After an argument with my mother yesterday. I have finally realised after so my years that I have been depending on her my whole life and it can't go on this. All this while I been lying to myself that one day I will be able to walk like all the normal kids and I then can go out. But that sadly l realised it just not the way it goes. So I want to go out and explore the world so what if I am disabled I should just learn to Adapt. My disability is not going to go away if I just stay at home. So I would like advice from the more experienced people on how to adapt to the outside world like taking the bus, opening doors, going for a movie or going shopping all by myself I want to learn how to do all this and more while I use my crutch. So please help, all advice, no matter how small it is, would be helpful.

THANKS IN ADVANCE :wave:

Adaptation really is a "mind over matter" thing. But the good news is you've been adapting all your life-- you probably just don't realize it. You're right, your CP is not going anywhere. Now is the time to come to grips with that and get on with life! How old are you? What type of CP do you have? If you want to be truly functionally independent, you need to first be very honest with yourself about what you can and cannot do on your own. Make a list of the things that are hard for you to do independently. If you post it here, maybe all of us can help you find ways to adapt some of those activities. If you use only one crutch, chances are you are a lot less functionally limited than you realize. You just need to get creative!

For example, I have diplegia. I walk with two crutches outside of my house, and also use a wheelchair sometimes. I made a plan so that I could learn how to drive, and I also live independently. In my house, the only things I need help with are taking out the trash, shoveling snow, and carrying in my groceries. To overcome these obstacles, I moved into a condo, where my grass is mowed and my snow is shoveled for me! I also made friends very quickly with a few of my neighbors. They are just a phone call away if I ever need help carrying something or changing a lightbulb or something. In turn, I help them out with other things (babysitting, housesitting, etc).

Your local Center for Independent Living is an excellent resource if you want to learn more about making it on your own. This is a great first step. Remember, your mom's not going to be around forever.

NJenn

I agree - don't be afraid to ask for help. But don't be afraid to go out and try things yourself. Develop a "support system" of friends, family, etc (other than your mom) and when you need help with something call on them. But as you get out there and start trying things, you learn what you can do, what you need help with, and all that...like Jenn said, posting a list would be great, then the rest of us can help you, too! Good luck!

I am just seventeen and I have Spastic Cerebral Palsy and use two crutches. Maybe because of my immaturity I had never realised that I want to do things by myself. All this while I been spending my time studying, using the pc or watching TV that I never felt that I need to go out even when my elder siblings enjoyed their life going shopping, or going to cinema ect, If I want to go to out I can ask mother to bring me when she is free I tell myself But now I realised that why should I depend on her I should go out on my own. I have to beg her for weeks before she can finally find time to bring me to the mall just to buy a book and she refuses to bring me to the cinema just because she does not like to see movies. My occupational therapist had warned me earlier that sooner or later I have got to depend on myself and offered to teach me how to board public transport but I was and still am just too scare. What if I fall, people will laugh at me it will be so embarrassing. What am I to do? Yesterday I went to the convenient store near my house alone for the first time and the moment I got out of the lift people stared staring at me and it never stopped I stated sweating profusely because of I was nerves and at the store I brought an ice cream but I hold it my hand so tightly that it melted even before I got home. It was a nightmare!! I was very very scared life and learned to never carry ice cream in my hand. I started thinking that if it was like this if I go to the store nearby what would it be like if I went to the mall. How am I going to live life How am I to avoid this nervousness and do any of you take public transport or go to the mall alone. i will do a list soon

I used to be nervous, too..but then I realized this: some people are curious, some people are rude - people are going to stare. Sometimes I stare right back at them, then smile. Somestimes I just ignore them. :) It took me a while to get to that point, though...but when I was younger I didn't do much. I take public transit and I'm working on getting my driver's liscense. :)

If you have trouble carrying things in your hands, use a backpack, belt bag or trousers with thigh pockets.

Yes, that staring problem is real but on the other hand people all over the western world are nowadays pretty used to seeing disabled persons in public. So it's not *that* sensational if you appear in the street :)

Cargo Shorts - or pants, if you prefer - are great...you can get a ton of stuff in your pockets...lol

Alterdesire,

Your biggest hurdle is self-consciousness, not CP. Do you go to the doctor soon? I encourage you to talk to your doctor about how you feel when you go out of your house. He or she could refer you to a rehabilitaion psychologist. These are mental health professionals trained to help people with disabilities adjust to their situation, and to be more comfortable with their condition and everything it entails (staring,etc). I recently saw a rehab psychologist for a few months. I was having problems adjusting because my CP is worsening with age. I couldn't have gotten over it on my own. I encourage you to seek out help. Take this advice from someone who's been there; you will feel so much better about yourself and your CP if you do. Then, tackling the activities of daily living will be much, much easier. In your daily life, people will not laugh at you if you fall. Mean kids on the playground laugh at us when we fall-- adults do not. Adults want to help you, and become concerned. I have never had an adult laugh at me.

BTW, here's what I do when I go out for ice cream alone (this happens a lot lately, because I like to stop for a treat on my drive home from work). I use one crutch, order my ice cream in a dish with lid, and ask for the cone on the side (I really like the cone, but can't carry it). Since my hands are full (one with icecream, and the other with my crutch), I ask someone to open the door with me. People like to be useful. Let them help you with the door. Then I carry my ice cream out to the car. I break the cone up and dip it in my icecream-- so good that way, and the cone doesn't get soggy!

If you are walking home, just set the icecream (with the lid on tight!) in your backpack. I firmly believe that backpacks are God's gift to people who use crutches. I have about 20-- in every style-- to match my mood and my outfit. Backpack purses are great too! They look a little more stylish, and still hold a lot.

Good luck to you! Please keep posting; I'd like to keep talking with you.

Nicki

I take public transit and I'm working on getting my driver's liscense. :)

Hey Midget-- How's your progress coming along with your liscence? Good, I hope? If you ever want to share driver's training "war stories," I'm your girl! :) I got my liscence when I was 21. I'm 26 now. Best thing I ever did. It completely changed my outlook on life!

Yeah, it's going pretty good...spent some more time on the freeway last weekend, and this time it was a much better experience. :)

I know backpacks will help me a lot but every time you want to put something in or take something out I have got to sit somewhere. How would I carry my things until I find a seat I can put it in my pocket or something but what about things like books. Is there any other way? And I also would like to know is there a way to open the type of doors which will self shut and you have to use a lot of force to open it, by myself while still using crutches .is it possible. Njeen thanks for your tips but how did you travel when you did not have a car by public transport? I still don’t understand how to do it. Wouldn’t i fall when the bus starts moving and what if I can’t find a seat and If I do, how to I get ready to get down at my stop if the bus is still moving. I still remember a time I took the train and I just could not let go of the railing when my stop came I was so scared I would fall and I was shivering. I know my Fear is the only thing stopping me from doing things but I just can’t overcome it.

I know backpacks will help me a lot but every time you want to put something in or take something out I have got to sit somewhere. How would I carry my things until I find a seat I can put it in my pocket or something but what about things like books. Is there any other way? .

It's easier if I sit when loading/unloading a backpack as well, but chairs aren't always available. What I do is lean against a counter or with my back against the wall and then get into my bag. You need to balance a little to do this but not a lot. I still manage to do this while wearing AFOs that make my balance even worse than it is normally. Practice doing this at home, so you'll feel more comfortable doing it in the outside world.

And I also would like to know is there a way to open the type of doors which will self shut and you have to use a lot of force to open it, by myself while still using crutches .is it possible.

I'm able to balance on my left crutch when I do this, and I open the door with my right hand (right crutch is hanging from my elbow). I open wide enough so that I can squeeze through, and then grab my right crutch. Then, I use the right crutch (my hand is hanging on to the handle now)to prop the door open while I walk through. Then I lift that right crutch. An easier alternative? Ask someone to open the door for you! I'm assuming you travel during daylight hours when other people are around, since you are dependent on public transit. Most of the time you don't even have to ask for help. If you smile at someone, they will go out of their way to open a door for you.

Njeen thanks for your tips but how did you travel when you did not have a car by public transport? I still don’t understand how to do it. Wouldn’t i fall when the bus starts moving and what if I can’t find a seat and If I do, how to I get ready to get down at my stop if the bus is still moving. I still remember a time I took the train and I just could not let go of the railing when my stop came I was so scared I would fall and I was shivering.

I take the bus to and from work often because parking near my office is scarce. By law, people are required to vacate the front seats on a bus if asked to do so by a person with a disability. IT IS THE LAW! You should never have to stand on a bus. EVER. If you are uncomfortable asking someone to move, tell the driver as you board that you'll need a seat near the front. He or she will request that someone move for you. If you are worried about getting your stuff together in time to get off at you stop, let the driver know which stop you want, and let them know that it will take you a bit more time to exit the bus than most. Put your backpack on your back while you are still seated. Again, practice doing that at home. Trains are a bit more difficult because the driver is not always in your car. This is the time that you need to speak up for yourself. If you smile at someone and ask them politely if you may have their seat, most decent human beings will move. I've never had the experience of someone refusing me when I've asked. Again, AB people want to help. This is one small way that they can do so.

I know my Fear is the only thing stopping me from doing things but I just can’t overcome it.

You are exactly right. That's why I suggested that you talk with a rehab. psychologist. Please give it some serious thought. They can help you overcome these fears. And a good OT can help you learn how to adapt as well. I know lots of adults and teens with CP, and the fear that you describe is very common. This fear also keeps people with disabilities from fully engaging in life. Many people with disabilities could live independently but are afraid to do so. They end up in their 30s and 40s still living with their parents, with no chance at having adult experiences. I know this isn't what you want for yourself :) With spastic diplegia, you certainly can live on your own, you can use public transportation (you may even be able to learn how to drive), you can get a job, and you can live an independent life. This problem solving is a good first step...

Wow Njenn your suggestions are great they have really open my eyes and I am going to try out all of them. I not sure that my hospital provides rehabilitation phycologist I’ I ask my OT he should know something. Its true I defiantly don’t want to depend on my parents for the rest of my life I will go insane. As soon as my exams are over I’m going to find myself a temporary job. You always seem to get more respect when you earn your own money. About the backpack, I see it with a zip will I be able to open it just using one hand while leaning. I have never taken a bus alone I should try soon. I always wanted to go to the movies alone and now I think it is not really impossible . Njenn do you go to the movies? If you do, do you face any problems there, which I could avoid?
That other thread about wheelchairs I think what you say is very true. My mother never wants me to use a wheelchair as she says it will amplify my disability and make people think I am paralysed or something but some of my friends have move to the wheelchair and are quiet happy I personally think that if I move to a wheelchair its a sign to myself that I have given up on my struggle to live a independent life

Wow Njenn your suggestions are great they have really open my eyes and I am going to try out all of them. I not sure that my hospital provides rehabilitation phycologist I’ I ask my OT he should know something.

I'm so glad my suggestions have helped you!!! :) Most major hospitals rehab psych staff. If you look up your hospital online, you can usually find a listing of staff.

Its true I defiantly don’t want to depend on my parents for the rest of my life I will go insane

That's why I left home, went to college, learned to drive, and became gainfully employed. Our parents will never truly understand what it's like to live this way, and usually aren't able to provide the emotional support we truly need as disabled adults.


As soon as my exams are over I’m going to find myself a temporary job. You always seem to get more respect when you earn your own money.

I think this is a great idea! How about trying to find a job on the bus line so that you can get there independently? Then you won't have to rely on mom to get you to and from work. Practice taking the bus alone first, though.

I always wanted to go to the movies alone and now I think it is not really impossible . Njenn do you go to the movies? If you do, do you face any problems there, which I could avoid?

I go anywhere and everywhere I want alone. It's the most liberating feeling in the world! This memorial day weekend I'm driving from Detroit to Pittsburgh to visit friends alone! I spent so many years depending on people to get me from point A to point B, that I don't look at going alone to places as a bad thing. I see it as a privelege. When I go to the movies, I try to get there a little early so that I can get a seat that doesn't require me to climb too many stairs. If I want popcorn, I either decide to use my wheelchair ahead of time so that I can carry it on my lap, or I ask someone who works in the theater to carry it to my seat. Again, people like to help!

My mother never wants me to use a wheelchair as she says it will amplify my disability and make people think I am paralysed or something but some of my friends have move to the wheelchair and are quiet happy I personally think that if I move to a wheelchair its a sign to myself that I have given up on my struggle to live a independent life

I hate when people place value judgements on wheelchair use-- especially people (like our parents) who have never used a chair. It's a HUGE pet peeve of mine, and I'm writing an article about this for a CP website in the hopes of educating parents about the positive aspects of wheelchair use. You seem to be at a similar functional level as me, and I'm sure walking is very tiring sometimes. I don't want to scare you, but do want to let you know that walking will become more tiring (and maybe somewhat painful) as you age. I had a chair as a little kid (I didn't learn to walk until I was about 8), and then I didn't use one for a few years, mostly because my parents thought walking was better. I got a chair again in high school because I was too exhausted at night to do my homework. Since I wanted to keep getting good grades so that I could attend college, I knew something had to change. I feel LESS disabled when I use my chair. I can move faster, am less tired, I can carry things, and I can generally be more independent in my chair than out of it. I love my chair, and would never, ever give it up. Keep talking to your friends in chairs. It's a hard adjustment, but it's worth it for the extra energy you'll have. And the truth is, you'll probably need a chair sooner rather than later, anyway, thanks to the wear and tear from CP as we get older. Show this to your mom, and show my other post about wheelchairs to your mom, too. Our parents need to know that we don't use wheelchairs out of laziness-- we use them to become more functional and more independent! Wheelchairs are accomidations, just like glasses. Would we deny someone glasses because they couldn't see well? Of course not!!!

I would get a wheelchair if I could! I see them as a positive thing :)

Katherine,

Why couldn't you? Just curious....

Nicki

Alterdesire,

I'm a 24 year old guy who uses 2 canes to get around. Like you I have spastic diplegia.

I used to take public transit pretty often before I got my lisence.. I'd suggest that you travel with someone you trust for your first few trips so you can get used to the "ins and outs" so to speak. Everyone in time develops their own ways to adapt. Mine came through experience and an open mind.

I'd agree that the biggest hurdle for most of us to overcome is fear. Luckly I grew up in a supportive family who put great value around independence.. One of the things I had to overcome is this ongoing fear of what others will think... Years later I've come to the realization that it's a complete waste of time and energy to be concerned over what others may or may not be thinking. Does it really matter what the person sitting next to you on the bus is thinking? Why should it matter?

Since we have no direct control over other people's perception, it's a whole lot easier to change how you precieve the world. This is the key to overcoming your fear.

If you'd like - read my posts in the "Self Confidence" thread for some more thoughts on this.

I would second NJenn's thoughts that a rehabilatation phsycologist - or any good phsycologist for that matter would give you a whole different perspective on life.... The sooner you address these issues, the easier they are to overcome... I wish I knew what I know now when I was your age! It would've made growing up a whole lot easier.

Please continue to post - I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

F.S

I agree - I've stopped worrying about what others think, too. It's pointless...can't do anything about other people really. :)

I go anywhere and everywhere I want alone. It's the most liberating feeling in the world! This memorial day weekend I'm driving from Detroit to Pittsburgh to visit friends alone! I spent so many years depending on people to get me from point A to point B


I think it's awesome that you are driving all that way... (I live in Pgh...it is going to rain all weekend :-( )

Anyway, I don't drive yet but am planning on trying to get my liscence at some point, so I don't have to depend on others for getting to work (and everywhere else...). But, I am afraid that because of my startle reflex they will tell me I'm not allowed to drive...do you have that, and if so does it affect you while driving/how do you deal with it?

Steffers,

I have quite a strong startle reflex. I also take oral baclofen, which pretty much keeps it under control. But, when I learned how to drive, I wasn't taking baclofen. I keep the radio on all the time when I'm in the car, and always on a station with familiar music (so the music doesn't cause me to startle). The background noise really helps. I find that when I startle, my neck and shoulders tense up/jump, but my arms stay still. I can only think of one time when my reflex caused me to swerve. I always drive defensively to counteract the reflex, though (this is a good thing, even if you don't have CP). I stay in the right lane, do the speed limit, and always leave a lot of space around me. I've never gotten a ticket, and was in one minor accident when I first learned how to drive (cause by stupidity, not by CP). Other than that, no problems. BTW, no one ever asked me about my startle reflex, and at the time I learned how to drive I didn't even know what it was or that it had a name (I just thought I was a stressed out spaz case). If you don't mention it, chances are no one's going to ask. The driver eval folks are more interested in the actual mobility impairment. After all, anyone can be startled behind the wheel, CP or no CP.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: driving changes everything. It helps with self-confidence, social isolation, and the emotional issues of CP. It changed my life.

My startle reflux hasn't been that bad since I've got my learner's permit and been driving...lol...is startle reflux a universal CP thing? :P I thought it was just me because sometimes I get so wrapped up in what I'm doing, I like tune out the outside world...and then something happens and I'm like ahhhh holy crap. LOL. :D But yeah, I don't notice it as much now - I think I'm starting to get over it. :)

Wow! I really didn’t know that there was a medical name for tensing up called startle reflex. I get it all the time I knew it was something to do with my cp but I was never sure. My family never relate it to my cp they just made fun of me saying that I am a scaredy cat who’s scared of everything. This explains a lot of things.
Hey Njenn You didn’t answer my backpack Question, I see it with a zip will I be able to open it just using one hand while leaning.
I finally see that we can do everything our AB counterparts can do. It just that sometime we need do it with a little difficultly or in a different way I can’t believe how much I have missed in life because of my fear.
Another thing I’I have to say that I always get depress whenever I have an accident and it hinders my attempts at having an independent life but I realise that even a AB person does has accident and with my cp my accident rate is naturally suppose to increased quite a bit. Yesterday I fall down because someone didn’t close the refrigerator properly and made a big mess but I just cleaned up the mess, fix things up and went on with life. This things should never affect me it should just make me better as it taught me that I should never put my weight on the refrigerator and there’s all I should remember everything else should be forgotten.
Does any of you go to McDonalds to order fast food will someone help me carry my tray to my seat. I always get very scare when crossing roads and i start walking every slowly its there any way i can avoid this fear.
I always taken the bus with someone and its time I take it alone. Maybe I’I go and see Madagascar it seems like a good movie.

Yes, startle reflex is very common in people with CP....my parents also used to say I was "scared" or "nervous" until we found out about it :)

Anyway, thanks for the info on startle reflex and driving NJenn. I am afraid to drive, just because I think I will be bad at it (because I am not very coordinated and also because of the startling) :eek: but I know that I have to at least try because it would make things so much easier in terms of being independent. I should have a positive attitude, right?

Steffers--

I was very afraid to learn how to drive, too. I was afraid my CP would cause me to get into an accident, I was afraid that if I had an accident I would end up physically worse off than I already was. I was afraid of so many things :rolleyes: It's hard to put into words, even today. I was afraid, but wanted to learn, and my mom did nothing but make excuses to keep me from learning. All the while, a car bought for me and equipped with hand controls sat in the driveway, rotting away from not being driven. From 16-21, it was a constant battle between my mom and I. I was so emotional about it. I would cry at the drop of a hat every time we talked (screamed) about driving. Her response was always "If you cry about this, you're not mature enough to drive." She didn't understand that I felt as if she was ripping any chance I had at independence away from me, so of course I was upset. Luckily, a friend of mine saw the complete stupidity of the situation, and he taught me how to drive, 5 years after I completed drivers training in high school. It took 4 weeks, some sweat, and more tears, but I did it. My mom was so angry about all of this that we didn't speak to each other for almost 2 years, and to this day I still don't understand why. It was bad... So I guess what I'm trying to say is that you are not alone. You can do this, It certainly ain't easy, but it can be done :D

I'm still going to Ikea, btw, and am going to ask the store people to help me load up the van. I guess that's all I can say, because anything else would be off topic. :confused:

Startle reflex is a universal symptom of CP. Everyone with CP has it, no matter the funtional involvement of their disability. Startle reflex is a normal reflex that all newborns and very young infants have. If older babies and kids still have it, it's a sign that something neurological is wrong. My mom thought I was jumpy because she whopped me upside the head a few times as a kid.

Alterdesire--

Are you asking me whether or not I can get into my backpack (with it still on my back) while leaning on something? I'm kind of confused. I take the backpack off while leaning on something, get what I need out of it, and then put it back on. As for going out to fast food restaurants, I don't do that very often, but that's because I eat very little meat :D But when I do, I always go inside. It's hard to go through the drive thru and eat a salad while driving with hand controls! So yeah, I went to Burger King on Monday, and had a really crappy salad. But, the kid behind the counter carried it to my table for me, and got me my diet coke, too.

One thing I forgot to mention: if someone in a restaurant or a store is particularly helpful, I go out of my way to let their manager know, usually by a quick phone call when I get home. Good service deserves to be recognized, and if recognized, that person will be more likely to help someone else someday.

And yeah, we are going to fall more, spill more, and generally be more klutzy because of CP. It's a fact of life. I try to laugh it off, but it's hard because now that I'm older falling hurts! I guess I used to have a rubber ball for a butt, but not anymore, I really feel it! Just think about what you're doing, and try to be careful. Try to anticipate problems (cracks in the sidewalk, unsteady surfaces, wet floors, etc.) before they happen, and think about ways you can adapt. It sounds like the fridge door thing couldn't have been avoided, though.

Have a good weekend everybody!

Nicki

NJenn, our moms sound very similar....we don't "scream" at each other about driving, but she has made it very clear that she doesn't think I should drive. If I mention a kind of car I like, she will just ignore me, or she says stuff like "If your sister gets a job at the same school as you she can drive you to work!" :rolleyes: I think she is just VERY over-protective (when I got my electric wheelchair, I was practicing driving it on the side of the road in my neighborhood, where there are HARDLY EVER cars around, and she was FREAKING OUT...I mean, I can't even explain it....) and her mother never got a liscense, she just rode the bus everywhere and got rides with people, so she assumes I should do that too. But as of right now I can't use crutches (I use a walker), so I would have to take my wheelchair on the bus, which is just a HUGE hassle, and a lot of times the drivers (in Pgh anyway) tell you that the lift is broken because loading/strapping in wheelchairs takes too long.......

But my dad wants me to learn to drive, because he "gets" that taking the bus is too hard and it'd just be a lot easier to drive :) He took me to the dr. and got a prescription for a driving evaluation and such when I turned 16...I just haven't used it yet.

My mom will hafta get over the driving thing soon, I think, because my advisor for my major said that in a few years I have to go on daily internships and really the only way I'll be able to get there is if I drive :D I don't think that will make her not talk to me for 2 years though (that is so sad! :(), she'll just be a nervous wreck and get on my nerves constantly, LOL

Njenn sorry to have confused you but i understand now

OK, I'm probably a bit late on this thread, but if I'm out and about my manual chair makes me feel most disabled (no control over moving and hard for other people to move), and my power chair makes me feel less disabled in a way. Then again, if I've got to attend a meeting that's around a table I'll want to sit in a normal chair and keep my balance by leaning on the table.

I think what I'm trying to say is that different mobility aids/ways of using things are different for different situations, and you need to find what is comfortable, safe and not exhausting for you.

xxx
Swift

Swiftuk-- it makes perfect sense that your power chair makes you feel less disabled. I'm spastic diplegic, with very minimal upper involvement (I think this may be the case for alterdesire, too. But I don't know), so my manual makes me feel very capable. I doubt I'll ever have a power chair, but I am thinking about a pair of power assist wheels for my manual since I'm starting to hav eproblems with tendonitis from overuse of my upper body.

Pittsburgh Ikea is great! We dropped $1000 today :eek:

Pittsburgh Ikea is great! We dropped $1000 today :eek:


Oh my gosh.... LOL, what all did you buy?? And to keep it on topic, did you have any trouble getting around/carrying stuff/did the people who work there help you? :) I imagine if you bought furniture it would've been hard to manage....

Is IKEA crowded? lol...

Is IKEA crowded? lol...


Sometimes the checkout lines are long (or so I've heard...lol) but I don't think it gets too crowded where you do all the shopping...might be harder to get around in a wheelchair or with crutches though! (On-topic!) :D

I don't use a wheelchair or crutches....though, I just find it easier to get around when there's not a whole bunch of people. :D Anyone else that doesn't use a wheelchair or crutches find that to be true, as well?

Yes ;) I walk unaided and find it easier to get around when there is not a whole bunch of people as well.

I walk without crutches quite well when I'm not wearing my stupid, constricting AFOs. With me, it's totally psychological-- If I think I'm going to fall, I will fall. If I convince myself to stay upright, I'll do that too. It's really strange. I walk best without crutches in less crowded environments too. Less unexpected stopping, backing up, squeezing by, etc.

Yeah...that drives me nuts when your following a crowd of people, and everyone just decides to stop. :D

I really hate it when you're going towards someone on the pavement, and you get into that 'dance' of who's going to go to which side.

I don't use a wheelchair or crutches....though, I just find it easier to get around when there's not a whole bunch of people. :D Anyone else that doesn't use a wheelchair or crutches find that to be true, as well?

oh yeah, I hate crowds! hahaha

I had to administer surveys for the YMCA at the memorial day parade today, and trying to walk down the sidewalk was a nightmare!

That's why I always just walk in the street at parades - just make sure nothing is coming. :) Last parade we went to, my sister told her kids to make sure not to step on her shoes...and guess who stepped on her shoes? :P ME :D I like tripped over someone and stepped on her shoes...LOL. :D

hi:

I agree that the biggest thing stopping you is yourself----

I have found that one of the best ways to deal with people's insults is with humour.

I am in my early thirties and work full time while attending night school. It is hard sometimes coming to work...I went to get off the bus the other day and instead of walking down the steps, I literally fell out of the bus!!

I thought it was pretty darn funny!!

I've also learned that having a disability requires a great deal of patience and flexibility.

Always remember to keep trying!! Attitude is Everything!!
Never ever be afraid to explore...you never know where it's going to lead you!!

Crazychair :wave:

LOL...the other day I was power washing a bunch of stuff off...I got soaking wet, and do you know how many times I tripped over the hoses? Well, I have no clue...but was quite a few. :) Then I did the neighbors deck for like 50 bucks, and I was pushing the power washer back home, and I tilted it too far forward and tripped over it...:D I hurt my shin, but I had to laugh! :D I agree...being different requires your personality to be different, too...more fexible, more patient, more creative - I see it as a gift! :-)

hey, i know almost exactly how you feel. Just this past fall, I moved out of my parents house, and six hours away to go to school and to live on my own. Needless to say before i actually left, i had more than just a few doubts about if i could actually manage without my mom, but guess what? If you're out in a situation where you have to do things on your own, and you will learn to adapt because it sounds like you have the drive. and if you still feel like you need help in different situations i always find that there is more than enough people who are willing to help open doors for me and stuff like that for example. I hope this helps i have been there and i know that you can do it good luck.

you will learn to adapt because it sounds like you have the drive

I agree with KemiKem... Most of the "skills" you need to adapt will come from experience. If you have the drive you will succeed! It's important to take pride in yourself and what you've accomplished.. It's easy to bring yourself down over a bad day. Make a conscious effort to always look at the positive... Doing so will help you constantly strive for new heights.. It can be hard sometimes but it's part of what keeps me going every day.


KemiKem - Welcome aboard! What's your major? I'm always interested to hear what fields other folks with CP are interested in. I'm a "techie" by trade.... I work full time but I'm finding that there are way too many of us out there now days... Makes for a real tight marketplace. My interest in recent years has been more along the lines of rehabilitation medicine - particularly physcology.... It's a real tough transition from where I am today... If anyone has any suggestions, I'm always willing to listen. :)

F.S

There is a big beautiful world out there. Go for it! My daughter went off to college. Lives on her own and works everyday. She has her problems like anyone eles and lives in pain however that doesn't stop her from being apart of and doing her part in this world. You will always need help from Mom. I don't have a disablitiy and I need my mom at times too. My daughter has CP that gives her a gift I do not have. She will touch and reach people in this world that I can't. I thank God for her and all she has done and will do in the future. Please keep us in your prayers about her knee pain and we will be praying for your new adventure out there. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Hello Alterdesire~

It is great to hear that you wish to be more independant As far as going to the mall or movies or dinner. I definately think you should go for it. I use public transportation to go to lunch and the movies with my friend once a month. In fact we are seeing a movie this coming Friday.

My advice to you is to be very prepared espiecially if it's your first time going on your own.

Check you see if your Public Transportation is accesable for you.
Do they offer special programs or fares for people with special needs?
Know where you are going.
Know how to get back home.
Take a cell phone or change for a pay phone in case of emergency.
Life throws all people things they don't plan on, so have a backup plan.

I wish I could tell you that no one would stare at you or maybe even laugh, but unfortunately there are some rude people in this world. But when this happens, just keep your head held high and walk on with the knowledge that your day and your life have great purpose. And Somedays the purpose is to just have fun.

Hope This Helps

Have a Great Night

StixforLife :wave:

Hey Alterdesire, how are you doing? I second the cell phone idea, even if it's just a prepaid one that you only use for emergencies. It's added piece of mind.

Nicki