Athena in Skippi Wheelchair

[babystyle1989]

she's so adorable god bless you guys she looks like she was having alot of fun i just love reaching out to others i have special needs myself it just brings joy to my heart to see how happy she is

[princess82944]

hey.i have a couple of ? 4u..i am talking to this guy with Cp and i would like to know of any tips for daten and help him..he is in a wheelchair, and dose it affect the priv parts of people with it......also move ments that will help with pain.please help me i care for him deeply...

[DragNIKla]

@princess82944

Usually it does not affect sexual organs at all but the level of tone in the legs and torso can be difficult to control. it depends on what type of cp he has. My daughter is a quadriplegic meaning all limbs are affected. If he is a diplegic with just 2 certain movements will be easier for him. Does he use a manual or power wheelchair? You said that he needs help with pain, he should not be in pain from cp alone.

[princess82944]

@DragNIKla he pushs his wheelchair with his hands,he can move all this finger is able to fully exstin them..he says that his legs are the problem just today he says he may have Scoliosis he is in his chair most of the time so those two may add more pain

[DragNIKla]

@princess82944 try to get him in warm water too. a warm pool or large tub so long as he can safely brace himself enough so he won't drown. That will definately relax his muscles. If you can't submerge him, a warm shower before massage will work nicely.

[princess82944]

@DragNIKla thanks honey 4all of your help and support, with all of my heart i thank u.it is all ready helping he see's now that i understand him better, i am allowing him to ask me for help i dnt want to step on his feet you know?. as soon as he is n a place where i can help him with the relaxing i will be doing so...good bless...FROM 1OF MANY PEOPLE WHO CARE DEEPLY FOR OUR PEOPLE WITH SPEC NEEDS!

[DragNIKla]

@princess82944 the muscles and tendons can be tight , but physical therapy and massage help. Maybe you can go with him to physical therapy as a friend, and just see what they are working on, and what body parts and positions he has the most trouble with. As far as dating, I don't know how old he is, but if he is able to get around on his own either with someone driving him, or an adapted vehicle, then it should be the same as any other date. Just make sure wherever you go is accessible

[princess82944]

@DragNIKla he is of age and is trying to get help from the gov now, so the phy therapy and things are on hold

[DragNIKla]

@princess82944 I understand that can be a lengthy process, in the meantime, you can help him stretch during massages (mainly stretching his legs, and relaxing his arms to give them a break since he uses them to move his wheelchair. Scoliosis can develop over time from some of the poor posturing devices that were out before, maybe you can make a contoured pillow insert for use in or out of his chair, it would make him more comfortable, and it could help straighten his spine a bit.

[DragNIKla]

@princess82944 also check some websites about sleeping habits of people with scoliosis (some say its hard to sleep on their side withought a pillow under their side, so keep that in mind when you are thinking about positioning. If he is comfortable sitting upright in his wheelchair, that may end up being a go to position for him where he can still have control with his arms. good luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

[DragNIKla]

@princess82944 Rarely toileting is an issue, if they cannot feel the right muscles and operate them appropriately, but that would have been discovered when he was very young. You can always give him a full body massage, that will relax his muscles, and make intimacy more comfortable. everyone with cp is different so it would be best to talk to him about what he feels he is capable of. Feel free to ask if you have anymore questions.

[princess82944]

@DragNIKla thanks i will..he says he is able to clean his self so i am sure that he is able to feel

[princess82944]

@DragNIKla is there a wrong way to give a message to some one with cp.i dont want to hurt him,most videos i see 1st work on relaxing the person firm slow movements and after 30mins of that then exstinding begans....do any rubbing scents help like mint,lavender,? i my self use those two to relaxing.

[DragNIKla]

@princess82944 The scents can't hurt, but it may not be as helpful as it would be for you or me, because our tightness is something we can control and smelling those scents automatically invites us to relax. Even at his calmest, if he has been doing what is considered strenuous work for him, once he's stopped he is going to remain tight. the only wrong way would be punching him.

[DragNIKla]

@princess82944 do short fast light strokes on the inside of the forearms and the calves to get the blood circulating, and then start with hands or feet and press using your thumb making a circular motion outwards towards the fingers. almost like trying to wipe something off your hands. then from there whatever he says feels relaxing. I just wouldn't do any sort of squeezing massage and try not to press in with your thumbs. Use the flat of your palm, or even the back of your hand for long strokes

[DragNIKla]

@princess82944 also you have to find out what kind of cp he has. If he is spastic then that is where tight muscles and tone would make him stiff in certain limbs and limp in others. But if he has ataxic cerebral palsy then he will almost always be moving with small tremors and an unsteady look and gait. If he is in a manual wheelchair, just ask him how much help he likes, some people get offended if you start pushing their wheelchair for them ( you become their nurse instead of their date).

[princess82944]

@DragNIKla THANK U SO MUCH, god bless and i hope all go's well in you and your childs life!!!!

[gunslingerswife]

I was Googling wheelchair options for my 11 yr. old, who also has CP and quadraplegia. This video has changed my mind and brought tears to my eyes. Although I'm the first one to preach "never underestimate these children," I realized I had done just that with my son, since I never considered getting him a power chair because of his limited movement. Athena is a beautiful, little girl....just know your video has blessed me, as I'm sure it has others! : )

[DragNIKla]

@gunslingerswife

I'm so glad we could be of help to you. My initial search for a power chair started because she outgrew her stroller style wheelchair, and according to insurance, she would have to keep the next chair for atleast 3 years. Since she is 3 that would mean she would miss controlling her movement through her environment until she turned 6 when she would have to start learning how to use a power chair.

[DragNIKla]

@gunslingerswife

luckily I was googling and found this chair with a midtray center control option, and it came apart so i could get it up and down the stairs and into a compact car. She's doing well practicing her driving, and although some days 1 hand works better than the other, she has the option of using either or both. The original chair is designed for more active kids, but the nutec seat adapter allows her to be supported properly. With a little support the sky is the limit .

[DragNIKla]

@gunslingerswife

also so much has been done to improve controls for wheelchairs that even the most severe physical limitation can be overcome to operate a power chair. from head arrays, sip puff straws, tetriplegic handles you name it. There are more options available for younger kids not just adults anymore. Another option is power assist wheels that you can add to a manual wheelchair to make it a power chair one company I looked at was frank mobility's e-fix wheels. Good luck on the search.

[MTVacterss1]

Was there some sizure activety in that video?

[DragNIKla]

no she doesn't have seizures. she has a headrest on her chair so that she wont swing her head around so much when she shakes her head no

[therapies4kids]

wonderful video!

[vigalence]

aww so cute...what set-up did you guys feel was the best?

[DragNIKla]

The center control tray option was best so she could choose which hand to use at any time if the other gets tired. we will get the chair with a headrest, butterfly harness, lateral side supports, and a bumper bar. The tray that comes with the chair is clear, so she will still be able to see down to the ground below her feet.

[DragNIKla]

That's my girl. Nana is soooo proud of you!!!