Parenting Cerebral Palsy Kids
A place for parents of children with Cerebral Palsy to meet and support each ... more
See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests
What's Happening Now
Thanks for stopping by the board. I started it two years ago, but it fizzled quickly, as you can see.

Is your grandson receiving physical therapy? Just wondering if it was helping any. Last year we incorporated horse therapy, which helped a lot with balance issues and core strength. But, our little girl still isn't walking independently. She's been going to PT since she was about 18 months old. In July, we stopped going partially due to burn out, and also because we weren't seeing any more progress. We've decided to take her to a specialist to see if there are other issues to address. We go to a pediatric orthopedic doctor in three more weeks. Along with another PT for an evaluation. Both are at a children's hospital.
I receive chiropractic care almost weekly, along with massage therapy. My massage therapist suggested massage for DD's legs. She showed me some techniques, but I'm by no means a specialist. We do it occasionally, more so when her legs are hurting. She doesn't really seem to like it much. Almost like it's hurting her.
I'm sure there are books on massage you could check out to further your own knowledge. Or maybe a massage therapist could help you. I would lean towards a massage therapist who works in a medical facility, as opposed to one in a spa setting. They may have more experience with different things, not just the relaxing spa type of massage.
I'd love to keep in touch, so you can reply and I'll click the thing below to watch this discussion.
LisaView Thread
I don't know if this discussion site is still active. I noticed most of the postings were about two years ago. I am a Grandmother to a beautiful and articulate 5 year old boy...who is not yet walking with cp. He also with high fevers has occassional febrile seizures. His drive to walk is amazing but upon leaving his walker, as he attempts to walk forward with a few steps, he ends up falling forward in the direction he is walking. He has no braces or special orthodic shoes. He walks with his walker...but left leg turns in. However, with a child's plastic grocery cart, his legs turn out wonderfully! My daughter feels his brain will correct his gait and although wth his age of 5, he does receive therapy at school...I feel it is not enough. My heart breaks so much as I try with every gentle persuasion to my daughter that he NEEDS some guidance in the form of a temporary brace or specialized shoes.
With all my heart, I pray one of you ladies will view this site again. With you young ladies working with your own beautiful little ones, I need from your experience and successes what could be applied to my Grandson for his benefit and future. He is very articulate and knows that he cannot walk or run with his kindergarten classmates yet...but there is no doubt in this Grandmother's heart and mind that with the right guidance and information and experience from others, he will get there soon.
I believe in Angels...and my heart is tired...but I have every intention that in 20 years, I will be dancing with my Grandson at his wedding...
Sincerely waiting for your thoughts-
DarmaView Thread
For more information and facts about hydrocephalus, read Hydrocephalus as it Relates to Cerebral Palsy at http://www.cpfamilynetwork.org/cerebral-palsy-articles/cerebral-palsy-news-hydrocephalus-as-it-relates-to-cerebral-palsy .View Thread
It encourages me, and I'm sure others, to see we're not the only ones going through so much with our kids.View Thread
I'm glad you're doing good there! Sounds like a good plan.
We're due for our regular PT eval here. The PT assistant still comes twice a week though.
We've learned that when we know a growth spurt is about to happen we really need to stay on top of stretching to avoid backsliding. We made it through the last one way better for it, at least I think we're through it! I've also been doing some massage therapy with her and it has helped with cramping. I get MT every couple weeks on my back, along with weekly chiropractor trips, and my MT is going to a seminar to learn about massage for CP in May, due to my dd! She gave me some tips that I'm using now, but I'm not doing anything major, just kind of kneading her legs and feet, and it helps.
Also, my dd took a bunch of good steps between me and her PTA today! We were excited. She has suggested arm crutches to help with her balance, so we may try them out soon during therapy sessions at first. Dd takes about 5-6 steps well but kind of dives and isn't steady. She can walk holding only one finger, on her right side, or in her walker. She's quickly outgrowing the walker and I'd love not to need another one.
I'm hanging in there. I get discouraged about her not walking and being so obviously close. My back and neck are killing me and keeping me in the chiropractor's office more than I like and it's a 45 minute drive there each week. Other than that we're good here and looking forward to spring!
You can email me at: lisarprice at yahoo.com if you'd like to keep in touch that way, since the board isn't seeming to be doing much. It may be easier to encourage each other if we can communicate more often!
View Thread
We are heading out for a few days and of course they're calling for it to be cold and snowy.
Still looking forward to the trip though. We'll get to have PT early this morning just before loading up and leaving, so at least DD will get one in this week. (She usually does Tuesday and Thursday.) Hope you all have a wonderful week!View Thread
View Thread
We were also told to have our LO's eyes and teeth checked yearly for CP related problems. Eye doc found micro-strabysmus (lazy eye, a common cp related problem I'm told) for which she isn't prescribing glasses yet because it's so minor, but we go back at six months instead of one year. We go to the dentist in a couple weeks. Hope the ophthalmologist appt goes well!
Yes, my LO is the light of my life! She's awesome to be with, and I'm a SAHM, so I'm with her ALL the time! Of course that can take its toll after a while, but that's when Grandma gets a visit! ;O)View Thread
I am so proud you shared your story. ThanksView Thread
So with that good news, we continue to move forward! Therapy and PT evaluation today. (Evaluations are every four weeks by the actual physical therapist. The PT assistant comes twice a week.)View Thread
I've read they don't usually make a specific diagnosis until a bit later when they can see exactly what has been affected. Hopefully they can do an MRI for you and find out more after her birthday. We didn't get a diagnosis until 2 1/2, so I know waiting is hard. Of course, we were in denial that there was a problem, so that didn't help either.
I look forward to getting to know you here and hope you can find this board supportive and helpful. LView Thread
On a good note, she's gone on the potty all day and is presently wearing regular panties and napping! Yay! Bad part is I'm just putting her on the potty and she's not telling me she has to go. Her doctor said it could be a problem with her type of CP, and we may have trouble potty training her because she may not be able to tell. So far she can tell me she's gone, which is a good sign that maybe we can accomplish this. Another bad thing - the pampers training pants now hurt because of where they are sitting on her leg/crotch area. (These are cut skinnier than diapers and ride all bunched up. May have to find some others. Until then it's either diapers or panties. (She doesn't like the cotton training panties or cloth diapers I've tried.
View Thread
We've had some success with PT, thankfully. She got to a point of no progress in the summer, but then she got braces and it picked up again. My dd has a stronger right leg, and I'm noticing her left starting to turn more, particularly without the braces. I'm just praying we can get rid of her walker soon. She's so close to walking without it, and has actually outgrown it but we modified it some to try to avoid purchasing another one.
My LO does some of the same thing when she wakes up in the night, but it's not often. Just the "spacing out" part. It's like she's not awake. My DH used to sleep walk, so I'm figuring maybe it's along those lines. I was told if they respond to you, that it's not a seizure, but It's worth a doctor question! Let me know what the answer is. I hope your appointment goes well.
Do you have any insurance advice? We have no insurance. Don't qualify for medicaid due to income, but that's questionable. Her doc thinks she should qualify regardless. No SSI due to income either. IF you have any experience with that, I'd appreciate some input. We're in VA. TIA!
Look forward to chatting with you!
View Thread
little girl who was diagnosed with CP on 12/1/10. She began physical therapy 03/10 because she wasn't walking on her own. She also rolled over late. She got a walker in July and braces in September. We're still learning all the in's and outs of dealing with CP, including what services are and aren't available. We're in Virginia, in a rural community, so we don't have much here.View ThreadWomen's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Spotlight: Member Stories
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Member Communities
- Dieting Club: 10 - 25 Lbs Member Community Share Your Tips and Support!
- Caregiving Member Community The Support and Understanding You Need!
- Parenting Friends Talking Member Community Get Support from Members Like You!
-
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
