Hi, I am New and I have CP - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

pookie24 · 07-29-2007, 07:50 PM

Hi My name is Cassie. I am 24 years old. I have Cerebral Palsy. I can't walk or stand. My left side was mainly affected. I have to use a wheelchair when I go out, etc. I work Part time at a CPA Office. I have my Associate Degree in Business Administration. This Fall I am going to be taking a few online classes to finish up my Medical Transcription Certificate online hopefully by Summer 2008. I am also considering going for my BSBA degree for Business through ECU Online program so that I can still hopefully work 2-3 days a week. I am also trying to check in to learn how to drive. I took the classwork in High school but I have never took the driving part. I am working with Voc Rehab. I am planning on going and trying for my permit in a 2 of weeks. I guess my only concern about driving is like a lot of others with CP I have the startle reflex. I don't think it is severe and it is my legs that jerk when I jump and I think I will have to more than likely have to use hand controls so I hope it want keep me from driving if I am able to drive. I like to watch movies, go shopping, and email when I can. I would like to get to know others who have CP. I had a lot of friends in High School but I would like to talk to other disabled people because I think that it is good to get to know other people sometimes that I have some similarlities because I just think sometimes we understand what we go through better than non disabled people do.(I hope I am not offending anyone)...

I consider myself very blessed with my CP because I know I could be a whole lot worse. Take Care. Cassie

x3lewisgina · 07-30-2007, 10:27 AM

Hi Cassie,

Nice to meet you and welcome. There are alot of people on here of all ages that are very knowledgeable. I have a son with CP and am still learning. My son is 8 doesn't walk or talk, CP has mainly effected his legs and his fine motor skills. We are getting ready to try botox again in his legs. If this doesn't work this time we may attempt hampstring lenghening. Do you have any advise? Good luck and God Bless!

pookie24 · 07-30-2007, 12:47 PM

Hi, I had the Botox injections when I was little also. I was real young so I really don't remember how much they seemed to help but I know my parents and doctors and PT's thought that it did help my muscles not to be as tight. I also had surgery in June 1992 with my hamstrings. I was about 9 or 10. I think it helped me some as far as being able to move around better and maybe to transfer a little better. It also helped me to be able to spread my legs a little more I think. I still have trouble transferring into high up vehicles but I manage the best I can. I can not afford a handicapped vehicle right now but I am checking into driving and hadicapped vehicle, etc. Does your son go to a public school or a special school for handicapped people? I was blessed I went to a public school. I don't think anyone ever gave me a hard time except in high school but I just did not worry about what people thought of me because nobody knows what someone else is going through until they have walked in their shoes so to speak. Does your son have Physical Therapy? Does he have to wear leg braces? I had physical therapy in elementrary school and some in middle school. I used a walker when I was little some and I used to have to wear leg braces on both my legs when I would use my walker and at night when I was younger. Well, I wish you and your son the best. I hope whatever he has to do works out for him. Please keep me updated on how he is doing. Have a good week! Take Care. Cassie

Deborah7 · 07-30-2007, 03:19 PM

Hello Cassie, Nice to meet you. And welcome.
I also have CP. But I walk with crutches and use a wheelchair when there is alot of walking.
I think that is good that you are getting your deagrees and learning to drive. I been wanting to learn to drive. Maybe some day I will.
Enjoy the board and meeting new people here.
God bless you,
Deborah

mrgizzmoe · 08-02-2007, 02:54 PM

HI my name is james and i am 24 and have mild cp on my right side. it does effect me tht much now other than cant really use my right arm' nor can i stand up for a long time. I hagve a 16 mouth old baby girl that is fine and healthy.
when i was a teen and young child i was always in back and leg pain. there were alot of time i could not eveen move from the postion i woke up in. I know i have come along way i still fear of waking up in pain on day and being right back were i was and not being able to work . so all i can do is my best .
plan on going back to school online since i dont have time to attened a reg class...

just keep doing what your doing you are doing great .....