By Emily Edgar
Cerebral Palsy was a condition that I was born with. As I enter my 40th year in 2024 it remains a condition the effects of which must be managed daily. However, there is no one size fits all approach that can be taken to treat and manage Cerebral Palsy due to the many distinct types that exist.
In my case, I was born, with Spastic Diplegia which in short, means that I am wheelchair-bound with both my legs being affected and some restriction with my hand function, together with increased muscle stiffness and tone throughout my body. Moreover, this lived experience with and exposure to disability has meant that I have spent countless hours relying on the expertise of various allied health professionals and family members throughout my life in attempting to manage the effects of my disability and maximise the quality of my day-to-day life.
However, my journey with Courtney and the Featherstone community began in February 2023 when after approximately 18 months of searing pain in my left shoulder, as a last resort I had shoulder surgery (acromioplasty) to fix wear and tear caused by overuse of my shoulder ligaments and joints when self-propelling my manual wheelchair daily. Post operatively this required even more extensive rehabilitation than normal after several setbacks and complications along the way, including severe post-operative nerve pain and increased shoulder stiffness due a significant increase in immobility. Each in turn caused major frustration, sleep deprivation and increased reliance on my carers and family.
However, the rehab journey I must admit has not been all doom and gloom, in fact on many occasions it has been far from that. I have always been a strong advocate for the benefits of a consistent commitment to Physio Pilates and general exercise for those living with physical disabilities for many years and this has never been easier or more affordable than with the introduction of the NDIS.
Further, nothing has cemented this belief for me more than the moments during this journey where I have found myself being able to do movements, I have not done for about 20 years, the sense of achievement and freedom that comes from that is truly magical.
Lastly, throughout this journey Sarah and her tea, particularly Courtney, have been incredible. Their guidance, compassion, knowledge, and understanding of my unique circumstances and needs has been amazing, not to mention the emotional support and positivity they have provided or willingness to lend an ear during the more challenging phases of my rehab. I am incredibly grateful to them all.
If you are a NDIS participant or carer and would like to know more about how Featherstone may be able to assist feel free to get in touch.
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