A lot of my friends love country and latin dancing. They get so excited about going and all I do is hurt inside... especially when they insist I go even when they know about my arm.
It looks so fun... if only I could raise my arm over my head. I hate to be the party pooper so sometimes I tough it out and go- then when I'm dancing I tell guys I hurt my shoulder in some sort of accident. Usually they're all pretty cool about it.. and dance with me anyway.. but I'm still so self conscious the whole time.
Anyway.. I'm just venting a bit. Right now I'm still in a cast from the bicep tendon surgery. My friends are going dancing on Saturday night- so maybe I'll just go and be entertained from the sidelines. Then hopefully in 7 weeks... or so... my arm will be ready for the challenge.. I hope I'll work my butt off until I get there.
Go. The point isn't to dance well, the point is to dance. If you love it then do it. I know it is hard to not be self conscious about your arm, but the more you do it, the easier it will get. You can't let your arm stop you from enjoying and living life.
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
When I was young the only thing you could do was go to local dances.
I would hate to think how lonely my life would have been if I had backed away from going because of my arm.
I can't put my arm up over my head but I danced all the time.
Go to the dance socialize and have fun.
Dances are really more about socializing then the actual dance unless your in a completion.
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.
Staci,
When I was young & single--"long ago",LOL--I loved to dance & didn't let anything stop me even when my Left BPI ankle could lock up anytime on me.
Staci, you'd be surprised that NOBOBY is really looking at you that closely...I found that out, soo I really danced my 20's away big time.
HUGS,
Carolyn J
LOBPI, age 68 & proud of it!
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: 28 years old with a right obstetrical brachial plexus injury. 5 surgeries to date with pretty decent results. Last surgery resolved years of pain in my right arm however, I am beginning my journey with overuse in my left arm
Staci, I totally understand how you feel. With the dances these days I hate to go because I cant raise my arm up either. I try so hard not to be self concious about my arm but fdancing is the one maor thing that still really gets to me. I hardly go to dances at school, I would rather do some homework or something that does not put me in that totally uncomfortable situation.
I hope that your surgery will let you achieve your goal of reaching above your head so you can dance your heart out and not be self concious!
I always have to laugh at myself when I go to a concert; everyone has both of their arms up in the air and I'm always cockeyed with one arm up and the other half up. I doubt anyone really notices although it is us just being self conscious of ourselves. Just don't do any wild swinging jitterbug moves!!
Good luck to you and as the song goes..."I hope you dance!!!"
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Hey Rachel
You dance just like I do... one arm up and the other midline.
I love the song Shout... but when it gets to the part where you throw your arms up and shout... I throw one arm up... LOL... no one notices but us...
Kath robpi/adult
*L* Oh Kath,
you sure do make me laugh. I do the same thing what on earth else do we do right? I guess at least we have our legs to move our bodies at least. *S*
I hope all is well.
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.
I'll work my butt off until I get there.