#CPChatNow Recap- 05-16-2018

Posted on May 22, 2018 by zacharyfenell

Experience develops into insights and the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow proved quite insightful Wednesday, May 16th, 2018. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, smarter after this past Wednesday and ready to pass along my newly gained knowledge. So relax and enjoy the May 16th recap.

If only relaxing remained that simple! Early chatter revolved around stress and hypertension. Showing vulnerability, I asked the “stupid” question. “What is hypertension?”

My co-host Devin Axtman explained hypertension as the medical term for high blood pressure. Channeling the mindset original #CPChatNow co-founder John W. Quinn always displayed, I sought to get us focusing towards solutions opposed to dwelling upon problems.

Regular R responded to my question regarding what activities relax her, listing off quite the number! R’s response initially included mediation and yoga to relax muscles. She quickly added, “biofreeze, tacos, massage, epsom salt whirlpool baths, stretching, plenty of water, tacos, chocolate, weighted blankets.”

Personally the weighted blankets item caught my attention. Earlier in the week in a CP related Facebook group I belong to, someone posted about weighted blankets. Therefore R’s mentioning weighted blankets peaked my curiosity.

Devin pondered my question, figuring weights in the blanket could apply pressure. Meanwhile R provided a more certain reply, detailing why weighted blankets work well with spasticity.

Relaxing activities continued a popular subject. Devin and I each shared what relaxes our respective selves.

Probably unsurprising to most in our community, I said physical activity relaxes me. Within the aforementioned physical activity I included my library job, a physically involved position. You might additionally come across Devin at the library when he needs to relax considering my co-host reads to relax.

Your turn to share! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What activity relaxes you?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

Perhaps you too relax by reading, using weighted blankets, or striking particular yoga positions. Maybe though, your relaxing activity differs. Sleep may represent your safe haven. Actually sleep surfaced during the discussion on relaxing and quickly became the chat’s concentration.

Although multiple participants deemed sleeping relaxing, falling asleep stood out as troublesome. A commonality Casey attributed to CP. R agreed 100%. The two further bonded over difficulties falling asleep.

Casey called those who take falling asleep for granted crazy and R resonated with the sentiments. Despite a frustration many nights, trouble falling asleep will supply an asset this Thursday, May 24th. You will not want to fall asleep early Thursday since we will host our monthly CPChatNow Google Hangout that evening. The May 2018 Hangout date we finalized during the chat May 16th.

Combining feedback received during the Twitter chat alongside responses to our private Facebook group post, the May 2018 Google Hangout will happen this Thursday, May 24th. Message the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page to inquire about receiving the link to the Hangout.

Before leaving to message us on Facebook, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “What activity relaxes you?” Comment below to reply.

Until next time, remember. Do not blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 5-9-2018

Posted on May 15, 2018 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was jumping as always. Members talked about being ambidextrous, learning to fall, and rebelling against CP. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this week’s recap.

Zach and Grace talked about being ambidextrous and whether that translated to falling to one side or the other:

Zach and Grace talking about whether being ambidextrous translated to falling more on one side. Grace tweeted she is, but tends to fall on her right side

Members then talked about learning to fall. Stacey expressed surprise that was a thing, but many members such as Zach and Hannah tweeted about learning to fall:

Zach and Stacey tweeted about learning to fall. Stacey said she had never learned to fall, but she falls on her stronger side.

Zach and Hannah tweeted about different techniques regarding learning to fall in PT:

Zach tweets about learning to fall on his dominant side. Hannah tweets she learned ways to catch herself. Zach tweeted he went to private PT

Zach, Hannah, and I tweeted about having private PT and our parents sweating over payment details:

Zach, Hannah, and I tweet about having private PT when younger and not thinking about the payment details

Next, talk turned to an interesting question Zach had. He asked members about the first time they could remember rebelling against their CP.

Zach asked about the first time members rebelled against their CP. Zach tweets about not leaving classes. Jen tweeted about grabbing things with her claw rather than asking for help

Hannah tweeted about moving to Nashville and Zach tweeted about his parents being unsure about him competing in his first marathon:

Hannah tweets about rebelling by moving to Nashville. Zach tweets about doing the marathon and reassuring his parents

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation question. Zach had all of the good questions this week, so I will ask his question again for those who couldn’t participate on Twitter: “What was the first decision you made to rebel against people’s concerns over your CP?” Share you answers and the results in the comments

#CPChatNow Recap- 05-02-2018

Posted on May 9, 2018 by zacharyfenell

Much conversation covering assorted topics took place Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018 during the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow. Hello, I am co-host Zachary Fenell and I am in a summarizing mood. Fitting since my task today calls for me to provide you your weekly #CPChatNow recap!

Early on in the evening the discussion revolved around stretching.The topic initially surfaced earlier in the week within our private Facebook group. Said group offers a more secure platform to discuss personal issues. To keep the space secure, we limit who we permit in. However, everyone should feel welcome to like our Facebook fan page and engage with those posts.

Now getting back to the Twitter chat, R shared the thoughts she posted in the Facebook group additionally to Twitter. Personally I found familiarity amidst her input.

We agreed stretching requires a certain balance. Otherwise you cause additional discomfort. As the talk progressed R and I learned our stretching methods differ. I use my leg casts to stretch out. A method R finds ineffective in her case!

Meanwhile my co-host Devin added his own input.

Devin admits to not really stretching. A luxury afforded to him thanks to the hot Texas weather! Devin, R, and my three different experiences stretching emphasizes a valuable cerebral palsy fact. CP and the best treatment options vary by the person.

Go ahead and tell what you find beneficial stretching wise! This week’s extend-the-conversation question asks, How often do you stretch? What kind of stretching do you do? Leave your reply in the “Comments” section.

Just like how answers will vary, the May 2nd chat also featured variety. Other subjects besides stretching emerged. Devin mentioned a Disability Scoop story he recently came across, “Trump Administration Seeks to Bar Immigrants with Disabilities.”

After reading Devin and I both questioned the origins to the statistics suggesting higher expenses. Plus Devin wondered how you implement such a distinction. Make sure to click the previous link and read the article yourself.

Moving to more lighthearted dialogue, Devin asked everyone about their summer plans.

Timmy Le looks forward to spending his summer in the lab. Furthermore he has his best friend’s wedding to attend! Attending weddings appeared a commonality in multiple participants’ summer plans.

No matter what your summer plans entail, make sure you plan to also answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. How often do you stretch? What kind of stretching do you do?

Answer with a comment below.

Until next time,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 4-25-2018

Posted on May 1, 2018 by devinaxtman

The past week in #CPChatNow was humming as always. I’m #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along on this week’s recap.

We start the recap with some good news from Timmy!

Timmy is his school's outstanding neuroscience student

Next, talk turned to a familiar topic with CP, falls. Rachel reported she had a fall recently and the importance of not falling on her right side. It is a fact of life with CP that you learn how to fall.

Rachel's left side is banged up from a fall that could have been worse. Wum Gin asked if Rachel ever breaks a fall with her left side. Rachel replies that is a bad idea due to no reflexes

Next, talk turned to sick days and benefits (or lack-thereof at work) along with the difficulties of working for a small business.

Rachel earned a sick day that she might use next week. Zach replied his position does not have benefits

Zach and Rachel continued tweeting about sick days. Rachel tweeted she's not covered under ADA due to her employer being a small business

Finally, talk turned to taking the staircase at events like sporting events and concerts. The consensus was to only get up if necessary and not to go alone:

Shira tweeted about going the theater and dealing with a tricky staircase. Rachel agreed she hates getting up

Zach agreeing that he does not like going to stadiums by himself but he did go to a game at Wrigley field by himself

This brings us to our extend-the-conversation Question: Do you avoid doing things in public alone due to your CP?

The Extend-The-Conversation question: A red background with a white #CPChatNow logo. A picture of stadium stairs without a railing with Do you avoid doing things in public alone due to your CP? on the bottom

Share your answers in the comments. Tweet you later!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-18-2018

Posted on April 24, 2018 by zacharyfenell

#CPChatNow’s communal atmosphere remained on full display Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 during the weekly Twitter chat. Familiar faces returning after lengthy absences helped to establish the night’s tone. Here to tell you all about the evening, I am co-host Zachary Fenell.

Those aforementioned familiar faces referenced included long-time participant Hannah Pike and always busy co-host Jorge Oteiza. Other participants warmly greeted the two.

Co-host Devin utilized a wrestling GIF to welcome Hannah and Jorge. Such a GIF demonstrates another aspect to our friendly community. Perhaps an element to discuss in a future recap! For now, let us catch up with Hannah and Jorge.

Some serious health issues kept Hannah away from #CPChatNow. Issues she recently detailed while blogging.

Despite personally already knowing Hannah’s situation, reading her blog post still made me shudder. The seriousness that comes along brain surgery proving undeniable. Take a look and read yourself, “The Setbacks Leading to the Comeback.”

Thankfully the reasoning behind Jorge’s absence involves a lot less dire circumstances. College and work continues to keep him pre-occupied. As Jorge explained, an earlier shift allowed him to make the week’s chat.

Just like Hannah, participants excitedly met Jorge. Specifically, Shira Sadiky recounted how Jorge helped her feel comfortable when she first joined #CPChatNow a couple years ago. Comfort definitely stands important towards building a strong community.

What other characteristics do you also find valuable in a community? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What characteristics make for a strong community?” Respond in the “Comments” section.

Maintaining the communal theme, remember #CPChatNow’s forthcoming April 2018 Google Hangout.

The monthly Hangout allows our community to chat using a more open platform. No character limits! Plus video chatting adds communication factors like tone of voice and facial expressions, enhancing the dialogue! Due to privacy reasons, the link to the Hangout does not go out publicly. Perchance you want to join us, message the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page to let us know.

Before visiting our Facebook page though, answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question! “What characteristics make for a strong community?” Answer by commenting below! I eagerly await seeing your replies.

Until next time,

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 4-11-2018

Posted on April 17, 2018 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was busy as always. Members talked about birthdays, lost family members, and writing books. This is #CPChatNow Co-Host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for this week’s recap.

First, we have to wish a happy birthday to Shira! She talked about her feelings upon turning 17:

Shira discussing her feelings upon turning 17, sometimes feeling old, sometimes feeling like a young girl

Talk then turned a memorial service at my university and Zach shared it was his late aunt’s birthday:

Zach pointing out that today was his late aunt's 63 birthday. Shira stated it was OK to remember loved ones. Zach shared his aunt was a pediatric nurse that helped his family

Zach and I discussed how his aunt’s occupation as a pediatric nurse helped his family with his CP diagnosis:

Zach and I discussed how his aunt's occupation as a pediatric nurse helped his family with his CP diagnosis

Finally, Zach talked about going to author events in preparation for writing his next book, a story on his journey from not participating in PE to completing a marathon this past year:

Zach and Shira talking about Zach going to author events in preparation for his new book on his journey to being a marathoner

This bring us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: If you wrote a book about your life, what would be your topic? Please share your answers in the comments!

Tweet you later!

-Devin A notebook on a brown table with a pen. Extend-The-Conversation Question and If you wrote a book about your life, what would be the topic? are in white above the notebook. The multicolored #CPChatNow logo is in the bottom lefthand corner

#CPChatNow Recap- 04-04-2018

Posted on April 10, 2018 by zacharyfenell

Assorted subjects came and went during the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, April 4th, 2018. I am co-host Zachary Fenell here to play reporter and give you your weekly recap. A challenge given the various topics discussed!

Early on the chatter contained a downer tone. Participants shared difficult life situations they currently face. Looking to turn the dialogue upbeat, I asked about positive happenings, no matter how small!

Shira expressed feeling happy despite some physical health issues. Meanwhile the Texas Rangers winning the night before gave Jen joy. Sports became a re-occurring topic when I tweeted out a recent news story, “Watonsville Student-Athlete with Cerebral Palsy Hopes to Inspire, Bring Change.”

My co-host Devin also enjoyed the article. He and I noted what resonated with our respective selves. Devin liked how Carlos seemed “like he’s one of the guys.” Personally, the coach working with Carlos’ psychologist and physical therapist impressed me.

Speaking about physical therapists, physical therapy arose as a conversation generator.

Chat regular Chris made mention her neurologist ordered “physical torture.” Physical torture meaning physical therapy (PT). I recalled other participants vocalizing similar sentiments towards PT in past chats.

Want to add in your opinion? You can by answering this week’s extend-the-conversation question. “How would you describe physical therapy?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.

Also worth mentioning from our chat Wednesday, April 4th, we announced the date for our April 2018 Google Hangout.

If you like joining the monthly video chat, mark your calendars for Thursday, April 26th. To maintain a safe environment, we do not send out the Hangout link publicly. To get added to the invite list, contact Devin or myself. Before reaching out though, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question.

“How would you describe physical therapy?”

Respond via commenting below.

Until next time!

-Zachary

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!