Hi There! Here we are another year and another World CP Day! It's hard to believe I have started this blog 8 years ago and have been discussing life with CP for that long! Never would I have thought I would be so open about my CP struggles as I do in this day and age but I have learned through writing this blog that it is very educational for you readers and helpful for me. If you follow me on social media you know I did a poll and a lot of you do not know what CP is or what causes it so here are your answers!
What is CP?
Cerebral (part of the brain) Palsy (weakness or problems with using the muscles) is a disability that affects a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. There are different types of CP like spastic where the muscles are incredibly stiff or dystonic which is involuntary movements (which is what I have) where if I reach for something or carry a glass of water I cannot control my shakiness.
What is the cause of CP?
CP is caused by an abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects how the person controls their muscles. In my case it was trauma at birth where there was a lack of oxygen to the brain. At around 6 months is when my parents knew something was wrong because I was not sitting up on my own or fulfilling the normal milestones.
Treatments?
Therapy. Therapy. Therapy. Growing up I was always in therapy. The state of CA gives you free Occupational and Physical therapy until the age of 21. I used to go to therapy two or three times a week growing up and I always went to speech therapy. I had UFO braces on my feet that would brace my ankles so my feet would not turn inwards. I wore those until about middle school. I did therapeutic horseback riding from grade 2 until junior year of high school which I absolutely loved and helped me so much because the movement of the horse is supposed to help the body with the movement of walking. I got placed on medication for m shakiness when I was in high school and am still on that medication as it definitely helps with my hand shakiness.
Stretch.Stretch.Stretch. That is why I am such an advocate for yoga because it helps stretch my muscles and helps balance because it strengthens the core. You have to be careful with CP because your muscles can get so tight and that is why it is key to take care of your body.
There is no cure for CP but there are definitely avenues to get better and stronger. I am so much better today than I was as a child. There was a time I did not know if I would be able to by shoes without my UFO braces or if I would be able to walk long distances without a wheelchair but here I am. I think if you have CP or know someone that it is key to not limit yourself/them. Doctors love to put a limit on people and it is key to always put your heart to it and believe in yourself and the One who created you.
My View on Life with CP
Over the course of my life I have had highs and lows about living with CP. I have had people want to pray for me for God to heal me, I have had doubts I would not be independent, I have had fears that I would not be loved. But in the end, God does not make mistakes and I know that my God created me in His image and I am beautiful just like all you "normal" people. I am a 28 year old that has a career, lives in a house I bought, and is surrounded by the most amazing friends and family. Yes I still have struggles but I have overcome so much and the Lord has allowed me to move mountains and become so strong. This life is beautiful and I would not even fathom what kind of person I would be if I didn't have CP because it allows me to truly see people in a different way than most. So yes CP makes life difficult but CP and I have come to an understanding and we live this beautiful life to the fullest. Thank you Lord!!
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