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

Independence is Keys

Independence has always been key for me. From a very early age,my mother stressed how important it was to be independent. She wanted me to live as independently as I could. when I was little being independent was not always easy. However, I was also stubborn.

At the age of seven, I underwent hip repair to fix the way my legs were turning in. That operation left me in a body cast for six weeks. Just like every other seven-year-old, I hated being immobile and unable to do anything. So, I found ways to cope with it. c

Today, I am the exact same way. When I found out my Cerebral Palsy was getting worse, I was devestated. But only for a little while. I have never been one to settle on something I wasn't happy with. I sought the help of a new neurologist, and have gone back to physical therapy. This is only my first week, and it has been really brutal.

I won't lie and say that I don't cry when things get hard. But tears are shed for more than one reason, too. When I was finally able to cross a street by myself a few Weeks ago, that was a small victory towards independence. And when I can lift my leg a little higher each therapy session that is another. So, I try to focus on small victories, instead of all the things I have been forced to quit doing.

How do you deal with new, limitations? Do you just give in, or fight to regain your independence?