Invisible disability

Apr 20, 2011

 I have an invisible disability that I call attention to because I use a service dog.  There are times like today when I begin to question whether the benefit of having him is worth all of the discrimination that I get because of him from places where I shouldn't feel discriminated against. My doctor's office.  I go to a community health center that has everything from social workers, nurse practioners, foot care specialist, dietitions your name we have access ot it through the health center.  However lately I am being made to feel like I have no right to be there with Phoenix.  Today I had an appointment with my social worker.  I get there the already tiny waiting room is crowded check in and go to find a seat haven't even had a chance to put my health card away and already it has started.  Another patient gives Phoenix and I a dirty look and right away excuse me I am afraid of dogs you need to move.  I calmly explain that this is the only place to sit and he is a service dog and has every right ot be there.  The othe patient is curtious Oh Ok, then could you hold on to him so I can move.  Sure no problem not a big deal.  Still havne't had time to get my health card away let alone get Phoenix tucked in and under my chair when the Nurse is on me saying we need you to move you are in the way of a doctor who is terrified of dogs.  Please keep in mind this has all happened in a matter of 2 minutes.  I am also sitting in one of the few chairs that don't have arm rests so I am actually comfortable.  I tell the nurse give me a minute and Phoenix will be tucked in and out of the way.  Nope we are told to move (health card still isn't in my wallet)  Well of course this sets off a panic attack.  This isn't the first time this has happened.  We were there yesterday for another appointment and people had to ask me where Phoenix was because he was tucked so well under the chairs the doctor who is terrified of dogs walked right past him without any issues.
Because of the panic attack I had to leave the situation,  thankfully my social worker came and got me outside and I was able to have my appointment.  which now instead of disscussing my progress with my anxiety treatment plan is now spent disscussing the current situation.  I totally get that people are scared of dogs i understand that I am scared of things too, some to the point that if in the pressance I go into a paralyzing panic attack so I get fears all too well.  It is always the same nurse that is making me feel like I am not welcome there and she is a great person I just don't understnad where this is coming.  The receptionists have a habit that if the doctor or nurse practitioner i am seeing isn't in for some reason on a day when I have an appointment they schedule me with the doctor who is terrified of dogs and do not tell me.  Then when I get there I am asked to leave Phoenix in the waiting room.  This is just not acceptable I have every right to be there and to be treated with respect the same as any other person.  Just because I have an invisible disability does not mean I am the scum of the earth since I have a service dog.  

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