Another Graduation!

Today was my last day of Occupational Therapy. I didn't feel quite as connected with that group as I did with the PT crew, but I will miss Holly for sure! So there are a few things I  have learned through my experience with Occupational Therapy.  One of the most important things I learned was that I do not take enough breaks for the amount of time I spend on this computer. That being said, I started using a timer on my phone to keep myself on a schedule.

Secondly, I've learned that it is perfectly okay to say "I need help with this" when it comes to doing chores during a flare up. Whether the flare up is in my legs, or in my CTS, I need to learn to  say I need help. Believe it or not, that is the hardest thing for me to do. I am always very independent, and when I have to ask for help, I feel like I'm troubling someone or whatever. I'm trying to change that, slowly.

After the initial review, Danielle (my primary therapist) let me cook fried potatoes. But, they have an electric range, and I didn't know how to use any of it! It threw me off for a bit, and almost caused me a grease burn. Thankfully, that didn't happen. The potatoes turned out really well, too! I probably needed a bigger pan, but I did what I could with what I was given.

The last thing I was given was some stronger theraputty, and a certificate! I'm looking forward to having more progress as things go forward, and I am hoping you guys are keeping up with me. Come share your stories!

A Big Step in a Positive Direction

(From Saturday, June 9, 2012) 


When you're dealing with Cerebral Palsy, you often have to deal with things that most do not. Things that may not be a big deal to some are huge deals for you. One of those things for me is t he ability to cross the street, which I lost a few years ago after nearly being hit by a car when I had the right away. 

For the first time in five years, I was able to cross the street that has been plaguing me, by myself, without my friends holding my hand. I had to use the walker, but I guess that's okay. I tend to think of the walker as a smaller version of a power chair. You see those all the time with people getting across the street. The walker's just a bit more primitive. 

So I've gotten used to the fact that this is h ow i cross the street. I look forward ot a time where I learn the bus schedule. ^^ That is my next step in independence.

The Proof is In Practice

There is a lot to tell you guys. The first thing is that I had my first Occupational Therapy session yesterday. I've been put on a strict typing schedule where I must take breaks. This supposedly to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. I tried it last night, and you know what?  It actually did work! Amazing, right? 

The second thing I needed to say is that I had a major therapy breakthrough with Emily! Emily has been having me work on my balance by practicing on these domes that are upside down so that they tilt. I will try and get you guys a picture tomorrow when I go into therapy. Anyway, I managed to get across them not once, but twice, barely holding on to anything. 

These two things are just the tip of the iceberg for me. Later when I got home, Mom remarked that she noticed a marked difference in my walking around the house. That means t hat whatever is going on in Therapy, it's working. 

However, that landmark at therapy was hard to take yesterday without my mom being there to witness it herself. I know it sounds crazy, but my mother has been there for me for 31 years, and we have gone through hell and back together between all our difficulties.  And it would have been nice to have her there in therapy with me just yesterday. It figures the one time I have this kind of breakthrough, she had to be at an appointment. That's life, though. She does have to take care of herself, too. She's no good to me if she's not healthy, and vice versa, if you know what I mean. 

So the next few weeks of practice and therapy, and exercise are going to be crucial. This could very well be my last four week session with Physical Therapy. And as sad as I am about it, I'm also happy. This means that I have no more need for it, and it has served it's purpose. I have made great improvements, and have adjusted my lifestyle to suit my new situation, so everything I have hoped to accomplish in therapy so far has come to fruition. Now, it's time to put things into action. 

I want to thank everyone who have continually read this blog. Even if you've never left a comment, or talked to me about it in person, it still means the world to know that I am somehow helping someone else cope. 

Heather

Another Small Acheivement!

Today, I did something I thought would be impossible for me without one of those Renew bands that are selling all over the place. I balanced on a wobbling board. That's right. I actually kept my balance for 42 seconds on a surface that tilted.

Still can't do one foot, or walk backwards without feeling awkward. But let's not focus on that! Today has inspired me to inspire you. When you're going through physical therapy, it's unrealistic to believe you will magically wake up and be able to do everything you used to do the same way you used to do it. It sometimes takes time, or adaptations before you can get your independence back.

Each of us dealing with our difabilities have to remember that they come with different challenges. Learning how to get past your individual challenges is what's important. Never ever consider the fact that someone else is progressing through therapy faster than you. Sometimes, that's how it is. We all have to adopt different behaviors to fix what's not right for us.

I don't want to say "normal". Normal is also a word that is thrown around far to often. We're normal. We're a different normal. What's normal for us may seem strange to others, and vice versa.

Okay, now that I've digressed far enough let me get back to my point. My point is that every small acheivement is only a building block of your whole overall goal. That doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate it, though! When you reach a goal such as being able to balance or figure out how best to manuver with a cane on your own, find a small way to reward that. Although, for me? Being able to balance was good enough of a reward,