Cerebral palsy: ‘Should I be fixed?’ - BBC News

[@hypersphere412]

Interesting. I'm a 50 year old man with CP, up until very recently I've lead a very normal life. DJ'ed for 20 years, played in bands, travelled, and had a family. I would go for long walks without thinking about it. All that changed 3 years ago when I had two bad falls, and now I'm struggling to get to the mailbox, or around the house without holding on to furniture. Not to mention the chronic pain, which is new for me. My point being, when you're younger you don't think about how aging with a disability is going to effect you. There was no real treatment in the 1970's, but if there was, knowing what I know now I would certainly take any viable options open to me. Another thing this piece made me think about, is how important it is to have good parents. Neither of my parents raised me because they didn't want to have a child with a disability, I've had to do it all on my own. How much easier your start in life is when you have a supportive family.

[@reasonerenlightened2456]

He is a undesirable in a Capitalist society. Only If he is born Wealthy then he can afford to contemplate ‘Should I be fixed?’ .

[@hoti47]

​@reasonerenlightened2456 it is only through a capitalist society that you can take care of these individuals.

[@reasonerenlightened2456]

@@hoti47 Capitalism is about Profit. Humans are therefore a resource to exploit for Profit.

[@nathan-ls8yw]

@@hoti47 there’s no point in reasoning with communist 🤷🏻‍♂️ they only understand starvation or the end of a gun pointed at them.

[@medibear4059]

You're a remarkable human and I am sorry for your lack of support and for the medical systems shortcomings

[@RC-gh7os]

Im a teacher who works in a special school with children from 3 to 18, many of whom have CP. They are the best people ever and are a joy to work with every day and are incredibly positive about CP, in spite of many of their young years being spent in hospital and being in pain.

[@jessejames522]

Paddy, I am 63yrs young and have CP I was able to work until I was 40. I was a nurse, I had to retire due to my body not being able to keep up any more. I also have constant pain issues, I am no longer able to walk much. I am confined to a wheelchair and still have a positive attitude. I was born at 6 months and born dead, my grandmother came out of my mother's hospital room and took the glass dome off the table I was on and I started moving. The Dr.'s told my family that I would never work. I grew up in the 1960's kids and people were mean I graduated and put myself through college. I got married and raised a family, and raised 2 of my grandkids. As I have gotten older there are challenges, but I have been blessed though out my life. I would not change anything.

[@thatcreepyxmastreeinyourat8950]

Strong woman. Congrats on a life well lived you should be very proud of your accomplishments.

[@LisaEllis-rt3xh]

Salute! .much respect to you Sir.

[@michaelbyrne5507]

My Dad had CP. I'm autistic. My Dad didn't want to be fixed, neither do I. I just want a jumper like yours!

[@lolakauffmann]

I'm kind of split - I mean, if I have something treatable (supposing it were treatable in a humane way) & don't treat it, and end up costing the other people endless amounts of money, or time, or patience for ongoing support for my ongoing health issue - would I feel okay with that? It's rather hypothetical, because most things can't be easily changed - but I had an aunt with a hip problem & a hospital phobia who tyrannized her family & young daughter with this combination of issues - and honestly, had I lived near them I'd just have yelled at her to get that stupid, standard, not too bad hip operation done & get therapy, as she was driving herself & her people insane - over years and years!! I'm really sort of split. Maybe it's a case by case thing & everybody's situation is different. If I could choose to be fit & healthy & rid of chronic stuff - I'd "fix" myself asap!! But if it is part of who you are & you are good with it - that's just fine.

[@Cobbido]

Then your dad is insane or lying.

[@JessieMcConkey-v8d]

What??

[@joe.oneill]

The most important thing in life is to be comfortable in your own skin. Paddy has that down. Cheers to you.

[@paddysmyth4833]

Aw I’m trying thank you x

[@Jeni_Goci]

I don’t see it as being fixed but rather being accommodated to live an easier painless life. I work with children with various forms and levels of CP…

[@JessieMcConkey-v8d]

Yeah… but it can still be seen as being fixed though

[@KentTeffeteller]

I will do what I need to do to move and function the best I can, but also perfect I am not, nor never will be. I have learned to embrace the fact that I am neurodiverse, short statured, and hop around and move different. I do stretch and strive to stay as fit as possible, adaptive always! A CP Warrior always!

[@sandralowery4618]

I never had surgery for mild cerebral palsy and can still walk I had a lot therapy I did a much with therapy .

[@sandralowery4618]

I’m 68 yrs old now and can walk But pain my knees now so sometimes walk with walker outside.

[@katherinegaryclarkegoddard7365]

Sounds like me. I have a Caliper and crutch.

[@hilaryyoung8142]

Lovely to watch your documentary Paddy. Your sister is awesome & wise.. You have great fashion sense & a kind nature. “ The phrase “If it ain’t broke” springs to mind. I don’t think u need fixing. It is part of your life’s journey & has built your character

[@mr.sushi2221]

His sister made me cry.

[@princepsmickey934]

I read this title and immediately thought they were talking about eugenics

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

I have to admit, alot of the comments in thsi clip seem to touch on the subject of eugenics, in one way or another, which I find offensive. but its the world we live in.

[@carolr4871]

In this video, "fix" seems to imply eliminating the disease or reversing its effects, neither of which are possible. I didn't hear any discussion of fixing it in the sense of slowing or stopping the progression of the disease. I don't know much about the disease, in particular whether it continues to progress throughout one's life. If so, then treatment could mean improving your life by not letting it get worse. Right now, you're able to walk using crutches. What if "fixing you" meant that you could continue walking and not need a wheelchair? I applaud you for embracing your situation, but I'd hate to think that you're so comfortable with it that you ignore how that situation might change for the worse.

[@hotknifealice1]

Cerebral palsy is not progressive.

[@carolr4871]

@@hotknifealice1 Thank you for clarifying that.

[@bassekaman8315]

a lot of the time people get cerebral palsy because of complications during when they were born. tbh this guy can talk and walk with aids, he got off pretty lightly.

[@hypersphere412]

Cerebral palsy is not a disease. It's damage caused to the immature brain before birth. In my case is was my mother's substance abuse during pregnancy. It's not progressive, but it is rough on the body as you age for sure.

[@hotknifealice1]

@@hypersphere412 you are correct about it's wear and tear on the body.

[@PradoDiana]

Thank you for sharing this with us 🙏🏼

[@SuperDagome]

I'm a 30 year old with CP. I live on Poland. Despite having only mild/moderate CP I can't find worki, and my pension isn't enough for even Basic living. I'm ashamed to be a parasite for my family Sometimes I wonder if I'd swoim to UK on a boat I would have received asylum and recent living.

[@halolemonhalo]

I'm sorry. :( You're not a parasite. You just don't have proper support. Think of it like this: A man could be a very hard worker, but if he doesn't have food he'll have no energy. If he has no energy, he can't work. If he can't work, he'll seem lazy. Like the man needs food, you need support.

[@lfeb]

I am epileptic and people were pressuring me to get the implants, yet it's three computers put inside your body... scary! Talked to other people who got the device and their seizures didn't stop, if anything they were only diminished. Finally found out that the neurologists I'd been seeing weren't really qualified, i found an epileptologist(neurologist that focuses on epilepsy) and finally after 20yrs of suffering found medication that works. So glad I didn't get 'fixed' with implants.

[@paddysmyth4833]

Omg this is so scary and really good to kowtow re implants. Thanks for sharing. Delighted you have found medication that works for you now

[@lfeb]

@@paddysmyth4833 thank you! I'm very impressed with you and wish you good luck with all your endeavors! ❤️

[@reasonerenlightened2456]

He is a undesirable in a Capitalist society. Only If he is born Wealthy then he can afford to contemplate ‘Should I be fixed?’ .

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

@@reasonerenlightened2456 99% of the population are undesirables, in the eyes of the 1%

[@bassekaman8315]

People have to learn to identify as being a person with a disability if things happen like a car crash or whatever that disables them. Being unwilling to learn to identify as being a person without a disability if you have the luxury to; after people worldwide throughout all of history and even today, dont have that opportunity feels kinda ungrateful tbh.

[@ravenel2]

I have CP and three advanced degrees. I have no idea what the point is you are trying to make. We don’t have to do anything you say!

[@mspacmania]

Well done Paddy! Very interesting

[@paddysmyth4833]

Thank you for commenting and watching

[@katherinegaryclarkegoddard7365]

I have mild cerebral palsy. As a child my mum found it easy to find a doctor to help me, but as an adult this is very very difficult.

[@phkit420]

Very thought provoking I can’t help but feel this is riddled in pretext tho None the less You have a great energy

[@paddysmyth4833]

Thank you !

[@carriecastro8182]

I have two sons born with a genetic condition that caused both of them to have cerebral palsy. The genetic condition is called Familial Porencephaly. My husband and I have the same gene! Is very rare. I am British/German hubby Hispanic. We hit the lottery twice! Is grey matter formed in the brain at gestation. It just so happened that the grey matter is in both their left side of their brains in motor skill area (effects them like they had a stroke) and causes right side of body to have cerebral palsy. My oldest son is 33 yrs old, and is mild. He has motor skill delay in right hand forcing him to be left handed. (Both boys forced to be left handed cause right one does not work). Oldest can drive with pedal adapted to his car and sometimes the right side of body gives out on him. My youngest son who is 30, has it worse because he had a difficult birthing. He was cut off from oxygen and was almost still born. He has also right hand motor skill delay and wears leg braces on both legs. Both my boys had early intervention with physical therapy, water therapy, occupational therapy etc etc….all their young lives. Youngest son had two surgeries the first a heel cord release and second surgery with a toe release both feet and legs and hamstring switch when he was four yrs old. He walks and still does therapy and we have a spa he does water therapy in. Both my boys had Special Ed all through school and were able to attend college. Oldest has a bachelor of science degree in Computer Science, youngest has an Accounting degree and is currently working on his second degree in Computer Science as well. Oldest son has a job and works as a Computer Analyst. Has been a hard road for both of them, but we have had a motto in our house and it goes like this…..”We never use the word “Can’t” You will do this because you can, just in a different way, and don’t let it stop you or who you are!” I am very proud of them both!

[@mu3191]

My god his style is awesome! That color 🦩✨✨

[@paddysmyth4833]

🧡🧡🧡

[@deadmemesrus1119]

You do what's best for you if you are born with it but we should absolutely try to cure it as a genetic disease. In that, I mean we should work to prevent people from being born with it.

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

I can assure, not a single person on this planet is ever born with CP, nor are they born 'like' that. It happens when someone or something causes an injury to an otherwise healthy baby, before, during or after delivery. Such a condition is significantly increased by low birth weight etc.

[@ChristianMoodyAyuda]

It’s not a genetic disease. It’s caused by damage to the brain / nervous system normally before / at the time of birth.

[@123pangolin]

Loved this, thank you. You did go deep, too.

[@paddysmyth4833]

Thank you! X

[@AzwaadGD]

Do you like breakfast? If no then you are no Cerebral palsy

[@danielhayne]

There is no such thing as normal we are all unique 😊

[@deannabroaddus4551]

I’ve heard of Botox helping small young children in remarkable ways, medical science has made exceptional ways in the last 40 years. Having Cerebral Palsy and experiencing extreme trouble with my feet in at the age of 55 years old I resorted to Botox. It helped at the time in the process I lost the small ability to at least walk about 70 feet with a walker if needed. The ability to stand for more then a it takes to climb in vehicles. Or to be able to walk enough to get on an airplane. Are a few things I miss most.

[@andrebennett1596]

You got lucky. My brother just screams all day and slams doors and asks if he’s been bad. He’s often very joyous however.

[@Clancydaenlightened]

They do say dmt can aid in neurogenesis combined with other treatments with high outcomes....combined with lsd Or even aprazolam

[@Clancydaenlightened]

Then again that's if you want it

[@patrickcollins8048]

Think of it as a physical trade off

[@marieskorge3302]

I’m shocked by the stupidity of commenters that don’t seem to understand what Cerebral Palsy is and the meaning of the discussion of ‘should I be fixed’. The question is meant to provoke a thought process of what it means to be a person living with a severe disability, what the general public considers being a fixed person, including the risks and consequences you’d have to take as a caregiver and bearing those risks and consequences as the person having cerebral palsy. As Paddy highlights there is an emotional cost to it. Anything from being disappointed to loosing a part of your identity. It is not a straightforward answer. The comments do not reflect for me what this short documentary is about yet the sad part it does highlight how judgemental people and are are not shy of displaying their ignorance. To Paddy I would say thank you for raising the question. So often we forget that people with a disability are not just people that require caring for. There is this whole dimension of being a person with life questions, intelligence, directions, ambitions, needs and emotions that is entirely theirs. We don’t often get a glimpse or share thoughts on this. I would love to learn and understand more about this. Perhaps in the future you would consider a podcast. Good luck. ❤️👌

[@TempestofSolace]

That's a valid question. If you're having palsy, then it seems like you're somewhat doomed to it. There's this underlying feeling that you're somewhat less, at least in the eyes of society. It's good if you at least have good memory and aquire some skills early. Then there's a chance you will get somewhere. Even without considering that there's a lot of people with more severe palsy so it's even harder for them. Otherwise there's really nothing more than slowly floating within. As for caregivers you can still feel gratefull but at the same time you can feel guilty. You may ask yourself is it worth to seek any closer relationships. Is it ethically correct? And if not, then what's left for you? This dillema seems not having good answers. And at the same time the whole noun disabled suggest something less worthy. It can be like a glue which cannot be unbind, but still, you got a great capacity for happiness. I would say it can be even easier to achieve it. If you stripe yourself of too high ambitions. Then you can get it. More is often less in such cases.

[@marieskorge3302]

Thank you for sharing that insight again. My daughter has severe palsy and she is non verbal. By providing your honest insights I hear a possible voice. I’m aware of all the scenarios you described but sometimes these thoughts are hard to accept or think about. I know what she is emotionally capable of and intellectually I feel she is always misunderstood (including by myself all too many times). I always try to look beyond a person with a disability. The human within her. But being her mother that loves her endlessly I feel that’s not the way that society perceives her. If anything I often challenge the general perception partial because that is my reality. I don’t say it’s a good thing or a bad. It is what it is and we learn learn to live with it the best way we can. I intend to bring happiness and have a fulfilling life. I hope she adopts that philosophy then my goal is achieved. ☀️❤️

[@lotuspocus76312]

This man is able to speak for himself and he has access to his brain. This is not a life filled with pain and suffering. Go pink man!

[@marekward6202]

Thanks.

[@ahatton8553]

Nuanced disability coverage by the BBC. Wow!

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

what do we expect. They will never put out a piece on the raw reality of living with a disability. that would hurt the pharmaceutical profit margin

[@curiositycloset2359]

Like this guy wouldn't jump at the chance to not be afflicted with this disorder. Zero self insight. 100% cope.

[@Wanderer628]

This. There is nothing wrong with not being ashamed of his condition but saying he wouldn't want to be cured of his condition and given full utility of his legs is the other extreme.

[@filonin2]

@@Wanderer628 Exactly. He is lying to himself and it isn't healthy. This channel helping him delude himself is sick.

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

@@filonin2 totally agree, such a delusion is what keeps private corporate inerets in business. basci conept here of devide and rule, at least in this case of differing opinions among us.

[@DIDIpsyche1]

I think it's a matter of having more knowledge about developmental process so that you can be prevented in the outcome you are currently living. I feel that life is very important, so it makes the most and only best rational sense to be grateful for life. That will result in happiness and you will be able to strive forwards.

[@joyds7835]

It's interesting they didn't mention Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery or that it's available to adults.

[@hattialvin484]

That is funny my names hatti and my son has cerebral palsy

[@symar09]

Good answer! Nobody has to be fixed …they have to be happy in life. You’re courageous why would we fix that ? 😊

[@paddysmyth4833]

Thank you !! Really appreciate you watching

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

where is the courage in getting up every day doing what one has to do without other options?

[@Sebbir]

⁠@@enjoyyoursleep1there is another option. You don’t get up. Plenty of have experienced hardship severe enough to pick that option.

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

@@Sebbir My point was, I wouldn't want a standing ovation for doing things that other people do. When if not for hardship, I'd be able to do as others. Its like getting a medal just for turning up to compete in a race, and then you come fifth because of your setbacks. and then you're congraduylated for coming fifth????

[@DKB2002]

As someone with mild spastic diplagia i get it im currently getting a degree in bio and i want to work on a cure or treatment for it it made me more empathetic to im still on the fence but i want to do it so the future generations have the choice to take it or not btw mild spastic diplagia for thoughs who dont know is a specific type cerebral palsy

[@AJJesko]

If you could for example allow a kid to live normally, walk, run, climb trees I don't see why not. Adults can decide on their own. They're already used to the it. I do like that he said he would do it if it was guaranteed that he could walk normally. Its easier to decline it when you can walk and talk regardless. For those with "stronger" CP it may be easier. I like that its here more about side effects and no guaranteed. Thats much better to understand than hypothetically declining a magic 100% chance cure. That said fixing may be the wrong word. Language changes all the time. Once you figure out a word to use instead of fix i bet it won't last for more than 10yrs before the new word also becomes offensive 😊😊

[@geekcharles]

I also have CP and now I'm 28 years old

[@fishler1]

You can’t fix CP so it’s not even a question

[@paulwarren8832]

He asked it, so it’s definitely a question!!!

[@UFOhunter4711]

Yet

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

Of course they could, too busy lining their own pocket.

[@paulwarren8832]

@@enjoyyoursleep1 lol ‘they’….‘their’

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

@@paulwarren8832 'they' pertains to a sperate group of private corportate indivudals and their, relates to each individual with personal vested interest in the suffereing of others.

[@jackiehanley6274]

When you dont know how to listen mentally and physically and emotionally even verbally could be a clue closer to cureing this disease ❤❤❤❤❤

[@katherinegaryclarkegoddard7365]

I was on a bus sitting on one of the front seats for the elderly and disabled. A woman sat next to me and said to me you’re not disabled. I said to her I have Cerebral Palsy and she said yes, but you are not disabled 🤪

[@marialovell6967]

I was born with spastic diplegia. If I had a penny for every time someone said "you don't look disabled when you're sat down!" I'd be a millionaire!! 💰

[@Neverland4747]

You're perfect the way you are❤

[@paddysmyth4833]

Thank you so much for that comment and for watching

[@filonin2]

Whatever helps you cope.

[@carolynbrace8821]

I was born with diapelegic. C.P. as a child there was a series of surgeries.THANK GOD FOR MY PARENTS who made the hard decisions I did want to be fixed and as far as possible I have been l 've been married and have adult children I started life in a wheelchair 10 years ago don't fool yourself of course anyone wants to improve their health if they can

[@Winona43va]

Im in they dance real slow jackson the play and i play sam, this really helped me study on how to walk when u have palsy

[@stephenziga2319]

They are trying to make you walk better. They are not trying to fix you like a car.

[@MrUser1million]

What ever makes it easier for you and your loved ones will be the right choice.

[@devthomaskutty]

I think its up to individuals if they wanna fix it or not. In 20 years or so we will have transcranial magnetic direct stimulation which means the neuroscientists use electrodes on cerebellum to stimulate it and make it stronger (can be done for other things like aspergers in my case). But CP can be great to one of my friends has it and we are the most empathetic and kindest people alive especially to others with disabilities in scouts. 😁

[@yasminmuhammadelias3142]

Reading the book ''The Spark' by Dr. John Ratey would reverse anything. This is what I believe. "“Exercise is really for the brain, not the body. It affects mood, vitality, alertness, and feelings of well-being.” - "Exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain in terms of mood, memory, and learning." “If you had half an hour of exercise this morning, you’re in the right frame of mind to sit still and focus on this paragraph, and your brain is far more equipped to remember it.” "Even 10 minutes of activity changes your brain.” “It turns out that moving our muscles produces proteins that travel through the bloodstream and into the brain, where they play pivotal roles in the mechanisms of our highest thought processes.” "Exercise Is Medicine,” so." --- John Ratey

[@1AshawniSeniorGazamuzik]

BBc❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@alphapolice-o2q]

yes get fixed

[@stratfordbaby]

Fixed means sterilised. If you cannot support and raise children yourself you should not have children.

[@gabriellewatermel.]

Are you absolutely mental?

[@SebbyAbdul-fm9jo]

Should he be fixed 😒

[@Lucy-Noodles]

It's a choice..and one person or 100 don't speak for all.

[@leejeffery5808]

Save the world

[@PhthaloJohnson]

You don't want to be fixed but I do. I hope everyday that in the future scientists could figure it out, even if the boat sails for me. Being disabled is not a personality trait, if you want to spin it that way, that's the copium YOU choose to swallow.

[@paddysmyth4833]

I completely agree and it’s a personally choice I would never take that away from anyone. It’s how I’ve chose to look at it.. it’s been a long road of acceptance rather than a personally trait. I’m happy that conversations are being had as I think it’s important. Thank you for taking the time to watch and appreciate your comment and opinion

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

Nice to hear that someone else see's through the vail of 'psudo-positivity'. I'm with you on this one, but unfortunately the world is run in favour of the few, in spite of the many. And at great cost to the rest of us.

[@finnansdeepvoid]

Face your enmy

[@jerricarussell7661]

Anyone else here like me, trying to learn all you can about CP. Check out the app TurnTo!

[@Kalasj-ctone]

Heal in jesus name

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

still waiting......

[@hattialvin484]

My son gets Botox every three months

[@Ctmusicscene]

This woman is saying the worst things possibly you can do to someone born with the condition this poor gentleman probably had so many surgeries and doctors rip him to shreds over what it is he was born with this is not a disease to surgically repair

[@guff9567]

Is this patient mentally disabled?

[@filonin2]

Yes.

[@kendallbald]

Not mentally🤦🏼‍♂️ Jesus

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Pattern recognition is NOT a crime.

[@titteryenot4524]

But the fact you exist, Jimbo, might very well be! 🤣

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

@@titteryenot4524 It is a sad fact Hugh, that millions of Africans barely have enough food to survive, and have never even heard of the holocaust...... Millions more, are unable to find israel on an unmarked map of the globe. Please be generous to these people so they may learn what you know...

[@titteryenot4524]

@@JamesSmith-qs4hx All I know is that you are a fanny, Jimbo. 🤣

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

@@titteryenot4524 I didn't know you are American Hugh! Did your parents move there from Eastern Europe in the 1940s?

[@tastypymp1287]

​@@titteryenot4524Bigot.

[@radeon8461]

This is what you tax money is wasted on.

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

Nup. Tax money is wasted on starting wars in other countries. Story's like these just feed the pharmaceutical industry, for if there's no cure, there are pills to take.

[@Ridiculizer]

Elsewhere, newsworthy events occurred.

[@tastypymp1287]

Yawn. Don't care, wokey.

[@kendallbald]

Stfu bigot this isn’t about you

[@wheeliebeast7679]

Yet you commented. Now give me an actual definition of the word "woke," other than, "that word I use to describe anything I don't like"

[@RandomNooby]

He is short sighted, ie broken...

[@cleroyster2610]

A cone is the cause. Just sayin’

[@sarghinihammoudane4840]

I ask God Almighty, Lord of the Great Throne, to heal him quickly☝️🤲🫶👋💪

[@bollocks5724]

Oh boy he'll be waiting awhile.

[@filonin2]

How many amputees has your god healed through prayer?

[@paddysmyth4833]

I don’t need to be healed. As you will see from the doc I accept who I am and isn’t that all that matters? 🙏🏽

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

@@filonin2 agree. or paralysed?? 0.00.0000 none.

[@RealBobWilkins]

Well done GB NEWS 2 Awards today . Well done Nigel Farage the best in business .

[@Smellybridge99]

Yes you should be fixed. To a cross.

[@paddysmyth4833]

That’s harsh. But okay 😂

[@enjoyyoursleep1]

I do think the comment is inappropriate

[@keyboardwarrior4899]

Going for a drink with this man, all he talks about is how he’s disabled - pain in the hole of a man

[@sleazyycarlit0-sleazyycarlitx]

🫶🫶🫶🫶

[@sleazyycarlit0-sleazyycarlitx]

🫶🫶🫶🫶