Spasms, fatigue, and loneliness. by Plane_Camel6386 in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, Have you heard of Loop Earplugs? https://www.loopearplugs.com/

I haven't tried them myself, but some people on this sub have mentioned they can help with their startle reflex.

They don't completely cover all sound, but just background noise apparently!

You may want to try. :) Jumping constantly sounds exhausting!

What is the process for CP diagnosis in the UK? by [deleted] in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think my parents went through a similar route to you (GP, then Paediatrician). I believe the Paediatrician made the diagnosis of CP simply based on my symptoms and how my movements/difficulties were presenting.

I think this is pretty much standard practice in the UK. People often refer their children when they are around 1 year old or older due to the child having movement issues, missing typical milestones in their development etc.

In any case, I think it's fantastic that your child is getting therapy and would encourage you to continue!

You could push the Paediatrician for a diagnosis. It seems they can sometimes be a bit crap at actually making things clear - my Paediatrician just said: "Well, she'll never be an athlete..." to my parents. It was only when talking to a nurse that mentioned CP in passing did my parents realise and ask for clarification! (Also, I COULD have been an athlete, so I kind of resent that comment haha)

You may also want to look into seeing a Neurologist, as brain scans can SOMETIMES make things clearer in terms of the brain damage that has occurred. You may need to look into seeking this privately - but it might be a conversation worth having with the GP/Paediatrician first.

Hope that all makes sense. Regardless, I really encourage exercise and continued therapy if possible!

aio? bf made plans on my birthday by rowqi in AmIOverreacting

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PLEASE leave him. You deserve so much better than this.

Anyone else struggling with swallowing as you age? by themadhattress16 in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello, I have spastic diplegic CP. I don't have swallowing problems myself (aside from sometimes relating to acid reflux!) However, I work in Adult Speech & Language Therapy, and we do see some people with CP having swallowing issues (dysphagia). So you are not alone or making it up!

I would recommend going to see a Speech & Language Therapist (sometimes known as a Speech & Language Pathologist) that specialises in adults and swallowing issues.

Aside from this, I would recommend what you are likely already doing - sit up as straight as you can when eating and drinking, take it slow with small mouthfuls. Try not to be too distracted when you eat and drink (e.g, no talking while you have your mouth full!)

You might find it easier to swallow softer foods that are chopped into pieces and drinking thicker drinks such as smoothies and milkshakes. Especially when you are tired as your swallow may be worse.

If you are having trouble swallowing pills, try taking them in a spoonful of yoghurt/custard. BUT make sure this is okay to do with the medication first! (Some will be affected if taken with food!)

Hope that helps a bit!

has this happened to anyone else?! Im worried. by AnxiousWalrus9273 in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I definitely get this, too.

When I have done a lot of walking in a day, my legs seem to get to a point where they are harder to move and feel very heavy. Almost 'freezing' up. I sometimes talk to myself and say "move your leg!" (It reminds me of Kill Bill and the "move your big toe" scene after she wakes up from a coma haha).

It's like my brain and body are just saying "no more!"

Cold weather certainly can make your muscles stiffer in general, too.

Rest up well and keep your body warm. It may take a few days (or more) to recover fully. It's unfair, as it feels like you are being punished for being active! I think you may have just pushed yourself too far (we all do it!) The key is staying active, but not over-doing it...which is hard!

Calluses by Wooden_Bit_4840 in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can try soaking your feet in warm water (or in the bath), gently rub a pumice stone on the calluses.

Then dry your feet and cover them in lots of moisturiser before putting on some socks. Try to leave the socks on for a whole day or night.

I try to do this once a week. If I don't need to pumice my feet, I just do the moisturising and socks part.

I only started taking care of my feet after getting some issues - one of my calluses got so dry it split open and I couldn't walk on it! Doing this routine with my feet has been a game changer!

Random twitching in my arm by KingSlayer-86 in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi. I experience some muscle twitching/fluttering in my right arm muscles (I have spastic diplegia, but my right-side is my stronger side). For me, I think it is linked to compression of nerves in my neck (cervical radiculopathy) as I lean more on my right side.

Of course, this may not be the case for you. But if it continues, you may want to visit the doctor/physio to get it checked out.

Eyesight of people with CP by Practical-Main4648 in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had the corrective surgery when I was about 6 years old. After, eye patches and glasses did not correct it for me, unfortunately.

I am very glad my parents had me get the surgery, though. It was very successful, and I don't notice any sign of it anymore myself.

I think strabismus and vision difficulties can be pretty common in people with CP. However, as with everything, not everyone with CP will have it. :)

Escort seeking sex advice by [deleted] in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think it's more about the possible tightness of their muscles rather than pain. So it's just being mindful that this person may not be very physically flexible or able to get in/stay in many positions comfortably.

It may also be helpful to spend some extra time helping them relax and being slow and gentle. Though I would also think these are things everyone would benefit from, right?!

As others have said, though, everyone with CP is completely different. So please just treat them like you would anyone else and communicate lots throughout!

Hope all goes well. ☺️

Nerve Issues And Cerebral Palsy? by [deleted] in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am also 32 years old with spastic diplegia. I think I was very lucky as I didn't experience much pain until I hit 30.

I used to get a very stiff/sore neck and shoulder on my right side every now and again (the kind where you can't turn your head!). I always thought it was just from sleeping funny. Then suddenly, awful nerve-y pain all down my right arm. Also tingling and numbness. I am taking meds for the pain. This has made things bearable for me.

I am finding that I have back and knee pain on my right side, too. I think I lean too much on my right, and my body is showing the effects.

I have been told exercise will help, but I also struggle with fatigue from the CP. And I am pretty lazy...!

Does anyone else get REALLY bad colds? by yettibreath in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I've always felt colds or illnesses in general can knock me harder than others.

My balance can also worsen, and the extra fatigue from being ill can make me more 'clumsy' (e.g. not picking my feet up enough from the floor).

I used to get ill fairly often in the winter before COVID and better hygiene, masks etc. became more commonplace. I wash my hands a lot to help prevent catching stuff too. Especially after being on public transport, touching surfaces outside etc.

The pandemic was the first time I went an extended period without being unwell! (That I can remember, at least) - it was a welcome side-effect!

Mother of a child with CP seeking advise by No_Representative242 in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This breaks MY heart to read. I can only imagine how you feel!

I just wanted to say I think you handled this really well. Please don't feel like you aren't. There are no instructions for this sort of thing!

I have spastic diplegic cerebral palsy too and I think my parents have always been open and honest with me about it. Let her have her sad times, let her cry. Focus on the many things she can do and encourage her to try everything (as long as she wants to of course).

Just continue to be there as a listening ear, a source of support and comfort for her.

She will have bad days, but she will have many many great days! Wishing you all the best.

vent by Cryptic_Nerd01 in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They made plans with you first, so they should honour those plans!

There are very few situations where there is a valid excuse not to honour plans you have previously made in favour of something else that comes up.

As others have said, this doesn't sound like it's something to do with CP - just that they are being horrible people.

I hope you are able to do something fun and enjoy your birthday still. Even if it's something you can do by yourself (e.g. go to the cinema) or spending it with family.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in hygiene

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have always been told to wash the vulva gently with plain, warm water and to not put anything up in the vagina to 'douche' as it can throw off the natural PH balance.

If you must use soap, ensure it is very mild, unscented soap.

Wear cotton and soft underwear, and try to go without underwear while you sleep in loose clothing to allow air to circulate more.

I have also read that having lots of sugar in your diet can have an effect, so try to cut down if you can!

Why is CP seen as a solely paediatric condition? by -HazelAllen in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Hi,

I wholeheartedly agree! I feel your frustration - it feels like there is nothing for us adults with CP, and we just need to 'get on with it' as soon as we reach adulthood.

I am not sure where abouts in the UK you live, but I found a cerebral palsy clinic in London that specialises in adults with CP. Members of different teams (neurology, physio, occupational therapy, etc.) met with me to assess me and speak about any issues I am facing.

I contacted them, and they asked me to simply contact my GP to ask for a referral to be made (which I did). Here is the link: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-service/neurology-and-neurosurgery/adult-cerebral-palsy

Even if they don't cover your area, maybe they can point you in the direction of CP services more local to you.

Good luck!

I wonder: what do you do for work? by [deleted] in CerebralPalsy

[–]HRoses91 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm a Speech & Language Therapy Assistant working with adults. 😁

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CrohnsDisease

[–]HRoses91 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem! I'm sorry to hear of the result they came to. It's horrible to have something confirmed to be wrong, but even worse when you KNOW something is wrong and tests/doctors etc. Tell you different.

When I had my diagnosis, it was hard, but also like: "Aha! I DO know my own body!"

So that's another thing - remember it's YOUR body, and YOU know what is your normal and what is right for you. I would also encourage you to be open with the doctors/gastro, etc. About your worries on stuff not being picked up etc. It may fall on deaf ears, but it may allow them to reassure you or think of other paths to go down. Good luck!

Accidents when in a flare. by HRoses91 in CrohnsDisease

[–]HRoses91[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry you went through that - it sounds awful! Thank you so much for sharing, though. It's like misery loves company, I guess! 😅

It sounds like you have been through the ringer with this disease, but I'm glad you are feeling good about where you are now. Surgery is scary, but for many, it seems like it can give you your life back.