Parenting Cerebral Palsy Kids

I'm sure there are other parents out there going through the same things... but I'm not sure how to get the word out. I know Cafemom has some boards for CP children and/or just kids with disabilities in general... maybe check there?

As for how we're doing... pretty well! We just had our PT come yesterday (we haven't seen her in many months due to several random reasons). We decided that we would just do a check up/evaluation every couple of months along with going to our orthopedic doctor every 6 months or so to keep tabs on my DD. She is doing really well. Her tone is not perfect, but it's not horrible either and we're hoping with her brace, she will learn to walk more normally. I am doing exercises with her and trying to keep her stretched/loose and build strength, too.

We see her orthopedic in July and we also are doing more hip x-rays at that time to check them again. But over all we're just pluggin' along!

How are you doing? Have you made it through the growth spurt or are you still in the middle of it? I hope everything is going well!

Hi Emily!

I'm glad you're doing good there! Sounds like a good plan.

We're due for our regular PT eval here. The PT assistant still comes twice a week though.

We've learned that when we know a growth spurt is about to happen we really need to stay on top of stretching to avoid backsliding. We made it through the last one way better for it, at least I think we're through it! I've also been doing some massage therapy with her and it has helped with cramping. I get MT every couple weeks on my back, along with weekly chiropractor trips, and my MT is going to a seminar to learn about massage for CP in May, due to my dd! She gave me some tips that I'm using now, but I'm not doing anything major, just kind of kneading her legs and feet, and it helps.

Also, my dd took a bunch of good steps between me and her PTA today! We were excited. She has suggested arm crutches to help with her balance, so we may try them out soon during therapy sessions at first. Dd takes about 5-6 steps well but kind of dives and isn't steady. She can walk holding only one finger, on her right side, or in her walker. She's quickly outgrowing the walker and I'd love not to need another one.

I'm hanging in there. I get discouraged about her not walking and being so obviously close. My back and neck are killing me and keeping me in the chiropractor's office more than I like and it's a 45 minute drive there each week. Other than that we're good here and looking forward to spring!

You can email me at: lisarprice at yahoo.com if you'd like to keep in touch that way, since the board isn't seeming to be doing much. It may be easier to encourage each other if we can communicate more often!