Disabilities: Added incentive to tickle/be tickled?

[sadi]

Reading through a recent thread, (T&L, you are AWESOME! :super_hap) it struck me how many people on here have an 'extra' hurdle to overcome in their everyday lives (be that physical, emotional, or mental), and it got me wondering... Does anyone here have a disability, and do you think that's affected your view of 'tickling' (be it giving or receiving)?
Only if you feel comfortable, I'm very curious to know any (additional) reasons people are 'into' this thing and would love to see another's views.

I'll go first.
Though my shockingly sophisticated vocabulary may indicate otherwise, I have a disability: a brain injury. Getting technical, I have ABI (acquired brain injury), or TBI (traumatic brain injury), resulting from taking on - and beating - YEAAA! :cool - an SUV that T-boned me almost seven years ago.

Long story short, my brain was deprived of oxygen for over thirty minutes (kind of huge, considering you can die from only a few minutes deprivation); jaws of life required to extricate me from the car; diaphragm ruptured; in a coma for 3 weeks; had to literally learn everything again (i.e. had to be 'told' how to swallow, I was like a newborn), and a bunch of other stuff that's boring.

From all this crap, my life was micro-managed down to the minute (if not the second), for years, trying to reintegrate me into 'normal-day' living. Being unable to brush my own hair, (let alone remember to do so :blush) I had no control over my life, it seemed. Needless to say, I wanted something where I had the power to do what I want - and make others do what I wanted, giving me a major rush! :lol So I came on here. Thus begins my role as a 'ler. Because ... 'I have the power!' *beats to an old tune start playing in my head*

Also, understandably getting frustrated with things (and depressed 🙁), this offers one of the best, fastest 'pick-me-ups' I've found thus far. And all drug-free! 😀 (Not to say drugs can't help this, either. 😉)

If this accident didn't happen to me, I don't think I ever would have come on here, or explored or opened up at all about this hidden 'interest' of mine.



So... I was wondering if anyone else here would like to share how their 'different' abilities has affected their involvement in the tickling society...?

 

[TicklishBlackGuy]

I really don't know if these will count as disabilities but I will give this a whirl. When I was first born, I was born with a broken collar bone and a hole in my lungs, not having very long to live at all. Thankfully they were able to revive me and here I am today. I suffer from chronic depression as well, which makes it hard on me to look at myself an others all the time in a clear light. Tickling has always been a way for me to express myself, I feel when I am tickled (which is super rare) that the depression melts. I learn not to beat myself up, not to let the hurt in my heart control me, and just let go. So I hope this kinda counts, if not, i'm happy to those who have beaten it and I love you all for it. You all are strong

 

[Ticklish&InLove]

My hearing loss, seizures/migraines and being abused by my mother all led me to want control over my life. Letting go of that is very difficult fir me, but tickling provides a fun way to surrender control. Don't know if you had this type of scenario in mind, but hope it answers your question! 🙂

BTW - SadistcTklr,!YOU are pretty awesome yourself! 😉

 

[Ticklish&InLove]

I really don't know if these will count as disabilities but I will give this a whirl. When I was first born, I was born with a broken collar bone and a hole in my lungs, not having very long to live at all. Thankfully they were able to revive me and here I am today. I suffer from chronic depression as well, which makes it hard on me to look at myself an others all the time in a clear light. Tickling has always been a way for me to express myself, I feel when I am tickled (which is super rare) that the depression melts. I learn not to beat myself up, not to let the hurt in my heart control me, and just let go. So I hope this kinda counts, if not, i'm happy to those who have beaten it and I love you all for it. You all are strong

TicklishDragon8 - Just for the record, I think anyone who works through depression must have incredible strength and perseverance of spirit. My husband has battled it off and on due to neurology and I felt with it due to a psychological response to abuse when I was younger. So I understand where you are coming from. You, Sir, are more than just a survivor, your love of tickling reveals a spirit full of playful creative joy to offer to the world! And THAT is one truly AMAZING person to be!

 

[AiritheDestoyer]

I was born prematurely because my mother was very ill. I suffered from hydrocephalus, aka water on the brain, which they aren't sure if that led to my form of cerebral palsy or if I was just that lucky, ha. But because my left side is weak and lacking motor skills, making me significantly weaker than almost everyone, I found my way to tickling to try and even the playing field. Because apparently everyone I know is really ticklish, so I win?

But as I've gotten more into being a ler and the more evil side, my cerebral palsy can be a hindrance as I can't use both hands to tickle... though I'm told I'm still pretty ruthless....

 

[TicklishBlackGuy]

TicklishDragon8 - Just for the record, I think anyone who works through depression must have incredible strength and perseverance of spirit. My husband has battled it off and on due to neurology and I felt with it due to a psychological response to abuse when I was younger. So I understand where you are coming from. You, Sir, are more than just a survivor, your love of tickling reveals a spirit full of playful creative joy to offer to the world! And THAT is one truly AMAZING person to be!

daww thanks TL

 

[TKLVR181]

Before I start, lemme just give all you guys who've said something in here mad props. It's hard to come out with this stuff, I know, I've done it a few times, so nice job. And dragon, as a one-time sufferer of suicidal depression, I can say without a doubt that it completely counts.

Next I need to give props to the community at large. I've been here since '05, and aside from the occasionally awkward conversation with a disappointed foot fetishist, I've NEVER been made to feel bad when I explain my disability. People find out, are somewhat surprised, and don't treat me ANY different. Thank you guys, so much for making *me* feel welcome, not just some mask I have to put on to feel like I fit in.

Now to my own circumstances. When I was born I had a hole in my lower back and part of my spine was (ick), hanging out of my body, therefor I had massive nerve damage. The doctors managed to put me back together (with a new form of back closure--somewhere in the southern US there's a series of textbooks with my infant backside in them because it was such a good job they put it in a textbook xD).

I also was born with hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, and had a shunt tube placed at birth. This is a tube and pump put in my head to keep the fluid drained because my body doesn't do it on it's own. Since then I have had it replaced twice, once when I was 7 and it slowed due to blockage, and once a few years ago because it had gotten infected (Not. Fun. ._.)

At birth, they told my mother I would be unable to dress myself in the morning due to brain damage. I would never speak and basically be a vegetable. My family, largely my grandmother, didn't listen and taught me to read, dress myself, etc, like all kids are taught. I learned. I just got my bachelor's degree--take that, surgeons 😛

I have had other surgeries in the past, everything from fixing the club feet I was born with to enlarging my bladder surgically because I was having spasms--the double brain surgery a few years ago (One to take the shunt tube out and put an external drain in while the antibiotics fixed me and another to insert a new shunt ten days later).

I've also suffered from situational depression when, at the age of 13, I was taken from my small hometown I've lived in all my life to a big city where I was the disabled virgin girl who'd never tried drugs--and ostracized and bullied because of it. I was never beaten up--I was fast 😛 I was teased mercilessly, but I managed to come out of it without ever trying drugs or letting a guy (or hell, girl 😛 ) bully me into taking my virginity. When I was old enough I moved out of my mothers' and into my grandmothers, where Senshi and I still are today.

That's where TT came in. Even though I was back with my old friends in my senior year of high school, and they treated me like they always had (I will always be grateful to them for this), I was still in a little bit of shell shock from having to close myself off emotionally for years to protect my feelings of self worth, which were dwindling none the less. TT found me a place I could be playfully aggressive and fit in. I was all 'ler back then. I had always had the butterfly feeling when I'd seen people tickle each other, but it scared me so I'd avoided it-to find out it was somewhat normal to have these feelings was, as everyone here pretty much knows, amazing.

It took me a long time to come to terms with my 'lee side. I'd spent so long building up walls of indifference and stoicism that to let them down, to open myself up like that and risk being mocked more, was terrifying. It took a lot of people a lot of time with me to help me not be afraid anymore. I still suffer with it occasionally--I'll get the need to prove myself as a 'ler, or the feeling that if I let somebody 'ler me without putting up a fight I'll be seen as a weakling. A few instances of people being playful and me taking it bad, a few long nights of staring at myself in the mirror over this, and more than a few reassurances or 'talks' with friends from here, and that isn't nearly as much of a problem as it once was.

So yes, my life circumstances definitely changed the way I ler and lee--but I wouldn't change THAT for the world! I'm happy with who and how I am. The risk/reward I get when I 'lee, when I'm afraid somebody's going to laugh at me but instead they make me feel normal, is totally and completely worth it. As for lerring, it's nice to feel in control, especially with people who know my disability and still 'fear' me anyway. So again, thank you to all my friends on here--you've changed my life for the better ^_^

~K

 

[TicklishBlackGuy]

Before I start, lemme just give all you guys who've said something in here mad props. It's hard to come out with this stuff, I know, I've done it a few times, so nice job. And dragon, as a one-time sufferer of suicidal depression, I can say without a doubt that it completely counts.

Next I need to give props to the community at large. I've been here since '05, and aside from the occasionally awkward conversation with a disappointed foot fetishist, I've NEVER been made to feel bad when I explain my disability. People find out, are somewhat surprised, and don't treat me ANY different. Thank you guys, so much for making *me* feel welcome, not just some mask I have to put on to feel like I fit in.

Now to my own circumstances. When I was born I had a hole in my lower back and part of my spine was (ick), hanging out of my body, therefor I had massive nerve damage. The doctors managed to put me back together (with a new form of back closure--somewhere in the southern US there's a series of textbooks with my infant backside in them because it was such a good job they put it in a textbook xD).

I also was born with hydrocephalus, or water on the brain, and had a shunt tube placed at birth. This is a tube and pump put in my head to keep the fluid drained because my body doesn't do it on it's own. Since then I have had it replaced twice, once when I was 7 and it slowed due to blockage, and once a few years ago because it had gotten infected (Not. Fun. ._.)

At birth, they told my mother I would be unable to dress myself in the morning due to brain damage. I would never speak and basically be a vegetable. My family, largely my grandmother, didn't listen and taught me to read, dress myself, etc, like all kids are taught. I learned. I just got my bachelor's degree--take that, surgeons 😛

I have had other surgeries in the past, everything from fixing the club feet I was born with to enlarging my bladder surgically because I was having spasms--the double brain surgery a few years ago (One to take the shunt tube out and put an external drain in while the antibiotics fixed me and another to insert a new shunt ten days later).

I've also suffered from situational depression when, at the age of 13, I was taken from my small hometown I've lived in all my life to a big city where I was the disabled virgin girl who'd never tried drugs--and ostracized and bullied because of it. I was never beaten up--I was fast 😛 I was teased mercilessly, but I managed to come out of it without ever trying drugs or letting a guy (or hell, girl 😛 ) bully me into taking my virginity. When I was old enough I moved out of my mothers' and into my grandmothers, where Senshi and I still are today.

That's where TT came in. Even though I was back with my old friends in my senior year of high school, and they treated me like they always had (I will always be grateful to them for this), I was still in a little bit of shell shock from having to close myself off emotionally for years to protect my feelings of self worth, which were dwindling none the less. TT found me a place I could be playfully aggressive and fit in. I was all 'ler back then. I had always had the butterfly feeling when I'd seen people tickle each other, but it scared me so I'd avoided it-to find out it was somewhat normal to have these feelings was, as everyone here pretty much knows, amazing.

It took me a long time to come to terms with my 'lee side. I'd spent so long building up walls of indifference and stoicism that to let them down, to open myself up like that and risk being mocked more, was terrifying. It took a lot of people a lot of time with me to help me not be afraid anymore. I still suffer with it occasionally--I'll get the need to prove myself as a 'ler, or the feeling that if I let somebody 'ler me without putting up a fight I'll be seen as a weakling. A few instances of people being playful and me taking it bad, a few long nights of staring at myself in the mirror over this, and more than a few reassurances or 'talks' with friends from here, and that isn't nearly as much of a problem as it once was.

So yes, my life circumstances definitely changed the way I ler and lee--but I wouldn't change THAT for the world! I'm happy with who and how I am. The risk/reward I get when I 'lee, when I'm afraid somebody's going to laugh at me but instead they make me feel normal, is totally and completely worth it. As for lerring, it's nice to feel in control, especially with people who know my disability and still 'fear' me anyway. So again, thank you to all my friends on here--you've changed my life for the better ^_^

~K

you are a blessing of inspiration my dear friend 🙂

 

[Senshi1]

I don't have any diagnosed disabilities to speak of, but I will make a point I think is interesting about how somebody else's disability shaped my fetish experiences:

I never had a foot fetish as such, but I used to like foot tickling every bit as much as upperbody tickling. When I got together with Karen, as you know, she can't feel her feet, so footplay is absolutely redundant and something we never indulged in. The interesting part is that, in response to this, over the years my sexual preferences have adapted to this, and now feet and foot tickling do pretty much nothing for me at all.

I mean I'm not complaining or anything, I don't mind it at all - but seeing as all of my experiences with Karen involve being above the knees, I've gotten to the stage where that's all I want. So you can be changed by a disability even if it's just in close proximity to yourself. 🙂

 

[sadi]

I don't have any diagnosed disabilities to speak of, but I will make a point I think is interesting about how somebody else's disability shaped my fetish experiences:

I never had a foot fetish as such, but I used to like foot tickling every bit as much as upperbody tickling. When I got together with Karen, as you know, she can't feel her feet, so footplay is absolutely redundant and something we never indulged in. The interesting part is that, in response to this, over the years my sexual preferences have adapted to this, and now feet and foot tickling do pretty much nothing for me at all.

I mean I'm not complaining or anything, I don't mind it at all - but seeing as all of my experiences with Karen involve being above the knees, I've gotten to the stage where that's all I want. So you can be changed by a disability even if it's just in close proximity to yourself. 🙂

That is amazing, Senshi. And SOOO positive, to boot! That one can be changed positively from a disability, regardless your situation (quote unquote "normal", or differently abled, too).

I really don't know if these will count as disabilities but I will give this a whirl. When I was first born, I was born with a broken collar bone and a hole in my lungs, not having very long to live at all. Thankfully they were able to revive me and here I am today. I suffer from chronic depression as well, which makes it hard on me to look at myself an others all the time in a clear light. Tickling has always been a way for me to express myself, I feel when I am tickled (which is super rare) that the depression melts. I learn not to beat myself up, not to let the hurt in my heart control me, and just let go. So I hope this kinda counts, if not, i'm happy to those who have beaten it and I love you all for it. You all are strong

It counts, as no matter the time, people don't 'normally' pop out with those issues to have to deal with, which I'm sure has affected how you view/live life (or how others have treated you, thus affecting how you live life). As for your emotions affect your 'ability' to function in life and, I'm so glad you've found refuge here. :happy: Simply being able to state that you struggle with that issue is a huge stepping stone in the right direction. Now... just need a few tickle sessions (or more) to remedy that fact. 😉

As for TAIL, 😱 Shanks! :super_hap Though different, I'd say it could fall under here, for sure. I'm very glad you feel comfortable enough on here to be open about 'everything' about you, and get the snot tickled out of you to boot. 😉 (This also goes for Karen, [TKLVR] whom I seem constantly indebted to, for your constant: inspiration, bubblyness, eloquence and positivity you share with everyone!)

Airi, I had NO idea you had any 'different' way of viewing things, as you successfully unnerve me to no end!

 

[TicklishBlackGuy]

That is amazing, Senshi. And SOOO positive, to boot! That one can be changed positively from a disability, regardless your situation (quote unquote "normal", or differently abled, too).



It counts, as no matter the time, people don't 'normally' pop out with those issues to have to deal with, which I'm sure has affected how you view/live life (or how others have treated you, thus affecting how you live life). As for your emotions affect your 'ability' to function in life and, I'm so glad you've found refuge here. :happy: Simply being able to state that you struggle with that issue is a huge stepping stone in the right direction. Now... just need a few tickle sessions (or more) to remedy that fact. 😉

As for TAIL, 😱 Shanks! :super_hap Though different, I'd say it could fall under here, for sure. I'm very glad you feel comfortable enough on here to be open about 'everything' about you, and get the snot tickled out of you to boot. 😉 (This also goes for Karen, [TKLVR] whom I seem constantly indebted to, for your constant: inspiration, bubblyness, eloquence and positivity you share with everyone!)

Airi, I had NO idea you had any 'different' way of viewing things, as you successfully unnerve me to no end!

yes a couple of tickle sessions would be nice, and yes it is hard, because one day i could be fine, then at any moment, i could really sad and down. Some people think i do it for attention and that's never the case. Sometimes i wish i had more tickle sessions to help relax me better, especially when depression hits

 

[TKLVR181]

(This also goes for Karen, [TKLVR] whom I seem constantly indebted to, for your constant: inspiration, bubblyness, eloquence and positivity you share with everyone!)

Nah you do to me too much honor Sadi :> The bubblyness and positivity I share with everyone I was given first when I came here a shy, withdrawn scared girl. YOU guys are the ones who rock!

~K

 

[Ticklish&InLove]

As for TAIL, 😱 Shanks! :super_hap Though different, I'd say it could fall under here, for sure. I'm very glad you feel comfortable enough on here to be open about 'everything' about you, and get the snot tickled out of you to boot. 😉 !

Being ruthlessly tickled is a delight I savor, sadistctcklr, especially from a tickler as merciless as you claim to be! 😉