, mental, social, and creative effort that you put in to making this video to encourage more empathy in all your viewers’ hearts…especially mine!
Having broken the same bone in my ankle twice in 11 years, I know your pain. The crutches you were given were very outdated. It is a very painful journey and cold weather and damp can irritate the ankle. I hope that you are fully mobile soon. Take care 😊🫶❤️
I’m 3 seconds in and I needed this video so much, I’m a wheelchair user and I can’t walk very far but I’m solo travelling Tokyo and the surrounding areas! Public transport is really going to help me out I’m so happy that it’s so extensive and reliable
Same! As someone who recently caved and admitted that walking shouldn’t cause me pain and a wheelchair is beneficial this was my worry about ever going back to Japan
As someone who has chronic pain and a disability, this kinda thing is great to see somebody make a video about. I'm so sorry that you had to suffer such an injury though and I honestly hope you are able to get back to 100% in time. Thanks so much for sharing your experience though, I think it's really good for folks who've never experienced this sort of thing to learn about how it can be too. A lot of time people just don't listen to disabled folks about shit for whatever reason. I understand that guilt you were feeling, it's awful to go from fine to feeling like to you have to rely on people when you just want to do stuff and be independent and it's def hard when you feel like you aren't being treated with as much respect or whatever but you don't want to speak up too much either. Anyway, I hope you feel better and thank you again for sharing this with us!
So glad you're on the mend, Emma! I had foot surgery (where the bones were INTENTIONALLY broken) a few years ago and it was some of the worst pain and horrible logistics for everyday life... So i feel your pain! I can't imagine having to hobble around a busy city like Tokyo... I could barely make it to the bathroom in the first 48 hours. You're so right though, crutches are EXHAUSTING.
Forearm crutches are muuuuch easier to use than axillary (armpit) crutches (they also make you arms looks buff af in no time!), but if you feel a wheelchair is best, then odds are that's the right choice.
Oh you poor thing! I can completely relate to literally everything you've experienced because I badly broke my ankle 2 months ago and needed surgery. Managed to borrow a wheelchair and I went through all the same experiences 😅 I'll never forget crashing into the counter of a yarn store because I thought my husband was pushing me but turns out it was gravity. It's such a lot to go through and it's a real education. The worst access for me was the disabled toilet in the actual hospital (I live in Hungary but I'm British) and the staff had dumped 2 wheelchairs, a zimmer frame and a trolly in there, making it completely unusable lol 🤦♀️ but everyone here, the general public and the hospital staff have been a very positive experience, so kind and helpful. Sending you lots of recovery wishes for the months ahead. Thank you for sharing your story! It means a lot to have someone relate to what I've been through ❤
Great video! I have written a number of articles on barrier-free Japan for Tokyo Olympics… I also greatly appreciate the fact that many multiuse toilets in Japan have adult-sized changing tables… We need more of this in the US!!
Emma, so sorry that happened. I broke my talus 30+ years ago. I really hope your foot fully heals and doesn't give you problems in the future. I know the pain you went through. Surgery and 2 screws put mine back together, but it still bothers me. (Feels like a permanent sprained ankle.) Make sure you see an orthopedic specialist if you're not satisfied with how you're progressing, and take rehab seriously. The whole "knowing when it's going to rain" thing because someone can "feel" it in their bones is no joke. You're young. Believe me, it doesn't get better. Good luck!! I really hope it never bothers you in the future! P.S. love your videos, and was wondering why you hadn't posted as much. Looking forward to more videos. Thanks for all the hard work!
If you’re ever in a wheelchair again, gloves help a ton. I use bike gloves whenever I need to rent a wheelchair. It 1, eliminates the pain, and 2, improves your grip so you can maneuver better, especially up and down hills. I’m sorry you had to experience so many of the negative parts of having a (temporary) disability, but it’s also really nice to hear your experiences as someone permanently disabled. It really is just like you’re describing. Every new interaction is another process of having to explain what’s okay or not because disabled people aren’t typically considered by society. The guilt is a constant struggle. But Tokyo sounds much more accessible than many cities.
I'm a full time disabled and walk with a stick & sometimes use a chair. We're planning our exciting first trip to Japan for the end of September - we've wanted to go for like 20 years! For me preparation is key, so videos like yours are truly invaluable ❤ Josh's website and book have been incredibly useful too 😊 I'm glad to hear you're doing better now ❤
This is probably the best description of what being in a wheelchair is like from my experience. Using a wheelchair is hard, people think wheelchair users are lazy but they just don’t know how much effort it takes to just exist in an able bodied world. And yes guilt was the most prevalent emotion early on for me when getting my wheelchair. It’s very normal to experience that. It’s even harder when you know a chair will be in your future forever, at least to some capacity.
I hope you make a full recovery soon and hope the trip to Australia provides more insight of your ankle situation, I had an accident at work that injured my leg 3 years ago and it made it painful to walk and having physiotherapy really helped the pain go down, I wish you all the luck!🙏
Hello from Australia !! Been watching your content for a few years now. I broke my left calcaneus bone last year in January and i am still recovering. I had to have surgery and plate and 8 screws put in. I have a new appreciation for being able to walk again and not using crutches or knee scooter or omg having showers and going to the restroom. It was so nice to watch your video and have someone understand the stress, the pain and using crutches (the worst)! And the I guess loneliness/mental struggle that it takes on you not being able to do the things you love as easily with no pain or hindrance stopping you. Anyway thanks for sharing and hope your physiotherapy goes well
disabled bathroom is the best thing ever, ive been using crutch for 4 years until now cause motorcycle accident, and i relate to all the things you said and ive amazed how hard it is for disabled people its open a new perspective and i really respect them more now (i respect them before but i dont know its that hard you should never underestimated how hard it is), anyways get well soon emma we will wait for your recovery and you know we love you
this was a super enlightening video - I really never thought about a lot of the etiquette you explained here, like the autonomy/don't grab a wheelchair without asking and making sure people in wheelchairs are included in conversation! Thank you and I hope you keep on healing up!
As a walking stick user this is the kind of content I've been looking for. I was able bodied when I went to Japan first time so I'm scared of accessibility this time round.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, I definitely understand your choice of going for a wheelchair!! Constantly having to lean to stand is exhausting and you never have your hands free *at all* while with a wheelchair you just can't move and do something else *at the same time*
Also, can relate to everything mobility aid related being aimed at elderly folks. It is ridiculously hard to find adaptive sports stuff etc (just to name an example). Because we all know there's only one way to be disabled right XD
Excellent! I'm disabled and recently got my first wheelchair. There really is a significant learning curve! You made some great points about etiquette and access. ❤ Any injuries can lead to some level of chronic pain and disability. Hope you can adjust to your new normal soon. 🍀
Thank you for accurately articulating and expressing many realities that wheelchair users often experience. I just got back from a great trip in Japan but there were times I was stressed and/or exhausted because of the many things you mentioned that my travel companions didn't understand and thought I was ruining the mood.
Feeling not disabled enough is definitely a thing! As well as the guilt when using services that are created exactly for people like you. It’s the internalized ableism. I still struggle with that even with “official” diagnoses. Wishing you well on your recovery.
I got a tibia stress fracture which could only be diagnosed with a CT scan. I had to be with crutches for 4 weeks, not being allowed to step on my leg. So I understand how exhausting crutches are! I would go to my kitchen to get some water only to realize that I cannot bring the glass of water back to my desk while holding the crutches 😂 I am glad that you’re better now, Emma! Take care!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I experienced some of these when my relative had knee surgery and I had to assist her. Things that were so simple before really got very complicated. This video gives a lot of perspective. So sorry to hear about what you went through, glad you're okay now.
Commenting again cause I finished watching but I had a back injury that left me bed ridden and temporarily disabled and I will always be grateful to have recovered and have the outmost respect and love for disabled people for putting up with a world that still makes things hard for them. I am now super hyper aware and help as much as I can if and when needed. I know this experience made you cry and humbled you even as humble as you already where, like it did with me ❤
Huh. The knee scooter is definitely something neat to have and I realized that it's exactly what one of my family did when they had a similar unfortunate foot injury. But instead of buying an entire knee scooter thingy, they just repurposed an old computer chair and had the backrest removed. It's quite a hack, but it worked and they were happy to have it and used it to get around the house.
I broke my Talus 5 years ago. Ended up developing arthritis in that joint and having multiple surgeries. Physiotherapy has really helped me over the years. Wishing you a consistent and steady healing journey 🙏💗
Thank you for posting this content, it is super helpful. It is a big concern of mine in travelling to Japan. Being a part time wheelchair user (who can’t use her weak hands) makes me feel like I’m a toddler in a stroller. Everywhere I’d go people would look straight over me, people spoke to my ex-wife who was pushing me, instead of me, or if they spoke to me they would treat me like a toddler. I’m a 40 year old goth woman! I hope your foot feels better soon!
I found this post to be very interesting. I fractured my ankle 2.5 months ago. I had the damage surgically repaired and have been wondering how long it will take before I am back to normal. I still have swelling and on days when I am on my feet for an extended period of time, I am finding that the swelling is pretty bad and I need to keep my foot elevated. Your post indicating that it may take me 7 months before I am pain- free has given me some guidance. I hope that you completely heal soon.
When I was in Japan I worked at a care facility and the first thing we did was a 2 weeks course on how to push a wheelchair. That was one of the most valuable and well spent time of my life
I have a family member who just recently became disabled and is now in a wheelchair. This was super helpful and will be applying what I learned here in my interactions with them. Thank you!
This was clearly very heartfelt and I found it deeply moving. The way you expressed what you discovered and how you felt was incredibly eye-opening and I thank you for sharing.
I feel your pain and frustration, Emma! I tore my ATFL ligament with an ankle fracture a few years ago, and found myself in the same situation as you, unable to touch my foot to the ground, stuck in my apartment. I ended up with a wheelchair to get around, as crutches were just a nightmare. Wish I had a knee scooter! I'm glad you had some great friends around you to get you out of the house, and help you get around, and good to know that Tokyo has some good facilities as well 😊
Thank you for speaking so openly about your experience and also being respectful to us disabled people. Autonomy is hugely important - never touch a person's wheelchair without consent! I appreciate you sharing all this so much. I am late to this video, but I hope your ankle is continuing to improve. I hope you will be pain-free soon!
Thank you for this video. One thing I've told many is that you don't realize how limited the world is to the disabled until it affects you directly. My father was a wheelchair user for the last decade of his life. My family quickly learned what places were better suited for him. Those small curbs are the worst. So happy to hear that you're doing better. Continued success with your rehab.
The way you spoke about the trains and accessibility reminded me of the manga Perfect (12 vol) which really opened my eyes to a lot of independence in being wheelchair bound. I only knew one person in middle school who used one, until I got to college and knew other people with them. Makes me glad i never geabbed the handles and just walked beside her to talk when I was little even though no one told me what to do. We just started a conversation one day after leaving the lunch room and just continued to talk until we parted ways 😂. I wish I remembered her name. Really taught me how somebody like that prefers being treated. Glad you're doing better! We definitely could do better making things accessible for people.
Hi wheelchair user here, the 3 sinks in the bathroom are: the main sink obviously, the small thin sink which is for emptying ostomy bags, and the smallish sink by the toilet, which is for washing your hands before touching your wheelchair, because its very gross to not be able to wash your hands after using the toilet and then having to touch either your wheels or your joystick to get yourself to the main sink.
I had a severe spinal injury in 2014 and ever since then suffer from mobility issues, so this was a great watch! I think it's really eye opening when you're an able bodied person suddenly put into a situation like this, because it forces a reality of living that so many people deal with every day. I see places with a lens of accessibility and *really* notice when somewhere is lacking in it. I wish it was talked about more often so more abled bodied people can understand a bit of the struggle :') thanks so much and I'm glad you're on the mend!
As part of the disability crew, I give you permission to use what you need for mobility and bathrooms. Very good info and thoughts on the experience. What you discribed is what a lot of people go through when they go into using mobility aids. I hope your foot heals soon. Keep with the physio and I agree seeing foot doc is a good idea.
I feel so seeeeen! Thank you especially for talking about the psychological/emotional aspects, especially in regards to feeling helpless and really needing to trust people you are with when they are helping you get around. Too many people (in my experience as a wheelchair user of almost 30 years) assume and don’t ask.
Nothing is worse than breaking a bone then having to use crutches/cane/wheelchair while also being on your period. I've broken my ankle twice and my back once. It's true that going to the bathroom is a whole ordeal and takes up too much time.
I sent 3 months on crutches after breaking my ankle and having two pins put in. Sadly the wheelchair was not offered to me. Got a good work out trying to live a normal life. I remember feeling the same guilt use disabled facilities. Do give yourself time with your recovery, if you don’t rush it you will hopefully recover and have no long lasting issues.
I lived in a 2 story house and when I broke my foot badly(had surgery and now have 2 plates and 5 screws in my foot) I lived downstairs for 2 months,using my butt to scoot up the stairs(45 minutes minute trip one way lol) to take showers. Luckily we had a walk in shower so I could hop into the shower and then sit on the shower chair. I agree with you that everything takes for ever and so much energy... I tried to vacuum on crutches,which I do not recommend ever! My partner at the time, worked insane hours so he was not able to help out. It was an interesting experience. So many stories that I do not want to bore you with. Long story short, your experience so resonated with me,brought back a ton of memories lol Thanks for sharing your "fun time"
I'm going to Tokyo in August, and I'm a cane user, so I'm very thankful that you made this video! It's helpful to hear someone who lives there talking about accessibility!
Thank you for bringing up your own experience. I agree that it must feel scary when someone just grabbed your chair, even if it's your friends. It's about losing part of the controll of your movement that frightens me. And also that if it hadn't been your friends who grabbed the chair then it could have been any stranger.
Great video. My mum was in a wheelchair for a while and one thing that frustrated me (the pusher) to no end was that everyone that needed some information from her asked me and not her, like there was something wrong with her brain.
They do and it's ridiculous!! People don't realise it's the legs or whatnot that don't work, not the brain! I was my mum's carer for two thirds of my life and I kept having to blank-faced point to her if they had a question I didn't know the answer to. Hopefully annoying.
Something I appreciate about where I live in Canada is that the trains and subway all have accessibility in mind. The subway has accessible seating and space in every car and is able to be boarded immediately without calling ahead. The larger diesel train has a dedicated accessibility coach on every single train that doesn't need to be alerted ahead of time and always has a conductor on board for any assistance or medical needs.
this was a fascinating video--I really appreciate you making this!! I've never been in a wheelchair nor taken care of a wheelchair using person, and I learned so much from hearing your experiences. The "wheelchair etiquette" is something I had never even thought about--of course, it makes perfect sense, but as someone who's never lived with one it was eye-opening. I'm so glad your foot has healed so much now, and I wish you the best in your continuing therapy! Also--can I just say your fashion is iconic and you slayed every look in this video ✨
thank you for sharing and educating us. It must have been such a tough time and yet humbling experience for you. Honestly would not have known all these facts if not for this video. The rent a wheelchair is a great tip for when i travel next with my mom so she doesn't have to stress herself walking. Speedy recovery, get well you talus , and big hugs to you Emma.
I can relate! A few years ago, I feel and broke my leg. I had surgery and then went home on crutches. Crutches are definitely exhausting, as you said. I couldn’t use a scooter because it was my leg that was broken. Luckily, I had someone to drive me to the doctor and grocery store (it was my right leg, so no driving). I used the automated sitting scooter in the grocery store, which was kind of fun! I met others on scooters and we swapped stories. They were always in worse shape than I was (torn ACL, etc). I can relate to the guilt part you mentioned. I had guilt after hearing their stories for using a scooter, but I had no other way to get groceries. The store was too big to use my crutches and I’d have no arms to push the cart if I did use my crutches. Like you said, it gets complicated. I lived alone, so I’d fall sometimes and bawled my eyes out because it was so hard to just get around and do everyday things. I’d finally get the strength to get up and go on. I wrapped a garbage bag around my leg and taped it on, sat on the side of the tub and swung around for showers. That felt so good. Thankfully, I never fell in there. I had to keep my leg raised most of the time so my leg wouldn’t swell and inhibit healing. For meals, I would prepare them, put them on a tray on the floor, use a belt I had tied around the handle and pull it into my living room (no place to sit in the kitchen). Soups were really hard! I finally healed after about six weeks and graduated to a boot, which was so much better than crutches. I did go to physical therapy for a few weeks after, too. Your muscles start to atrophy when you aren’t using them. I also have high arches and plantar fasciitis, so Birkenstocks are my best friend. With other shoes, firm inserts always work better for me. I’m glad I went through the experience now, but it was hard and forever changed my outlook on disability and my independence. Thanks for sharing your journey. I would have been terrified to do some things you did!
Now I know why you don’t upload your usual kind of videos for quite a while. Thank you for sharing this video. I used to be in a similar situation before and used crutches but in another country, and soon I will start pushing my mum on a wheelchair here in Tokyo. So it was helpful. I know that recovering processes can be slow and stressful. But I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you and looking forward to your future adventures sooner.
Great vlog! Sharing your learning is always a good idea, and it really often takes you yourself suffering some sort of injury, that "disables" you (even if its jus temporarily) to fully understand just how hard it can be having any sort of movement disability/restraints. It gives you a very different perspective on how you act yourself, on the way surroundings are designed to accomodate fx disabled or elderly people and equips you somehow to be a better support for those, who need it.
I've watched you over the years and I've never been more impressed. This vid was great. Thank you for sharing your exploration of disability/injury. I'm sure people will find it helpful traveling to Japan, but I also hope that it helps able people see how disparate their perspective is compared to someone who spends their life with mobility aids. You do great work Emma, it's very much appreciated. I hope your pain dissipates with time.
This is sooo relatable 5 years ago, developed chronic pain still no diagnosis but the first 2 year was bed bound on bad day, then walking stick on bad day was a BIG BIG shock to the system!! Thanks for sharing this. It's good to have these things highlighted Xx
Seeing you talk about this with such raw transparency reminded me of my own injury from several years ago (that continues to affect my mobility) was so unexpectedly emotional. You exactly captured so many aspects of how frustrating disabilities can be. I'm sorry you had to experience it, and I'm so glad you've healed!
Talking about the guilt aspect of having an injury, I actually had a bad experience with it when I graduated high school. I tore my meniscus in my knee (right after the last day of school) and ended up going to a camp for church. We stayed at a church retreat but only really stayed for the facilities. We would go out into the communities and volunteer all day. Because the campus we stayed on for this was full of huge hills and I was using crutches full time, it would take me forever to get places. So the camp had a little golf cart that was supposed to be for staff and anyone that needed assistance in getting places within the campus. Unfortunately, the ladies in charge of it often made me feel bad for using it and went as far as to say comments like, I can't understand why you don't just try walking on your leg. I got so frustrated I just gave up and my little sister and best friend (honestly so thankful for her and my best friend) ended up giving me so many piggy back rides so I wouldn't feel left out, or to get across the street or up the many, many steep stairs that lead to the cafeteria every day. I also felt really stupid and like I wasn't allowing myself to heal quicker and actually pushed my recovery by the end of the trip by refusing to use my crutches. It was a bad decision and I now have arthritis in that knee. Sorry, just thought that I could understand a little bit of the frustration of having to deal with leg/foot injuries. I know it's not the same. I give props to those who have to deal with stuff like that regularly.
Your makeup and whole look is super pretty 🤩 those colours are so perfect! Also it’s so great that you’ve made an accessibility video, I’m sure all the information will have helped people worried about travelling in Tokyo. I have an invisible disability and It’s so helpful having videos to check situations out, it helps you organise your thoughts and plans
The three sinks have the following purposes: #1 For cleaning assistive devices for people with bowel and other disabilities (deep sink) #2 For wheelchair users #3 For caregivers
This was interesting. The chain reaction of ‘incidents’ you went through matches the learning curve I went through becoming disabled - a whole new world and viewpoint on how hard it is to get around until you and your friends/family know enough of the tips. You always need to think ahead, or you get caught out. It’s an education.
As a full time wheelchair user, electric and self propelled. I understand all of your experiences. I wish more places were wheelchair accessible. I'm in Scotland. Local buses are accessible but between cities it's rare, but for me buses are free where as trains are costly. We're lucky to have an electric bus service that has lifts onto the bus. And I can book the space online which is amazing. I very much agree on the loneliness of being in a self propelled wheelchair and folks just not talking to you/talking behind you. In my electric I can insert myself and roll beside people. I can hold my husbands hand again in the electric too which is honestly soo nice to be able to do. People definitely often don't understand the life of being a wheelchair user without the experience. Id love to go to Japan, but because my condition is varying some days I can walk a few feet other I can't do anything. I also learnt not to always trust Google maps/ places that say they are accessible after being burnt in Glasgow. "We're accessible". Through another business, requiring a manager key to use the lift to go up two stories. Another was round the back between the bins and my electric wheelchair wouldn't have gotten up the kerb so I was lucky to have been in my self propelled knowing the possibility of it being an issue. Here it's plan and plan again for going places. Also having a backup plan always helps.
13:12 I used crutches for a long time for my disability and they were better than nothing, but a wheelchair has been life changing for the amount of freedom and comfort I have
Get well soon. I had knee broken similar way, and can share experience as former in Germany. For physiotherapy you need to put a lot of work and in is long and painful process. Take care and be safe. Much love ❤️
I get weirdly happy seeing other people talk about their injuries and disability because I’ve been dealing with a crushed knee joint (tibial plateau) for nearly 8 months now and it’s just no joke. Also, seeing people walking around taking their knees and mobility for granted gives me so much anxiety that they’re gonna get injured like I did. Just fun things. But on a positive note I am finally more or less able to walk short distances inside my home without crutches and it is so freeing 😭😭😭
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I do sit in a wheelchair for nearly 30 years now and find it always very interesting to hear "newcomers" experiences. You mentioned there is mostly "only" one elevator at each station. Did you experience any defect ones as well? In Germany I am glad to see an elevator at a station but they are broken many times when I want to travel
The lengths Emma will go to for content is amazing. She breaks her own foot just to do accessibility content... WOW!
Method acting. Respect
タクシー代わりに救急車を使っているようにしか見えない。
Damn Emma being a real one. Wanting to experience this herself in Japan. Thanks.
But for real. Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad that it didn’t lead to something much worse.
'The chair doesn't go that far' is such a damning sentiment after watching this hahaha. Glad you're better since this!
"The CT scan will be very very expensive!"
(price is significantly less than just the ambulance ride in America. Even with insurance)
right? one medication can be more than that
I am so sorry that is how you are forced to live
10,000 (gasp) yen (oh…)
Back in 2016 we got billed over $1000.00 for an ambulance for my son when his appendix fully ruptured and he almost died. I'm sure it's even more expensive now. We live in Washington state by the Idaho border. After that incident I have been afraid to call an ambulance because it's so unaffordable even with insurance. I'm a disabled person too, I have had constant pain 24/7 since I was a toddler and have many health challenges. Most of my disabilities are "invisible illnesses" and people can be quite rude when you don't have visible disabilities.
I knew it was gonna be cheap (compared to American prices) but I still gasped when I saw the actual price 😭
My husband has a a 5,600 usd bill from our hospital due to a bruised inner chest cavity. It took one scan, nearly 5 hours of waiting, and they didn’t give him any pain meds or work notes even though he could barely move 🫠 while he was waiting a financial advisor said they estimated his bull without insurance would be about $500. The next day we received the $5,600 bill.
This is a reminder that anyone can join the disabled community at any time. All humans deserve respect and access. A lot of the world is not disability accessible, so many places are bared by stairs, really steep ones in a lot of cases. Some places in the world disabled people just don't leave their homes because they just can't. They become invisible, forgotten and its wrong. Disability access only makes things better for everyone. Even able-bodied people benefit from good disability access.
And this is not remotely just theoretical. I was a happy chap, had a great day, did some shopping, was about to return home on an e-Scooter, overlooked a step of maybe 2 inches... 1 year in bed, another half year (really, up to now) regaining the ability to walk. Only then I understood some of the challenges some of my fellow humans face _each and every day of their life_ . Get out of a subway train and only the notice the elevator is broken? Wait for the next train, drive to the nearest station that has an elevator in the first place (only to find out that this is broken, too in the worst case) and _somehow_ make it back to your original destination.
Thankfully many places are becoming better at it all the time. Awareness and people that care can help
Yes to all of this! But also even if able bodied people DONT benefit from disability access it is still important to have it everywhere! We are the love we have for others, and even if there's way fewer disabled than abled people they still deserve everything!
That's what I keep saying all the time as an ambulatory wheelchair user since over 11 years now. Anyone can at any time become disabled, either short term or long term. We're also all born disabled, and even if not spending our entire life as disabled, we will become disabled again with old age.
Accessibility that works for someone with mobility aids, doesn't just benefit someone in a wheelchair, it also makes life easier for parents with young children, the traveler with heavy suitcases, the random person who's bringing their groceries home, the otherwise healthy clutz who took a tumble and sprained or fractured something, the elderly in our societies who are still able to and want to be independent.
And let's face it, even if you're not hauling around something heavy or not using mobility aids or anything, a lot of the time it can just feel nicer to walk up or down an approved, accessible ramp instead going up or down a flight of stairs.
Accessibility just simply helps everyone of all ages and all walks of life
One of those three sinks is a ostomy specific toilet! It's designed so that people with ostomy bags can empty their bags while standing, if they are able. Japanese disabled bathrooms having ostomy specific accommodations is incredible. I really wish that was a lot more common where I live.
As a permanent wheelchair user people stepping over me is my biggest annoyance, and people do it all the time. Just ask us to move if possible it's not that hard. Also I've been using a chair for most of my life and I still get guilty asking for help sometimes, I think it just comes naturally with how the world handles disability.
Wait, people stepped over you?! The nerve of them! There’s no common decency anymore.
tbh, I also wouldn't want to ask the disabled person to move, because I'd feel guilty if I have to ask someone that is already disabled to move their wheelchair... I'd rather inconvenience myself by squeezing or shimmy around the wheelchair, while softly saying "sorry, excuse me, I'm sorry".
@@DamonTorro Yeah I know that for a lot of people it comes from a good place, but for me at least it makes me feel a lot worse it makes me feel like I'm just an object that they have to crawl around. When you're in a movie theatre and you need to go to the washroom you ask the people by you if they can move so you can get by there shouldn't be any difference with a disabled person. The world treats us as an inconvenience, vaulting over us without saying anything doesn't really make us feel any better about that. If we aren't able to move we will let you know, then some people might be okay with you trying to get around them. I use a power wheelchair so it takes no effort for me to move you just have to wait a second. I can only speak from personal experience though, I'm sure some people don't mind it but it never hurts to just ask.
I haven't had this happen to me as someone else in a wheelchair but i can imagine it's annoying.
@@DamonTorro Would you ask an able-bodied person to move? What does “they’re already disabled” mean? Moving out of your way isn’t an inconvenience, and anyone who treats you like it is doesn’t deserve respect. This goes both ways, so in fact, I think not asking us to move is doing more harm than asking us would be, equality-wise.
I remember the time I broke a bone in Frankfurt. Since I couldn't speak German, I resorted to performing a bizarre pantomime in front of the doctor to explain that I had slipped and fallen. I also recall the moment of despair when, after finishing my pantomime, the German doctor started speaking in English.
I’m so glad you touched on how quickly a person with health and mobility can become disabled. I also appreciate your mentions of ‘medical tourism’, internalized ableism, and chronic pain. This disabled person with invisible illness is proud of you for sharing your experience in a mindful way. 💌
I'm disabled, so this is hella useful! Thank you!!!
Same, and i was just coming on to say similar.
My wife uses a power wheelchair do to a car accident in 1982, we are going to Japan this coming September 2024 coming by cruise ship. we have been planning this trip for a while and had to learn that Japan uses the term slop in stead of ramp, thanks for the WheeLog info that is something we had not heard about.
That's cool! I didn't know these existed until college when I knew someone who used a motor powered one. I'm so glad she can enjoy such a trip! Have a fun and safe one!
Be sure the cruise ship is notified in advance about her specific chair type and needs. I’ve seen a video on a handicapped person being turned away at the port for not doing this in advance.
The change from 'can't talk about what happened' to seeing the outfit and me going 'oh..I understand' made me giggle
I remember I wondered back then "I wonder why Emma isn't in this video..."
@@chadthunderfuckyeahwhich video?
Wait what?
@@astrowolvez it's a squid game outfit. netflix did a competition game series based on the actual series
@@aliddlebird Pretty sure it was the Tokyo Creative video "Exploring a Japanese Theme Park in KYOTO" where Emma just commentates. Makes sense now why.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when Emma breaks her foot in Tokyo, she makes content about accessibility living in Tokyo.
Only 5 minutes in and am stunned at the affordability and prices for even the CT scan there (said as an USA-ian)
As someone with a disability, I apperciate how much thought you put into this. Alot of Able-bodied people don't do that and treat us like second class citizens... so thank you. I am glad you are feeling better!!
"Mostly for old people... and for me!" I am chronically ill and that causes physical disability and this gave me a good chuckle as this is something I feel so often!
As someone who is legally blind, I will say that the train station support is godly.
The guidance is amazing. The only issue is that sometimes it takes some times to get everything planned so you don't always know how long you'll be spending in the train stations. But hey if you're not in a hurry at least it's very stress free.
Keep in mind that staff getting down on your level isn't just for when you're disabled, they will always do that when they need to talk to a client who is sitting.
You can see this happen in airport too. And other places.
The stations themselves don't always feel like the most accessible place though.
That's good to know, I think a lot of people in the West are a bit unsure of the etiquette when it comes to people in wheelchairs etc, it can feel like you're treating someone like a child if you don't take a seat yourself if possible. And I suppose particularly a lot of the old stations there were built in full expectation of making up for the architecture with a lot of great service staff.
Do they do it if you're short in general or do I just have to look up like normal?
I’ve been in a wheelchair many times due to a mobility issue and subsequent surgeries, as well as one time due to an injury. I was in Tokyo in a wheelchair at Narita airport and also at Tokyo Disneyland- Disney Sea. The rest of my time in Tokyo I was able to get around without assistance as my need for walking was limited. I found the Japanese people to be extremely helpful and polite, especially at Disney Sea. In the airport I was met at the plane by an employee with a wheelchair (set up in advance through the airline), and they took me through customs, all the way to my baggage pickup process. I had friends to manage my bags for me and was able to walk to our bus. At Disney Sea I rented a wheelchair (don’t remember the cost, but it was very reasonable), and I found it very easy to get around. My friends pushed me throughout, but one decided to hop on my lap without telling me. BAD IDEA! I actually ended up with a worsened injury. I didn’t tell her until well after the trip, I didn’t want her to feel bad. Otherwise, I had a great time. Staff made access very easy, communicating with a little green booklet they gave me to use at each ride, and even had an employee escort me and my small group to a special viewing area to watch the water show when they noticed me trying to watch from my chair.
Besides this, I’ve also been home, here in California, and experienced life in a wheelchair. NOT FUN, not even at Disneyland. You don’t realize until your in the situation, how hard it is to navigate hallways, doorways, thresholds, bathrooms, and even handicap accessible parking lots until you need to do it on your own in a wheelchair. Luckily, I could get up and transfer myself, and even move my chair through an area separately, then sit back down. And Disneyland is horrible in a wheelchair or mobility scooter. People cut in front of you like you aren’t there, causes you to stop suddenly to avoid hitting them, and things are going on above the level you’re at. And trying to navigate alone in Disneyland? I wouldn’t suggest it. I had blisters on my hands within hours as the distance and changing elevations made it very physically demanding. But someone pushing you in a crowd can be very nerve wracking too, especially when you get very close to other people or objects. Chairs pivot on a point below the center of your body, so a fast turn means your feet are swinging around very quickly, easily injured if you hit anything. Anyone helping you needs to know what they are doing; how to move, set the brakes, move the foot supports, take you over bumps or go down inclines (often easier and more comfortable to do in reverse/backwards), and deal with other people around you. And socializing is difficult if everything is happening a couple feet above you, and you just see butts and crotches all day. It’s nice when someone sits down next to you to chat. And don’t get me started on people who take disabled parking spots who are not handicapped.
Thank you for your insight, I've done disneyland/world in my mobility scooter amd it can be daunting to say the least. 🤦♀️ Going to tokyo/Disney at the end of august, and I've been so worried.
I’ve been in a wheelchair for one day in Disney World due to an injury in both my legs. I learned that whose pushing your chair is very important very quickly, some of my friends were questionable. I second people not really paying attention to you. My friends almost ran me into people multiple times because no one was willing to give way.
@@solarmoth4628this is why i always ask for an electric one, even with people you love and trust they will try and be playful or get distracted and you are at their mercy
I used to rent a mobility scooter to use at the theme parks in the US, as it's easier to get around, and saves my hubby pushing me in the heat.
This woman came up to me and exclaimed "Wow! You've got the right idea about how to get around in this heat! Wish I'd have thought of that!"
I said pardon me?? She repeated herself. I said I don't have a choice about being in this thing! If I could walk round the park, I would 🙄. I then got off the scooter to go into the toilets, using my cane (and limping). The look of horror on her face was something else! Why do people say things like that? It's so ignorant!
I had teenagers fall on top of me, as they were looking at their phones, and I got hit in the face with backpacks constantly! It wasn't pleasant at all. Parks in Europe are way better for folk with disabilities, in my experience
28:01 the ”feeling like an outsider in conversations” is so real. I’ve been in the wheelchair for 3 years and I thought I was the only one who felt like that :’D My mom is my main caretaker, and I’m always sitting there like🧑🦽, facing the wrong direction or a wall while she’s having a convo with someone else and it’s so akward to look back or crane my neck so I just act like I’m not there lmao, it also ”helps” that I don’t really get addressed since people mainly only talk to my mom instead of me 🗿
Thank you so much for this video, It’s going to be really helpful for wheelchair users who are interested in traveling to Japan 💖🐁 I was actually wondering about this exact topic last month and this video answered a lot of my questions :))
A blind RUclips person I follow (Molly Burke) had gone to Japan and she was blown away on how accessible it was for her! Thank you for sharing your experience but I don't think many people share on RUclips insights to what is like if are in a wheelchair. Sending you continued healing from Minnesota😺
If I'm not wrong one of the three sinks for the disabled bathrooms is for those that have a colostomy bag
Gotcha! Thanks for telling me, I was curious!
Agreed! Learned this from Greg on Life Where I'm From - he did a video on public toilets in Japan a little while ago. Very informative!
@@Nynke_K lol i wonder from where I got that info. and yeah, same. it's also from Life Where I'm From
That’s smart! I wish more bathrooms had that.
Yeah you are correct! I do have my bag now for almost 2 years and I wish the netherlands where I live has those sinks in the disabled rooms. Japan looks so modern when it comes to bathrooms.
I'm a full time wheelchair user.Thanks heaps for letting able bodied people understand what it's like with the challenges we face everyday being in a wheelchair. People would never understand till they face it themselves 🥰🙏
My son is 12 in wheelchair and I want to take him to Japan, so this is great thanks for posting this! He has an electric wheelchair but I’ve heard horrible things from airlines damaging them and it’s hard to basically loose your only way to get around upon arrival, so I think I might rent one when get there or get a cheaper electric chair on Amazon that folds up like a stroller not sure. I usually walk in front of my son when there is a big crowd and they never see him I have to say excuse me wheelchair or long wide load 🤣 it just amazes me that no one notices him, the amount of times people stop in front of him is the worse or step so close to him to get past. He is always honking the horn I have to say stop.. but he gets frustrated.. like hey I’m down here.
Hey Emma, I'm a doctor also from Australia. I am not an orthopod but I am quite surprised you were taken out of a cast for a talus fracture. I *think* it would be standard practice in Australia to be in a cast and/or have surgery, but obviously I haven't seen your scan. It would be very worthwhile to take your CT with you to Australia when you visit, but in reality the podiatrist won't be able to do a whole lot with it, and without going private you probably won't be seen in time by a public orthopod unless you're back in Australia for a while. If you have problems with pain while you're back home though, and you go via ED, then an ortho team will see you and can probably review your scans to give you an opinion, but I would hope you wouldn't need to go to ED for pain this far from your injury. Best of luck.
The way my mouth dropped when she said the doctor laughed at the idea of a cast… I was like “who the hell is this doctor???”
There are some fractures that heal with mobilization tho, so I don't think it's super scandalous that the doctor declined a cast 😅 I'm not an ortho doc either but my friend is and I've recently had some friends with fractures that didn't merit the cast which is what I'm basing this off.
@@for.tax.reasons Yeah but I'm guessing none of them were talar fractures. There are lots of things you can break that we wouldn't cast, or where immobilisation is generally counterproductive (take simple rib fractures for example). But I've never heard of a talar fracture not being immobilised or given surgical intervention.
Agreed!!
As a person who is fortunate enough to not have to allocate much energy when encountering these sorts of physical and social barriers, this was such an enlightening video. Lots of great perspectives and lessons for anyone watching to take seriously, whether in Japan or not.
I really appreciate the physical, mental, social, and creative effort that you put in to making this video to encourage more empathy in all your viewers’ hearts…especially mine!
Having broken the same bone in my ankle twice in 11 years, I know your pain. The crutches you were given were very outdated. It is a very painful journey and cold weather and damp can irritate the ankle. I hope that you are fully mobile soon. Take care 😊🫶❤️
I’m 3 seconds in and I needed this video so much, I’m a wheelchair user and I can’t walk very far but I’m solo travelling Tokyo and the surrounding areas! Public transport is really going to help me out I’m so happy that it’s so extensive and reliable
Same! As someone who recently caved and admitted that walking shouldn’t cause me pain and a wheelchair is beneficial this was my worry about ever going back to Japan
27:30 "It's very important to get consent... for any kind of wheelchair stuff" 😂😂😂
"My butt got so sore!"
Sorry to ruin the 69 likes on this
As someone who has chronic pain and a disability, this kinda thing is great to see somebody make a video about. I'm so sorry that you had to suffer such an injury though and I honestly hope you are able to get back to 100% in time. Thanks so much for sharing your experience though, I think it's really good for folks who've never experienced this sort of thing to learn about how it can be too. A lot of time people just don't listen to disabled folks about shit for whatever reason. I understand that guilt you were feeling, it's awful to go from fine to feeling like to you have to rely on people when you just want to do stuff and be independent and it's def hard when you feel like you aren't being treated with as much respect or whatever but you don't want to speak up too much either.
Anyway, I hope you feel better and thank you again for sharing this with us!
So glad you're on the mend, Emma! I had foot surgery (where the bones were INTENTIONALLY broken) a few years ago and it was some of the worst pain and horrible logistics for everyday life... So i feel your pain! I can't imagine having to hobble around a busy city like Tokyo... I could barely make it to the bathroom in the first 48 hours. You're so right though, crutches are EXHAUSTING.
Forearm crutches are muuuuch easier to use than axillary (armpit) crutches (they also make you arms looks buff af in no time!), but if you feel a wheelchair is best, then odds are that's the right choice.
Was about to go to sleep but guess I’m watching a 40 min video before i sleep.
Been there.
Oh you poor thing! I can completely relate to literally everything you've experienced because I badly broke my ankle 2 months ago and needed surgery. Managed to borrow a wheelchair and I went through all the same experiences 😅 I'll never forget crashing into the counter of a yarn store because I thought my husband was pushing me but turns out it was gravity. It's such a lot to go through and it's a real education. The worst access for me was the disabled toilet in the actual hospital (I live in Hungary but I'm British) and the staff had dumped 2 wheelchairs, a zimmer frame and a trolly in there, making it completely unusable lol 🤦♀️ but everyone here, the general public and the hospital staff have been a very positive experience, so kind and helpful. Sending you lots of recovery wishes for the months ahead. Thank you for sharing your story! It means a lot to have someone relate to what I've been through ❤
Great video! I have written a number of articles on barrier-free Japan for Tokyo Olympics… I also greatly appreciate the fact that many multiuse toilets in Japan have adult-sized changing tables… We need more of this in the US!!
This has been quite educational not just from a Japan perspective, thanks for sharing.
普段と違う生活はストレスたまると思いますがお大事に！それに誰も言及したこともない良い企画だと思います。
Emma, so sorry that happened. I broke my talus 30+ years ago. I really hope your foot fully heals and doesn't give you problems in the future. I know the pain you went through. Surgery and 2 screws put mine back together, but it still bothers me. (Feels like a permanent sprained ankle.) Make sure you see an orthopedic specialist if you're not satisfied with how you're progressing, and take rehab seriously. The whole "knowing when it's going to rain" thing because someone can "feel" it in their bones is no joke. You're young. Believe me, it doesn't get better. Good luck!! I really hope it never bothers you in the future!
P.S. love your videos, and was wondering why you hadn't posted as much. Looking forward to more videos. Thanks for all the hard work!
My mom has been in a wheelchair for a couple years now, and I'm hyper aware of accessibility issues now.
If you’re ever in a wheelchair again, gloves help a ton. I use bike gloves whenever I need to rent a wheelchair. It 1, eliminates the pain, and 2, improves your grip so you can maneuver better, especially up and down hills.
I’m sorry you had to experience so many of the negative parts of having a (temporary) disability, but it’s also really nice to hear your experiences as someone permanently disabled. It really is just like you’re describing. Every new interaction is another process of having to explain what’s okay or not because disabled people aren’t typically considered by society. The guilt is a constant struggle. But Tokyo sounds much more accessible than many cities.
I'm a full time disabled and walk with a stick & sometimes use a chair. We're planning our exciting first trip to Japan for the end of September - we've wanted to go for like 20 years! For me preparation is key, so videos like yours are truly invaluable ❤ Josh's website and book have been incredibly useful too 😊 I'm glad to hear you're doing better now ❤
This is probably the best description of what being in a wheelchair is like from my experience. Using a wheelchair is hard, people think wheelchair users are lazy but they just don’t know how much effort it takes to just exist in an able bodied world.
And yes guilt was the most prevalent emotion early on for me when getting my wheelchair. It’s very normal to experience that. It’s even harder when you know a chair will be in your future forever, at least to some capacity.
I hope you make a full recovery soon and hope the trip to Australia provides more insight of your ankle situation, I had an accident at work that injured my leg 3 years ago and it made it painful to walk and having physiotherapy really helped the pain go down, I wish you all the luck!🙏
I love that you made something so good and helpful for others out of an unfortunate situation you had ❤
Hello from Australia !! Been watching your content for a few years now. I broke my left calcaneus bone last year in January and i am still recovering. I had to have surgery and plate and 8 screws put in. I have a new appreciation for being able to walk again and not using crutches or knee scooter or omg having showers and going to the restroom. It was so nice to watch your video and have someone understand the stress, the pain and using crutches (the worst)! And the I guess loneliness/mental struggle that it takes on you not being able to do the things you love as easily with no pain or hindrance stopping you. Anyway thanks for sharing and hope your physiotherapy goes well
As a disabled person, you articulated this wonderfully. Glad to hear you’ve recovered but also happy you documented and filmed this!
disabled bathroom is the best thing ever, ive been using crutch for 4 years until now cause motorcycle accident, and i relate to all the things you said and ive amazed how hard it is for disabled people its open a new perspective and i really respect them more now (i respect them before but i dont know its that hard you should never underestimated how hard it is), anyways get well soon emma we will wait for your recovery and you know we love you
this was a super enlightening video - I really never thought about a lot of the etiquette you explained here, like the autonomy/don't grab a wheelchair without asking and making sure people in wheelchairs are included in conversation! Thank you and I hope you keep on healing up!
As a walking stick user this is the kind of content I've been looking for. I was able bodied when I went to Japan first time so I'm scared of accessibility this time round.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, I definitely understand your choice of going for a wheelchair!! Constantly having to lean to stand is exhausting and you never have your hands free *at all* while with a wheelchair you just can't move and do something else *at the same time*
Also, can relate to everything mobility aid related being aimed at elderly folks. It is ridiculously hard to find adaptive sports stuff etc (just to name an example). Because we all know there's only one way to be disabled right XD
Excellent! I'm disabled and recently got my first wheelchair. There really is a significant learning curve! You made some great points about etiquette and access. ❤ Any injuries can lead to some level of chronic pain and disability. Hope you can adjust to your new normal soon. 🍀
Thank you for accurately articulating and expressing many realities that wheelchair users often experience. I just got back from a great trip in Japan but there were times I was stressed and/or exhausted because of the many things you mentioned that my travel companions didn't understand and thought I was ruining the mood.
Feeling not disabled enough is definitely a thing! As well as the guilt when using services that are created exactly for people like you. It’s the internalized ableism. I still struggle with that even with “official” diagnoses. Wishing you well on your recovery.
I got a tibia stress fracture which could only be diagnosed with a CT scan. I had to be with crutches for 4 weeks, not being allowed to step on my leg. So I understand how exhausting crutches are! I would go to my kitchen to get some water only to realize that I cannot bring the glass of water back to my desk while holding the crutches 😂
I am glad that you’re better now, Emma! Take care!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I experienced some of these when my relative had knee surgery and I had to assist her. Things that were so simple before really got very complicated. This video gives a lot of perspective. So sorry to hear about what you went through, glad you're okay now.
Commenting again cause I finished watching but I had a back injury that left me bed ridden and temporarily disabled and I will always be grateful to have recovered and have the outmost respect and love for disabled people for putting up with a world that still makes things hard for them. I am now super hyper aware and help as much as I can if and when needed. I know this experience made you cry and humbled you even as humble as you already where, like it did with me ❤
Huh. The knee scooter is definitely something neat to have and I realized that it's exactly what one of my family did when they had a similar unfortunate foot injury.
But instead of buying an entire knee scooter thingy, they just repurposed an old computer chair and had the backrest removed. It's quite a hack, but it worked and they were happy to have it and used it to get around the house.
I broke my Talus 5 years ago. Ended up developing arthritis in that joint and having multiple surgeries.
Physiotherapy has really helped me over the years. Wishing you a consistent and steady healing journey 🙏💗
Thank you for posting this content, it is super helpful. It is a big concern of mine in travelling to Japan.
Being a part time wheelchair user (who can’t use her weak hands) makes me feel like I’m a toddler in a stroller. Everywhere I’d go people would look straight over me, people spoke to my ex-wife who was pushing me, instead of me, or if they spoke to me they would treat me like a toddler. I’m a 40 year old goth woman!
I hope your foot feels better soon!
I found this post to be very interesting. I fractured my ankle 2.5 months ago. I had the damage surgically repaired and have been wondering how long it will take before I am back to normal. I still have swelling and on days when I am on my feet for an extended period of time, I am finding that the swelling is pretty bad and I need to keep my foot elevated. Your post indicating that it may take me 7 months before I am pain- free has given me some guidance. I hope that you completely heal soon.
When I was in Japan I worked at a care facility and the first thing we did was a 2 weeks course on how to push a wheelchair. That was one of the most valuable and well spent time of my life
I have a family member who just recently became disabled and is now in a wheelchair. This was super helpful and will be applying what I learned here in my interactions with them. Thank you!
Your hair looks great.
This was clearly very heartfelt and I found it deeply moving. The way you expressed what you discovered and how you felt was incredibly eye-opening and I thank you for sharing.
I feel your pain and frustration, Emma! I tore my ATFL ligament with an ankle fracture a few years ago, and found myself in the same situation as you, unable to touch my foot to the ground, stuck in my apartment. I ended up with a wheelchair to get around, as crutches were just a nightmare. Wish I had a knee scooter! I'm glad you had some great friends around you to get you out of the house, and help you get around, and good to know that Tokyo has some good facilities as well 😊
Thank you for speaking so openly about your experience and also being respectful to us disabled people. Autonomy is hugely important - never touch a person's wheelchair without consent! I appreciate you sharing all this so much. I am late to this video, but I hope your ankle is continuing to improve. I hope you will be pain-free soon!
Thank you for this video. One thing I've told many is that you don't realize how limited the world is to the disabled until it affects you directly. My father was a wheelchair user for the last decade of his life. My family quickly learned what places were better suited for him. Those small curbs are the worst. So happy to hear that you're doing better. Continued success with your rehab.
Sorry you've had such a hard time. Sending a big hug from the UK 🤗💜
The way you spoke about the trains and accessibility reminded me of the manga Perfect (12 vol) which really opened my eyes to a lot of independence in being wheelchair bound. I only knew one person in middle school who used one, until I got to college and knew other people with them. Makes me glad i never geabbed the handles and just walked beside her to talk when I was little even though no one told me what to do. We just started a conversation one day after leaving the lunch room and just continued to talk until we parted ways 😂. I wish I remembered her name. Really taught me how somebody like that prefers being treated. Glad you're doing better! We definitely could do better making things accessible for people.
Hi wheelchair user here, the 3 sinks in the bathroom are: the main sink obviously, the small thin sink which is for emptying ostomy bags, and the smallish sink by the toilet, which is for washing your hands before touching your wheelchair, because its very gross to not be able to wash your hands after using the toilet and then having to touch either your wheels or your joystick to get yourself to the main sink.
I had a severe spinal injury in 2014 and ever since then suffer from mobility issues, so this was a great watch! I think it's really eye opening when you're an able bodied person suddenly put into a situation like this, because it forces a reality of living that so many people deal with every day. I see places with a lens of accessibility and *really* notice when somewhere is lacking in it. I wish it was talked about more often so more abled bodied people can understand a bit of the struggle :') thanks so much and I'm glad you're on the mend!
As part of the disability crew, I give you permission to use what you need for mobility and bathrooms. Very good info and thoughts on the experience. What you discribed is what a lot of people go through when they go into using mobility aids. I hope your foot heals soon. Keep with the physio and I agree seeing foot doc is a good idea.
I feel so seeeeen! Thank you especially for talking about the psychological/emotional aspects, especially in regards to feeling helpless and really needing to trust people you are with when they are helping you get around. Too many people (in my experience as a wheelchair user of almost 30 years) assume and don’t ask.
Nothing is worse than breaking a bone then having to use crutches/cane/wheelchair while also being on your period. I've broken my ankle twice and my back once. It's true that going to the bathroom is a whole ordeal and takes up too much time.
I sent 3 months on crutches after breaking my ankle and having two pins put in. Sadly the wheelchair was not offered to me. Got a good work out trying to live a normal life. I remember feeling the same guilt use disabled facilities. Do give yourself time with your recovery, if you don’t rush it you will hopefully recover and have no long lasting issues.
I lived in a 2 story house and when I broke my foot badly(had surgery and now have 2 plates and 5 screws in my foot) I lived downstairs for 2 months,using my butt to scoot up the stairs(45 minutes minute trip one way lol) to take showers. Luckily we had a walk in shower so I could hop into the shower and then sit on the shower chair. I agree with you that everything takes for ever and so much energy... I tried to vacuum on crutches,which I do not recommend ever! My partner at the time, worked insane hours so he was not able to help out. It was an interesting experience. So many stories that I do not want to bore you with.
Long story short, your experience so resonated with me,brought back a ton of memories lol Thanks for sharing your "fun time"
I'm going to Tokyo in August, and I'm a cane user, so I'm very thankful that you made this video! It's helpful to hear someone who lives there talking about accessibility!
Thank you for bringing up your own experience. I agree that it must feel scary when someone just grabbed your chair, even if it's your friends. It's about losing part of the controll of your movement that frightens me. And also that if it hadn't been your friends who grabbed the chair then it could have been any stranger.
Great video. My mum was in a wheelchair for a while and one thing that frustrated me (the pusher) to no end was that everyone that needed some information from her asked me and not her, like there was something wrong with her brain.
They do and it's ridiculous!! People don't realise it's the legs or whatnot that don't work, not the brain!
I was my mum's carer for two thirds of my life and I kept having to blank-faced point to her if they had a question I didn't know the answer to. Hopefully annoying.
Something I appreciate about where I live in Canada is that the trains and subway all have accessibility in mind. The subway has accessible seating and space in every car and is able to be boarded immediately without calling ahead. The larger diesel train has a dedicated accessibility coach on every single train that doesn't need to be alerted ahead of time and always has a conductor on board for any assistance or medical needs.
this was a fascinating video--I really appreciate you making this!! I've never been in a wheelchair nor taken care of a wheelchair using person, and I learned so much from hearing your experiences. The "wheelchair etiquette" is something I had never even thought about--of course, it makes perfect sense, but as someone who's never lived with one it was eye-opening. I'm so glad your foot has healed so much now, and I wish you the best in your continuing therapy! Also--can I just say your fashion is iconic and you slayed every look in this video ✨
thank you for sharing and educating us. It must have been such a tough time and yet humbling experience for you. Honestly would not have known all these facts if not for this video. The rent a wheelchair is a great tip for when i travel next with my mom so she doesn't have to stress herself walking. Speedy recovery, get well you talus , and big hugs to you Emma.
I can relate! A few years ago, I feel and broke my leg. I had surgery and then went home on crutches. Crutches are definitely exhausting, as you said. I couldn’t use a scooter because it was my leg that was broken. Luckily, I had someone to drive me to the doctor and grocery store (it was my right leg, so no driving). I used the automated sitting scooter in the grocery store, which was kind of fun! I met others on scooters and we swapped stories. They were always in worse shape than I was (torn ACL, etc). I can relate to the guilt part you mentioned. I had guilt after hearing their stories for using a scooter, but I had no other way to get groceries. The store was too big to use my crutches and I’d have no arms to push the cart if I did use my crutches. Like you said, it gets complicated. I lived alone, so I’d fall sometimes and bawled my eyes out because it was so hard to just get around and do everyday things. I’d finally get the strength to get up and go on. I wrapped a garbage bag around my leg and taped it on, sat on the side of the tub and swung around for showers. That felt so good. Thankfully, I never fell in there. I had to keep my leg raised most of the time so my leg wouldn’t swell and inhibit healing. For meals, I would prepare them, put them on a tray on the floor, use a belt I had tied around the handle and pull it into my living room (no place to sit in the kitchen). Soups were really hard! I finally healed after about six weeks and graduated to a boot, which was so much better than crutches. I did go to physical therapy for a few weeks after, too. Your muscles start to atrophy when you aren’t using them. I also have high arches and plantar fasciitis, so Birkenstocks are my best friend. With other shoes, firm inserts always work better for me. I’m glad I went through the experience now, but it was hard and forever changed my outlook on disability and my independence. Thanks for sharing your journey. I would have been terrified to do some things you did!
Now I know why you don’t upload your usual kind of videos for quite a while. Thank you for sharing this video. I used to be in a similar situation before and used crutches but in another country, and soon I will start pushing my mum on a wheelchair here in Tokyo. So it was helpful.
I know that recovering processes can be slow and stressful. But I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you and looking forward to your future adventures sooner.
Great vlog!
Sharing your learning is always a good idea, and it really often takes you yourself suffering some sort of injury, that "disables" you (even if its jus temporarily) to fully understand just how hard it can be having any sort of movement disability/restraints.
It gives you a very different perspective on how you act yourself, on the way surroundings are designed to accomodate fx disabled or elderly people and equips you somehow to be a better support for those, who need it.
I've watched you over the years and I've never been more impressed. This vid was great. Thank you for sharing your exploration of disability/injury. I'm sure people will find it helpful traveling to Japan, but I also hope that it helps able people see how disparate their perspective is compared to someone who spends their life with mobility aids. You do great work Emma, it's very much appreciated. I hope your pain dissipates with time.
This is sooo relatable 5 years ago, developed chronic pain still no diagnosis but the first 2 year was bed bound on bad day, then walking stick on bad day was a BIG BIG shock to the system!! Thanks for sharing this. It's good to have these things highlighted Xx
Glad you’re on the road to recovery - also, I LOVE your new glasses. They look fab on you!
Seeing you talk about this with such raw transparency reminded me of my own injury from several years ago (that continues to affect my mobility) was so unexpectedly emotional. You exactly captured so many aspects of how frustrating disabilities can be. I'm sorry you had to experience it, and I'm so glad you've healed!
Thank you for sharing this personal story. Yes, you are totally right, people need to ask permission first.
Talking about the guilt aspect of having an injury, I actually had a bad experience with it when I graduated high school. I tore my meniscus in my knee (right after the last day of school) and ended up going to a camp for church. We stayed at a church retreat but only really stayed for the facilities. We would go out into the communities and volunteer all day. Because the campus we stayed on for this was full of huge hills and I was using crutches full time, it would take me forever to get places. So the camp had a little golf cart that was supposed to be for staff and anyone that needed assistance in getting places within the campus.
Unfortunately, the ladies in charge of it often made me feel bad for using it and went as far as to say comments like, I can't understand why you don't just try walking on your leg. I got so frustrated I just gave up and my little sister and best friend (honestly so thankful for her and my best friend) ended up giving me so many piggy back rides so I wouldn't feel left out, or to get across the street or up the many, many steep stairs that lead to the cafeteria every day. I also felt really stupid and like I wasn't allowing myself to heal quicker and actually pushed my recovery by the end of the trip by refusing to use my crutches. It was a bad decision and I now have arthritis in that knee.
Sorry, just thought that I could understand a little bit of the frustration of having to deal with leg/foot injuries. I know it's not the same. I give props to those who have to deal with stuff like that regularly.
Your makeup and whole look is super pretty 🤩 those colours are so perfect!
Also it’s so great that you’ve made an accessibility video, I’m sure all the information will have helped people worried about travelling in Tokyo. I have an invisible disability and It’s so helpful having videos to check situations out, it helps you organise your thoughts and plans
The three sinks have the following purposes:
#1 For cleaning assistive devices for people with bowel and other disabilities (deep sink)
#2 For wheelchair users
#3 For caregivers
This was interesting. The chain reaction of ‘incidents’ you went through matches the learning curve I went through becoming disabled - a whole new world and viewpoint on how hard it is to get around until you and your friends/family know enough of the tips. You always need to think ahead, or you get caught out. It’s an education.
Oh, and the guilt thing - yup.
Glad you are feeling better. And turned a minor yet stressful inconvenience into an informative video!
Oh my I hope you are healing well 💝 I was wondering where you were. Thank you for the update 💝
As a full time wheelchair user, electric and self propelled. I understand all of your experiences. I wish more places were wheelchair accessible. I'm in Scotland. Local buses are accessible but between cities it's rare, but for me buses are free where as trains are costly. We're lucky to have an electric bus service that has lifts onto the bus. And I can book the space online which is amazing.
I very much agree on the loneliness of being in a self propelled wheelchair and folks just not talking to you/talking behind you. In my electric I can insert myself and roll beside people. I can hold my husbands hand again in the electric too which is honestly soo nice to be able to do.
People definitely often don't understand the life of being a wheelchair user without the experience.
Id love to go to Japan, but because my condition is varying some days I can walk a few feet other I can't do anything.
I also learnt not to always trust Google maps/ places that say they are accessible after being burnt in Glasgow. "We're accessible". Through another business, requiring a manager key to use the lift to go up two stories. Another was round the back between the bins and my electric wheelchair wouldn't have gotten up the kerb so I was lucky to have been in my self propelled knowing the possibility of it being an issue.
Here it's plan and plan again for going places. Also having a backup plan always helps.
Get well soon Emma! I also experienced the same incident buy my food landed sideways. Pain is temporary!
13:12 I used crutches for a long time for my disability and they were better than nothing, but a wheelchair has been life changing for the amount of freedom and comfort I have
Get well soon. I had knee broken similar way, and can share experience as former in Germany. For physiotherapy you need to put a lot of work and in is long and painful process. Take care and be safe. Much love ❤️
I get weirdly happy seeing other people talk about their injuries and disability because I’ve been dealing with a crushed knee joint (tibial plateau) for nearly 8 months now and it’s just no joke. Also, seeing people walking around taking their knees and mobility for granted gives me so much anxiety that they’re gonna get injured like I did. Just fun things. But on a positive note I am finally more or less able to walk short distances inside my home without crutches and it is so freeing 😭😭😭
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I do sit in a wheelchair for nearly 30 years now and find it always very interesting to hear "newcomers" experiences. You mentioned there is mostly "only" one elevator at each station. Did you experience any defect ones as well? In Germany I am glad to see an elevator at a station but they are broken many times when I want to travel