it seems like water excercises have the most benefit for my arm and hand. if i dont get in the water for several days in a row, i can tell a huge difference. so i go about 3 or 4 times a week. i am NOT thrilled about being in a swimming pool, as i have been scared of water my entire life. i did, however, take a couple swimmiing lessons and learned how to float, a MAJOR EVENT for me since i panic if my feet are not touching the bottom or my head goes under the water. and how to correct myself in case i fall in the water. still dont know how to swim, though. but the biggest benefit this week.......i have been going to a weight loss program for a 5 week class. this was the last week. i won the biggest loser prize for that week. then i won the second place biggest loser prize for the entire 5 week class. i like those added benefits for excercising my arm !!
alll because my arm was injured, i learned how to manage in the water without panic, learned to float. lost weight, winning prizes for losing weight, and improving my arm function. WOW i think i am beginning to like water. i usually stay in the pool for at least an hour. sometimes up to 2 /12 hours. not very often do i stay that long, though.
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI. I am 77 yrs old and never had a name for my injuries until 2004 when I found UBPN at age 66.
My injuries are: LOBPI on upper body and Cerebrael Palsy on the lower left extremities. The only intervention I've had is a tendon transplant from my left leg to my left foot to enable flexing t age 24 in 1962. Before that, my foot would freeze without notice on the side when wearing heels AND I always did wear them at work "to fit in" I also stuttered until around age 18-19...just outgrew it...no therapy for it. Also suffered from very very low self esteem; severe Depression and Anxiety attacks started at menopause. I stuffed emotions and over-compensated in every thing I did to "fit in" and be "invisible". My injuries were Never addressed or talked about until age 66. I am a late bloomer!!!!!
I welcome any and all questions about "My Journey". There is NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION. Sharing helps to Heal. HUGS do too.
Woot Woot,Joyce! I did similar water stuff before I got a dog 6 yrs ago. Being a few years older now it tires me out to do both 5 walks a day andwarm pool stretching & exerices. I also had fear of water and sank before I taught myself to float with a float device, of course! I'm proud of you. We will do the pool together at Camp in July
Carolyn J
LOBPI/73+
