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I Have Cerebral Palsy

Living With A Scissor Gait

By: steffylegs
Written on April 21st, 2012
I'm new to writing stories and not really sure if anyone will be interested. I was born with cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia. It took me longer than most kids, but eventually I learnt to walk. My problem is that I don't have proper control of my legs. When I'm standing still you cant really see that I have any problem but as soon as I start walking it gives the game away. My legs twist inwards from the hips and my feet twist inwards as well. I have to throw my legs forward and get really embarrassed at how I look when I walk. I feel as if everybody is looking at me and got teased all the way through school. I'd like to hear from anyone else out there who has learnt to cope with cerebral palsy. Thanks
By: steffylegs
Age: 26-30 , Female
717 people have read this story

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    Scissorlegs
    Scissorlegs

    I have arthrogryposis and walk with a scissor gait. Go to www.martysheedy.com . Keep your head up man.

    Jun 15, 2012
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      steffylegs
      steffylegs

      Thanks for the comment and the link.

      Jun 17, 2012
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    cast1971
    cast1971

    Hi steffylegs Just ignore those ignorant people they are not worth your time.



    If you figure out how to cope with CP let me know...

    May 30, 2012
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    dandelyon
    dandelyon

    I just read and commented on another article of yours and thought I would share what I have learned to do when adults and especially children stare at our son. I immediately stop and looking them in the eye say kindly, that our son was born as he is. His name is ____. You may talk to him, even though he can't answer you. Usually the children, much to their parent's horror have questions which I answer and suggest they touch him as he likes that. I encourage them to remember his name and speak to him when they see him again. Sometimes they do and I find that often they introduce others to him and it seems to take away the awkardness the next time. I find that kids are usually genuinely curious and if allowed to undertand why he seems so different they are very kind. I all to well know how cruel some kids in school can be but, find that speaking even to those kind of weeds out the mean ones and encourages the others to talk to one more often and become concerned about how you are treated. Let them see how strong you are even when you don't feel as such. You can turn your CP into something positive in changing how people think. Volunteering to speak in front of school classes about CP during health classes or disabilty awarness days may really boost your self esteem and provide invaluable knowledge to others. Never let your physical limitations limit who you are inside. :)

    May 23, 2012
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    steffylegs
    steffylegs

    Thanks for saying this. You should be really proud of your positive outlook on this.

    Apr 24, 2012
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    AngelDeAmor182
    AngelDeAmor182

    I know the feeling.. I was teased throughout my childhood too. Now I'm extremely anxious, nervous and self-conscious around people... I want to learn to cope with my cp, I just don't know where to start. I guess I'm lucky to have a very supportive family and a caring, loving, understanding husband who always wants to "show me off" to his friends lol (it's his way of trying to boost my self esteem I guess). I guess the best we can do is just ignore the stares. Those who can't look past my "disability" aren't worth the time of day anyway.

    Apr 24, 2012
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      steffylegs
      steffylegs

      Thank you for those words. I really appreciate it.

      May 24, 2012
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    asia321
    asia321

    don't mind other people!

    Apr 21, 2012
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