SUGGESTIONS
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:40 pm
Hello all!
First, I would like to say it is comforting to hear all of your stories, and I can totally relate. My right arm was affected and shoulder dislocated and torn nerves. Luckily, my parents spent many hours treating me to physical therapy, acupuncture, and electrical therapy. It was hard being a child and spending all my free time at the hospital and three concescutive years (7,8,9) in a cast. That's right, three surgeries. One to rotate my arm, two to tighten the tendons, three I can't remember. I wish the doctor's knew then what they know now.
If you are a parent coping with your child's injury, please continue treatments and exercise no matter how much they cry. I hated it. I never thought it would work. I still don't have 100% movement, but I'm sure I'm in a better state, than if I had not done all that treatment. I think the best exercise is swimming, running (running makes all the muscles work) and yoga/pilates. Exercise alone can relieve stress and depression. Yes, I am still facing depression but I am genergally happy. I like to remind myself it could have been worse. It was only until 5 years ago, that I finally considered myself disabled. Yes, I'm eligible to get a disabled parking pass because I carry heavy art equipment and my unaffected arm is feeling the pressure. The only problem is, you will be stared at because youo are not walking with a limp. (an old lady yelled at me the other day) She's the first to approach me after 5 years.
I have accomplished so much, despite my disability. I have found happiness in creating art (painting is my emphasis) because it helps me express my inner self and emotions within. I've tried sports, dance, music growing up, but of course it never worked out. Although, I do enjoy running, hiking, and swimming. I always found myself drawn to art, and ten years ago I decided to be an artist. It was the best decision I ever made.
MARYANNE D
First, I would like to say it is comforting to hear all of your stories, and I can totally relate. My right arm was affected and shoulder dislocated and torn nerves. Luckily, my parents spent many hours treating me to physical therapy, acupuncture, and electrical therapy. It was hard being a child and spending all my free time at the hospital and three concescutive years (7,8,9) in a cast. That's right, three surgeries. One to rotate my arm, two to tighten the tendons, three I can't remember. I wish the doctor's knew then what they know now.
If you are a parent coping with your child's injury, please continue treatments and exercise no matter how much they cry. I hated it. I never thought it would work. I still don't have 100% movement, but I'm sure I'm in a better state, than if I had not done all that treatment. I think the best exercise is swimming, running (running makes all the muscles work) and yoga/pilates. Exercise alone can relieve stress and depression. Yes, I am still facing depression but I am genergally happy. I like to remind myself it could have been worse. It was only until 5 years ago, that I finally considered myself disabled. Yes, I'm eligible to get a disabled parking pass because I carry heavy art equipment and my unaffected arm is feeling the pressure. The only problem is, you will be stared at because youo are not walking with a limp. (an old lady yelled at me the other day) She's the first to approach me after 5 years.
I have accomplished so much, despite my disability. I have found happiness in creating art (painting is my emphasis) because it helps me express my inner self and emotions within. I've tried sports, dance, music growing up, but of course it never worked out. Although, I do enjoy running, hiking, and swimming. I always found myself drawn to art, and ten years ago I decided to be an artist. It was the best decision I ever made.
MARYANNE D
