How does cerebral palsy affect you?

[rcwallace21]

[niceboots Volunteer]

my cp mainly affects my legs - left in particular, but also affects my arms and hands a little, for example my fine motor control...

It also affects my balance and coordination a little,

[rcwallace21 Administrator]

I use an electric wheelchair and my walker around the house. My CP affects my legs and arms. tight muscles and reduced stamina.

[hdines Volunteer]

I have the non-ataxic, hypertonic CP which affects both legs and my left arm. I walk independently with splints (orthotics) on both legs and have really tight muscles. Reduced stamina. Poor balance, proprioception and gate.

[mollymoobarnes]

I'm a mum of a little boy aged 3 called Tom. He's got quad spastic CP - high tone in his arms and legs and low tone in his trunk. He's got poor balance, low stamina and tires easily. His leg muscles are too tight so he's up on his toes unless he wears his AFO's. He has to have surgery in September to release his hip adductor and both hamstrings to prevent dislocation of his right hip. He's unable to sit unaided as yet, can't crawl and can't walk unaided. He's not got an effective chew so eating isn't easy although he's got a good appetite and is always hungry. He has retained primitive reflexes (i.e easily startles, splays his toes etc). He's really really smart, got great speech, a great sense of humour, a loving twin sister and older sister and is having a jolly lovely life. We love him dearly!

[niceboots Volunteer in reply to mollymoobarnes]

I have a really bad startle reflex.... It can be very amusing at times! I threw tea everywhere this morning at work when the phone rang!

[Dave30379]

I was born with CP Hemiplegia on the right side. Doesn't affect me as bad as when I was a kid, unless I am really stressed. I think I can say it has affected my social life and dating.

I am able to do everything anyone else can, just get annoyed because people don't give me chance. Does anyone else get that?

[Hidden in reply to Dave30379]

I was born the same way CP Hemiplegia on the right side as well it affect my social life a bit and I get that too

[rcwallace21 Administrator]

Yes it affected my social life at school because I was different. People saw my wheelchair before me. Uni is different I have a good group of friends who are open minded and intelligent. As for dating it hasn't happened yet but I'm sure it will at some point.