I Finally Saw A Neurologist | Aging With Cerebral Palsy

Shockingly enough, I rarely ever went to the doctor for cerebral palsy until recently. My doctor visits over the past couple decades were only related to getting sick or some kind of falling injury, like hurting my tailbone.
But, 2024 so far has been full of different appointments with different doctors - all for CP related things! My body has been giving me all of the signs that I need to get additional support. It's been a huge time commitment, and I still haven't done half the things I need to like put in the time to research and test out local physical therapists and occupational therapists, keep up with my stretching appointments and more.
I wanted to share an update about my decision to meet with a neurologist about my disability, how things have been going for me related to aging with cerebral palsy because it certainly doesn't get talked about enough, and share some of the next-steps I have on my list in addition to exercising with my personal trainer 2X a week.
I hope you find this insightful or helpful! I can't thank you enough for watching.
#CerebralPalsy #CerebralPalsyAwareness #AgingWithCP #Disability #DisabilityAwareness

[@realchelseabear]

Mark your calendars! Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is March 25th! Make sure to wear GREEN to support!

[@sandradugan7513]

As a 55-year-old woman with cerebral palsy in my own case I am blessed to say I I also heard that Cerebral palsy is not progressive so I thought I would be in this degree of physicality all my life until I get older. I never thought 55 was going to be my turning point to wondering how I'm going to age with this disease. Good for you for taking your health into your hands and finding a neurologist keep us posted on your progress Good luck!

[@Daniel-Weaver]

My niece lost her husband and right leg above the knee in car accident. I first sent her Footless Jo and Annika the Marine videos, but now you too. You are an inspiration. Improvise, adapt, overcome.

[@AbbyKadabby18]

I'm 20 and i have diplegic spastic CP like you. This information is so helpful because I don't have role models in my life that know how it is. 💕💕💕

[@StevenAbbott]

My wife had release surgery done at Stanford Medical Center in the 1960s. It gave her greater mobility and of course, she had to attend many medical conferences with her surgeons to show off the great results. She went on to have two wonderful children and pursued a great career in computer science working for multi-national corporations.

[@beccaburrington9196]

Physiatrists are also neuromusculoskeletal specialists that can be helpful in CP. Sometimes also looking for specialists who advertise as specialists in "PM&R" can get you to someone with the right kind of training.

[@mikejettusa]

I'm not sure if someone else is recording you or the camera is just on autopilot. It seems to be doing some weird things. Moving, zooming both in and out. It's always nice to watch you sharing your experiences. The word that comes to mind when watching you is generosity. You so freely give your time, energy and information in the hopes of helping others.

[@justpedal65]

I'm 57 with hemiplegia CP in my right side. It's very mild and as an active athlete, I'm constantly exercising and doing PT. One thing I've noticed, because of the mirrored or mimicked motion most hemi's experience, is arthritis creeping into my good left side. I believe this is due to me trying to keep my left side still, while exercising my CP affected right side. Keeping my left side totally still, as most able-bodied persons can, is utterly impossible. Even when I sit on my left hand to do PT with my right hand and fingers, my left forearm muscles will still move. It makes total sense this constant push and pull would cause early arthritis in my left side. Regardless of these "side effects", like you, I'd rather go out with my boots on than curl up in the corner. Concerning Baclofen, I take 10mg at bedtime because my spasms happen at night. Given this, I still have to get up and do some yoga poses and stretching once in a while, but overall, I think it helps.

[@TedJamesLytle790]

Finding this video is a blessing to me. Although I am 60 years old, I identify perfectly with your story. My CP went largely ignored beyond my early childhood thinking that I had experienced the max effect of my condition. Aside from a limp and weakness on the left side of my body, it was as if I forgot I had an issue at all. That is until I got into my late teens and early 20's, and I couldn't understand why I was getting fired from the most basic jobs, such as dishwashing or assembly work. I became depressed, went to a therapist, who then referred me to an occupational therapist, which was life changing. I discovered my motor skills and dexterity were 50% diminished verses an average able-bodied person. To me, I thought I was functioning at a fast pace, but the reality was like watching a movie when the audio does not sync with the lips of the person talking. I was slow. Essentially, I had not confronted my limitations into adulthood. My mother passed away when I was young, and like myself, my father never connected the dots as to my cognitive limitations due to cerebral palsy. I never considered myself as being disabled because I was not confined to a wheelchair. Fast forward - In my 50's, more unexplained health issues popped up. They confused some specialist. Ultimately, I was referred to a Neuro-Physical therapist and it was there that I learned that my 'unexplained' health issues were a result of advanced aging with cerebral palsy. I was brought to tears of joy, oddly. Finally, I had an explanation. I had not understood that CP would play a role later in life. I applaud you, Chelsea for doing your investigative research at a much younger age. I feel as though I have only just begun finding the missing puzzle pieces and it is bringing me peace. Thank you for educating through your shared experience.

[@dianadagostino3254]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Finally, someone talking about this aging with cerebral palsy. I am 54 years old and it getting more and more difficult to walk without pain. My neurologist tells me wear and tear because of the way I walk and my tight muscles. My muscles are tight unfortunately this has caused nerve damage and know I have burning pain down my legs and in my hands. Not fun! I too on the same muscle relaxers for many years. Please keep your posts coming 😊.

[@Ultramentsh]

Your strength makes us all stronger. Thank you 🙂

[@hermanedwards1981]

I'm 65 now and ive notice things i have more problems with now.

[@katierich10]

I relate so much to your story! CP here..our gait is so similar and I’ve started using a walker within the last few years because I was falling and injuring myself SO much and the pure anxiety I felt at the thought of going anywhere was just overwhelming. It is definitely an added level of security, but falls still happen.

[@christopherthompson1693]

I’m 38, with CP.

[@phswildcatsfan]

I have CP. I am 57. I was fairly athletic despite my CP when I was younger. I noticed when I hit 30 I was more likely to have issues with stairs and high curbs. As I hit my 50's I do have knee, hip and back issues due to the way that I walk. I do use a wheelchair occasionally and I use a cane about 85% of the time when I walk. I try not to let it stop me. My job is a home health care provider for a quadriplegic. I also play guitar and sing in a local rock band. I use a specialized guitar chair I use on stage so I can stand leaning on the chair and when I feel I need to sit I can.

[@brendagreer7909]

I had polio at 14 months, I am now 73. You must watch your therapist, because some will hurt you, because not all know how to handle your condition. I have a wonderful orthopedic doctor. I wear a long leg brace on my left leg. But nothing on my right. I had knee replacement on my right leg years ago. My leg turned inward at the knee,as yours does. When my dr did my surgery he was able to make that leg straight. Maybe that is a possibility for you one day

[@user-qz3xc9pu3x]

I love that are making people aware about cp your great❤

[@heatherfulton7550]

Thank you for sharing your CP Story ❤❤

[@lawrencegantos7767]

Much love for Chelsey for her dedication in giving so much education and love to others.

[@lovedfriend2020]

Be CAREful on what one you are given. I've had one that knocked me out for HOURS. I did type CARE because you are such a CARING person and I would love to meet you one day.