What are /r/CerebralPalsy's favorite Products & Services?

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I have spastic hemiplegia that mildly effects my right side. I got my license at 17 without any modifications, I can't move my ankle too much so what I do is move my is move my foot as much as I can using my ankle and then moving my whole leg back and forth between pedals.

It does take longer to switch in between pedals, because of that, when I drive I keep a good distance away from the car infront of me to give myself a more time to react. It also does get tiring moving my whole leg after awhile. I managed to build more endurance to last longer by practicing.

I also drive without my brace and instead use a ankle support like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXAGV0H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_8D701VGBXNNYCG50A8WB

I can feel the pedals a lot more with this on instead of my leg brace, and doesn't weigh as much.

I bought one like this from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/United-Ortho-Plantar-Fasciitis-Splint/dp/B07CD185S3/ref=zg_bs_7491807011_14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DVGZ2MTC589XF81FVV0Y It’s not the best quality (one of the straps did break) but it does the job pretty well, and you can adjust the straps if you want more or less of a stretch. It says it’s made for plantar fasciitis but it works well for ankle stretching too

I used to bike ride with stabilizing wheels. They were pretty much impossible to find like 15 years ago, but these days you can find then on Amazon. It's not quite the same as a normal 2 wheel bike, but it eliminates a lot of the bulk.

Massages absolutely help! And even more than that a muscle roller! It was honestly life changing for me. I incorporate it into my stretches in the morning and it actually got me an extra 3° of flexibility in my ankle (up to a maximum of 8 from 5, so it's a lot for me). Realistically other people are correct in saying it's really dependent on the person. CP is a very individual experience. I will say some days it feels like I'm walking around with 5ft weights on my ankles other days it feels like my shoe laces are tied together- I'm just fumbling around, never able to tak full steps and constantly on the verge of tripping. It's definitely best to ask him though. Also be aware he may be more easy to startle than others! It's recently been discovered that Cerebral Palsy is often linked with having a very strong startle reaction to even "small things" like a sudden loud noise or something that may be meant to be surprising instead of scary.

Anyway this is the muscle roller I have to give you an idea

I’m terrible at self-stretching too. I was never able to get a good stretch in my ankles, calves, or hamstrings until I started using these 2 devices to help me out: Blue Ankle rocker: https://www.amazon.com/Stretcher-Stretch-Achilles-Tendinitis-Pedal-Blue/dp/B086HBVX5B

Ideal Stretch: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UOSF06/ref=dp_iou_view_product_mobile?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They’re pricey but have definitely been worth it for me.

How about a digital recording device like this? Portable to keep on you so you can record calls even when not at home.

It sounds like I may have a bit more milder CP than you (insert normal disclaimer here: I don't know you nor do I know your exact abilities) but I never had the balance to ride a normal bicycle.

For awhile (in my teens when I was a yougin) I used stabilizing wheels like these on a normal bike. It's a fairly cheap option (if you already have a bike) and if you can sit on a regular bike (with like the kickstand down) they should work for you. Be noted, I know the set I had was a complete nightmare to install.

Another option is trikes. Thankfully trikes are much more mainstream now so can even buy them at places like walmart

Of course there are the more expensive options like electric trikes if you feel like you will need some assistance peddling, recumbent bikes if you want an alternate position, or even hand bikes if you feel like your arms may be the more stronger limb.

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As of 2010-they wouldn't let is join.. It's not right. The military is a JOBS program-there's lots of jobs we could still do!!

My neurotypical friend did college ROTC and getting ready they found something MINOR!! It was a few weeks before they said friend could deploy wouldn't be discharged. When my friend didn't know she felt the opposite of my; I'd be night before prison; lawyer calls, do not have to go-YES!! Friend really upset, just decided forever a go-my parent served-I need to serve!

Another author I met served-in secret.

https://www.amazon.com/Someone-Like-Me-Unlikely-Challenge/dp/195680627X/ref=sr\_1\_1?crid=NVLDMMPIPCM7&keywords=john+quinn+cerebral+palsy&qid=1668135684&sprefix=john+quinn+cerebral+palsey%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1

I use a 40oz wheat straw bowl it has a handle and a lid, the outside can get a little bit hot so I also use a bowl cozy or a pot holder

Here’s a link to some wheat straw 40oz ramen bowls

If you are an electric wheelchair user like me it’s a lot easier than in a manual (trust me I’ve burned my thighs one too many times in a manual), also I recommend letting it sit for a few minutes and give it time to cool before transporting it.

P.s. your post made me hungry for soup so I made some lol 😂

Use a mop like this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flash-Power-Mop-Starter-Pads/dp/B083Y5899Y/ref=asc_df_B083Y5899Y/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=606516225351&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8995172906270215868&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvd... spray your product on it, leave it on for a while and scrub it off then. Look up Mrshinchhome on Instagram, got this tip off her

These have been a game changer for me. Still deal with toe drag of my own, but overall, great shoes. Also, they have velcro straps instead of laces, and they're really easy to put on in my experience: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08QRC3YJW/ref=crt_ewc_title_oth_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AFW9M2UXPESGD

Hiya, up until very recently I wore a pretty bulky afo and the flyease 5 worked really well - in my case I just have like a billion back up pairs too

See here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Q3XV5VD/ref=asc_df_B07Q3XV5VD1656003600000/?tag=pjuk-amazon.co.uk-21&creative=22110&creativeASIN=B07Q3XV5VD&linkCode=df0&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

These waterproof leg covers are a bit OTT for the spring & summer months but we have one for our son, as he uses it when we go to festivals or going camping.

Hi, I was wondering if something that you could use to roll on knees instead of trying to walk on them would help. I found this in Amazon: MaxxHaul 80748 Rolling Knee Creeper/Pads ABS High-Impact Frame, 5 Swivel Castors, Tool Tray Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07544JPPJ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_MA6KB2EYDS25A2ZGP54A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I struggle with laces, so my mom found me a pair of shoes from a company called Silverts, they have a velcro strap, and they're super lightweight. they've been a game changer for me: https://www.amazon.com/Silverts-Disabled-Elderly-Needs-Lightweight/dp/B07KBD18FW?pd_rd_w=mr8Yx&pf_rd_p=ee521540-07c2-4687-9605-13c98e32ab2c&pf_rd_r=YZBVVTDT34FA38KB3HSG&pd_rd_r=5b2f9c1e-559b-4a50-ac9c-1add3f366cb6&pd_rd_wg=LUoXl&am...

I recently bought something similar to this, very handy.

A latch hook from a craft store also works really well for shirt buttons. I've also used a unfolded paper clip in a pinch - not as easy, but it has saved me while traveling.

You can earn money simply by watching ads on this website Ojooo Wad Ojooo Wad. It doesn’t require any investment or experience. It's not really sustainable tho and I wouldn't recommend to do it for a living, but it is great for earning some side money. I've been using it for a long time and it can really be useful to make some side money

inserts

Hey I'm in just about the same boat as you! What's helping me is physical and psychological therapy. My anxiety is more around how my cerebral palsy seems to be getting worse but therapy is still helpful.

One of the best things my therapist taught me is if you can't prevent the anxiety, try to have the answer to it. E.g. if you're afraid you'll fall, bring bandaids with you, antibiotic ointment. Start wearing knee pads under loose pants. Also focus on how many times a day you think "I'm going to fall!" And then you don't fall. My therapist calls it hypothetical piles. If you have something small that you have a lot of, try to make a note of each time you think you will fall and put a small item into a jar or cup. One labeled "did not fall" one labeled "did fall". For me I put dice into some clear solo cups. At the end of one week I only had three dice in my "real" cup and about 30 dice in my "hypothetical" cup. It was a good representation of the fact that I'm worried about nothing.

Physical Therapy helps me work on my anxiety because it's an "action step". Something I'm doing to prevent the thing I worry about. By doing physical therapy (even just a few exercises at home!) it can help you maintain or increase your balance abilities and make you feel like you're taking back control. For a balance activity specifically a foam pad is a wonderful place to start. In the beginning of my physical therapy I just tried to balance on one foot on it for thirty seconds while holding onto a counter once a day. My balance was noticably better in two weeks.

I believe I got this foam pad + exercise band combo but I'm sure there's cheaper ones out there.

Anyway sorry for the wall of text but feel free to ask me anything!

I’m a software developer. I’ve been programming for 35 years - since I was 12. I never learned how to type with one hand “properly”. But I type 45 to 50 words per minute with one hand.

I use a smaller keyboard like the Apple keyboard

I never “learned” how to type one handed. I got my first computer in 1986 in 6th grade. I’ve been programming every since. I type about 40-50 words per minute.

I use this keyboard now.

Apple Magic Keyboard (Wireless,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016QO64FI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I’ve used this one before.

1byone Ultra-Slim Wireless... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VRC6U2C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The smaller the keyboard the better.

The 20s are hard for guys. However, it reportedly gets easier in your 30s because that's when settling down becomes the norm (and because women who are seeking to have children become a lot more focused for obvious reasons).

Apparently, if you're degree-educated, the numbers become very much in favour of men in their 30s who are willing to look for women in their own age bracket (see 'Date-onomics'), because there are many more educated women who won't settle for men who are less educated and because men of that age who are educated frequently look for younger women.

For me though, this is moot - at 44, I have let social anxiety (caused in large part by the de facto ostracisation that having CP leads to), low self-esteem and the like get in the way of seeking out - and thus getting into - a relationship (a major repeated thought is: 'who would want me, an awkward cripple, when there are so many other guys out there who are not awkward cripples?').

If there is one good thing to come out of COVID for me, it's that in lockdown, away from colleagues, friends and any other social activity, I got lonely - really lonely. It's forced me to realise that I need to actually get out there and see how I go, incredibly uncomfortable though it is...

I’ve typed with one hand for over 30 years. I type pretty well with one hand. I’ve used this keyboard before.

Ultra Slim Bluetooth Keyboard Compatible with Amazon Fire 10/iPad 10.2"/iPad Air/iPad Pro,iPhone and Other Devices Including iOS/Android/Windows,Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KZSRP82

Now I use the Apple keyboard.

Apple Magic Keyboard (Wireless, Rechargable) (US English) - Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016QO64FI/

I have mild diplegia, I can treadmill or bile but if you tire super easy I would definitely favor the bike. If you tire quickly while on a treadmill, even with the emergency stop that shuts it off instantly, your still in a standing position and your legs can give out.

Maybe this would be helpful. Link for "Desk cycle"

You would need a chair of some kind, but it would allow you to us a chair that is suited to your needs/abilities vs a stationary bike which is one size fits most.

This may help;

https://www.amazon.com/Stretching-Ourselves-Kids-Cerebral-Palsy/dp/0807576379/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=cerebral+palsy+stretching&qid=1609198759&sr=8-5

This book is really helpful: https://www.amazon.com/Spastic-Diplegia-Bilateral-Cerebral-Palsy-Understanding/dp/1952181003

Also, find a children's hospital (Shriners is great) with a good CP program near you. This website is also great: https://www.karenpapemd.com/category/the-early-years/

Some things you may want to look into for your child: physical and occupational therapy, SDR surgery, SEMLS surgery, Botox, orthotics, adaptive sports. It's easy to be overwhelmed now but just focus on enjoying your child and you'll do great! If you ever want to chat about what it's like growing up with CP or need an adult's perspective on growing up with CP, my inbox is open :)

Amazon has it for half that.

Disclaimer: I've never used Bio Oil.

I have similar issues on sand. I always just have to hang on to something else (another person, beach chair, etc.). You could stand with a beach chair in front of you to lean on, or potentially use a cane with a tip that's made for walking on sand: https://www.amazon.com/SANDPADTM-STABILIZER-SandPadTM-American-Ventures/dp/B00VIJR6GI#:~:text=SandPad%20Cane%20Pad%20Single&text=diameter%20cane%20sizes.-,Keeps%20your%20cane%20free-standing%20upright%20when%20not%20in%20use,usage%20on%20all%2....

My son loved this game when he was that age. The bells jingle, the colors are fun and effort-reward factor is spot on for a kiddo with limited motor function. My son can’t sit up, doesn’t have head control and is visually impaired. But when he holds this wand and waves it around to collect bells he gets so excited!

Wiggles 3D Bellz! - A Positively Magnetic Game - Fun for The Whole Family from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R5B4B52/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_w2RcCbQH26F59

https://www.amazon.com/Bose-SoundLink-Color-Bluetooth-Speaker/dp/B01HETFQKS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535389662&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bose+bluetooth+speaker&dpPl=1&dpID=610T5eCOgkL&ref=plSrch

You're welcome! It's not my YouTube but both speakers deal with these topics very well and both are real things that will factor in to his life. If you have any other questions I'm here.

Oh, it's very far off of course- but theirs not much on sex and disability. This book really helped once I got a copy at 17. Even as a nondisabled person this book may help you to know just because he has a disability; he doesn't have to be single forever.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Sex-Disability-Disabilities/dp/B00FFBGURQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492808187&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ultimate+guide+to+sex+and+disability

I'd talk to your physical therapist. They are amazing resources. With my CP, it's hard for me to be on top of my boyfriend. I talked to physical therapist and she designed a series of stretches and exercises to specifically address the issue. If you do t feel comfortable talking to your physical therapist about this issue it might be time to switch. There's this book that is helpful when thinking about disabilities and sex. It's wonderful for not feeling alone.

Sex and Disability https://www.amazon.com/dp/0822351544/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fEM6xbVR5C28S

Also available on Kindle

I totally replied to the wrong comment. I can use both hands. I ended up getting one of those button hooks and it has helped a lot! http://www.amazon.com/Good-Grips-Sure-Button-Hook/dp/B0006Z3GYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447874828&sr=8-1&keywords=button+helper

I use a latch hook tool (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WEB1OG/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687782&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002YNTMFA&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0B8Y11TE56KS4HEMZMH5). They are like max $2 anywhere that sells arts and craft supplies. Waaaaay cheaper than any specialty tool I've seen.