I am a single mom of a cerebral palsy child that is asking for help!!!!

Caroline - posted on 07/03/2012

My daughter was born 9 weeks premmie, weighed 3 pounds & 11 ounces, she had many challenges. She was not able to walk un-assisted, she needed support to sit up, druelled constantly, developmentally delayed, frequent body tremors, kind of in a daze all the time, clenched left hand, choking on her food, speach problems, left side weakness etc tec. She was elevated on her toes when holding her to walk, she was splinted for a leg brace & they wanted to give her botox, but after researching botox and discovering how its made and there were no long term studies I decided against it. Her life was restricted & so was mine ...and it looked this way for the rest of her life ... & mine. I felt hopeless.

We were attending all sorts of treatments and therapies which cost a lot. A friend told me about some special wellness supplements from a particular company, she started taking them in her yogurt, after one week she was up walking un-assisted, it made an immense difference to her brain function, memory, balance, mood & cognition in a short space of time. I was elated!

I am so grateful to the person that told me about this incredible technology. She now has a life now ….. and so do I. Its now over 14 yrs later and she continues to take these special nutrients, now she is almost 16, in a few weeks she begins driving lessons and has just started an after school casual job in a fast paced food takeaway.
http://www.navig8.biz/LifeStyle2

Jennah - posted on 03/18/2011

Hi! I'm also a single mom with a CP daughter, she's almost 7! I've gotten a lot of resources put into place over the years and have some equipment that make things easier, but still struggle with things at times. My parents are aging and I also worry what we'll do when they can no longer help and once she also gets too heavy for me! Another thing that's difficult is being able to do things that allow me to maintain my individuality and things I enjoy doing, such as traveling. I found it to be a life saver to be able to have respite care every once in a while. There is a center close to where I live that is for medically fragile children, and is soooo nice! I never imagined such a place existed. Kenya loves it there too and has friends she plays with there. :)

Teresa - posted on 06/09/2010

Ask your daughters doctors, nurses, therapists and the school. Someone in those group of people will know which direction to point you in. Just make sure you ask questions! Take a pen and paper with you everywhere to jot down questions or thoughts you might want to bring up and answers that you might want to look up or ask someone else about later. Your local welfare office, department of children and families, HRS, DYFSS or whatever they call it in your area will also have answers for you. Personally, if you have PT or OT for your daughter, I'd start there. I know I'm much later at offering advice here than everyone else, but I hope it helps.

Wendy - posted on 11/05/2009

i am in the same situation but my son is a boy who is now 14. my husband passed away last year and now i am responsible for his care. have you ever checked into an independant provider for your daughter? I don't know your insurance info but if it is medicaid, i know they will pay for an independant provider to come care for your daughter in your home whenever you need them. if you do not know of any, you can have someone you trust to care for your daughter get certified to become one. it pays very well. once your daughter turns 18, you can paid to care for her if you are still physically able. My back became bad really fast because i refused to believe that i needed help and frankly I am very picky about who to trust. I am sure you are the same. you can get alot of info on independant providers on the web. I think that carestar has info about it on their site. any questions, feel free to message me!

Shanon - posted on 07/29/2009

I know how you feel Justin my son is 15 and way big boy..as are 15year olds.lol anywya I know it is hard ans scaery not to know if or how are yo ugoing to care for your child.I have been blessed with nursing so that I could work. I now stay at home..but still ge tthe help and it is such a wounderful help.... We just got a lift to go from his bed to the bath tha has bee the hardest for me.. check out al the outreaches that kelly said and ask your Doc..and school for programs...good luck ...L&L shanon

Lynda - posted on 03/17/2009

hi kari,

i am also a single mum, my little boy is six this year (but is very tall not too good for me as i am only 5ft tall) and he also has cerebral palsy as well as having other needs.

i have been lucky  to have a lot of equipment in place already as we started modifying out home when he was still very young, it has been the best thing i have ever done for us both its makes life so much easier (sometimes a little slower using the hoist)  and i know that by me giving in and saving my back by not lifting him is a better alternative than me being out of action and missing out on time having fun with him.

i am pleased that you have family to help and that your not too proud to ask as iam sure her grandparents love spending time with her and helping out. good luck for the future and a big hug to you both from me and my little monkey x♥x 

Kelly - posted on 03/15/2009

Hi Kari -

Definitely get involved with your local human services. there are many programs out there to help with any type of medical equipment. This would include installing tracks and hoyer lifts as well as widening doorways for wheelchairs if that's needed. Most families in my area (WI) start with a Family Support program and then based on needs can be put on Children's Waivers which is a state funding program. If you don't know where to start ask your school team. They should be able to help direct you. Good luck with everything just know that there is help out there.