This past week in #CPChatNow was buzzing as always. Members discussed their plans for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, frustrations with insurance, dealing with the cold, and Erin stopped by to share her paintings! This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
Longtime member Erin stopped by to share her new painting venture at E’s Messy Gallery .
Next, members discussed frustrations with insurance. Alessandro is thinking about a knee replacement and Erin is battling with insurance to get a talking device.
Members also discussed how they deal with the cold. Zach tweeted he uses a heating pad and Erin shared she moved to Florida.
Finally, Zach tweeted about his plans for CP Awareness Month, releasing his new book!
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your tips for dealing with insurance? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow.
Communal vibes emanated from the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, February 16th, 2022. Here to tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Let us get to recapping!
Admittedly, I am a bit hesitant in compiling this recap. My hesitancy rooted in concerns I will come across too self-promotional. As you might know, I had remained hard at work on a new book over the last two years. Well, on Wednesday, February 16th I revealed my upcoming book’s cover and title.
Seeing how #CPChatNow has been so supportive and encouraging of me as I've worked on my next book, I wanted to first share my book's title and cover with you. #DrumRollpic.twitter.com/955mYsLJUu
I first posted the reveal in #CPChatNow to show my gratitude for all the support the community has given me throughout the process. Count on me to continue to provide updates as Slow and Cerebral nears release (most likely late March).
Elsewhere in the chat, I also supplied an update on a long-time community member.
Hannah asked me to share some bad news regarding her health. Those in our community rallied around Hannah and sent well wishes her way. Personally, I noticed a parallel between us rallying around Hannah and celebrating Slow and Cerebral‘s reveal.
Essentially, I compared the night’s chat to a roller coaster. Commenting that amidst the highs and lows, one constant remained. Community!
Throughout the ride, we enjoyed other lively discussion. Stephen, an enthusiastic chat participant, helped spark this dialogue.
Stephen asked the group what is one thing they like about CP. I answered saying CP has acted as a filter, letting me know what friends I can count on. Overall though, responses varied.
My co-host Devin Axtman credited CP for making him more adaptable and less upset by setbacks. Meanwhile Jessica replied, saying CP has helped her to show empathy and compassion to others. What about you? Keep the conversation going and answer as the extend-the-conversation question, “What do you like about cerebral palsy?”
Answer in the “Comments.” Afterwards, set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
The last #CPChatNow of 2021 had members looking back on their highs and lows of the year and what they had learned along with looking forward to 2022. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, members discussed their highs and lows from 2021:
Next, members discussed what they had learned during the year.
Finally, members discussed their goals for 2022.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are your goals for 2022? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow!
The #CPChatNow recap is back! This past week in #CPChatNow was bouncing as always. Members discussed holiday traditions, driving, eye surgeries, and more! This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
First, I would like to recognize Stephen Commander on his recent birthday! I hope you enjoyed your day!
I also want to recognize Zach’s cool “Don’t blend in, blend out!” holiday sweater.
Fittingly for a few days before Christmas, members discussed their favorite holiday traditions.
Next, members discussed the challenges and opportunities that can come from not being able to drive.
Finally, Veronica tweeted about her recent laser eye surgery and members asked questions about it.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your most significant medical procedure you have undergone?
Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday on Twitter at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow!
On Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoyed a lively conversation. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Shall we get to recapping?
Several topics came and went throughout the evening Wednesday, December 8th. Thus why I described the night as “lively.” Early in the evening Alessandro brought life to the chat, asking a question.
Alessandro explained recently he has experienced moments where he has been so deep into whatever he was doing, that for a split second he forgets he has CP. Curious, he wanted to know if others encountered similar experiences. Both my co-host Devin Axtman and I said no, even noting dealing with cerebral palsy in our dreams. Meanwhile, Jen said sometimes. However, she could not pinpoint an exact moment. Jen and Alessandro were not alone either.
Blemi stated she tends to forget she has CP until she trips over something. Or, until she leaves the house and people stare at her. Stares which sometimes lead to ridiculous comments. Another subject our community discussed December 8th. A discussion prompted by Blemi.
In asking participants what the most ridiculous question they have ever been asked, Blemi triggered our participants to recall some truly dumbfounding inquiries. Devin remembered getting asked “How do you go to college?” His tale reminded Blemi of a similar situation. Blemi recounted for us people always asked if she had different admission requirements.
Nevertheless, the most ridiculous question received arguably goes to Hannah. She told us about being told she must have some other palsy because she has not “OUTGROWN IT YET?” Although, for argument sake, you could debate the question’s ridiculousness level.
Like Veronica pointed out, many people don’t realize you don’t outgrow CP because CP gets advertised as the biggest birth defect in children. Veronica mentioning “using the word children makes it sound like it can be outgrown.”
A sentiment I agreed with 100%. To keep the conversation going, answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “What are other ways we can debunk the myth you ‘outgrow cerebral palsy’?” Leave your ideas in the “Comments” section.
Afterwards, mark your calendars to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter for #CPChatNow. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow was a banger as always. Members discussed the 8 year anniversary of #CPChatNow, stretching hip flexors, and their favorite part of the holiday season. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
We have a milestone to mark this week, the 8 year anniversary of #CPChatNow! Members discussed the passage of time and Zach shared some history of the chat.
Next, I asked if members could share ideas on stretching hip flexors independently. Blemi shared some tips.
Finally, Zach asked about member’s favorite part of the holiday season and #CPChatNow OG, Hannah Pike, chimed in.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.
The weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow lives! Or, for accuracy I, co-host Zachary Fenell, should say thrives! Yes. Despite the lull in recaps throughout November, our community has been going strong. Do not simply take my word though. Let me show you by recapping our chat from Wednesday, November 24th, 2021.
Enthusiastic newcomer Stephen has helped our community garner a thriving atmosphere.
Stephen learned about our chat from long-time #CPChatNow regular and “Life with Blemi” Youtube personality Blemi. In the few weeks since joining our family Stephen has grown thankful for our community, saying “I look forward to this every week.” Sentiments Stephen shared after asking participants what they are thankful for.
Other answers included Blemi saying she is thankful for everything she currently has. Plus, my co-host Devin Axtman said he is thankful for finally being married after COVID postponed his wedding in 2020. Marriage and relationships in general would continue as a discussion topic.
Both Devin and Blemi offered Stephen dating wisdom. Devin noting that although meeting someone is tough, it is possible. Touting as evidence the fact multiple people in our community are married or are in relationships. Bottom line, Devin advised “Try and have fun!”
Meanwhile Blemi provided similar advice. Seconding how dating is tough and can seem even harder with cerebral palsy. Nonetheless, you could still find someone. She recommended keeping an “open mind and putting yourself out there.”
Participants’ open minds remained apparent throughout the night November 24th. In addition to dating and what we are thankful for, various topics arose.
Amongst the assorted topics, Blemi asked if anyone has sleep apnea. A question spurred by a doctor telling her sleep apnea is very common in the CP community. News to many in the chat! Long-time chat regular Jen and I each responded negatively, at least stipulating we do not think so. What about you? Keep the conversation going and answer for the extend-the-conversation question “Do you have sleep apnea?” Reply in the “Comments” section.
Maybe your reaction to the sleep apnea-cerebral palsy news echoes Sean who stated “Is it?! That would explain a few things…” However you reacted, do not let the news cause you to fall over in surprise. Anyway, speaking of falling,
After watching my co-worker fall and hurt herself earlier in the week, I asked the chat if anyone else finds seeing others fall to be unsettling. This diverged into further dialogue about reactions when we ourselves fall. Sean mentioning his mother’s reaction to when she hears a thud. She yells “Scream or bang on something if you need me.” Otherwise, she resumes whatever she was doing.
A similar reaction to how the people in Blemi’s life respond. Blemi sharing those close to her will just carry on when she falls. Unless Blemi starts laughing. The laughter an indicator she hurt herself.
Now, we all know better then to tell someone “Don’t fall.” Nevertheless, let me suggest avoiding falling in with a forgetful crowd. Instead, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “Do you have sleep apnea?”
Answer below! Afterwards set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET. In the meantime I will return within the week to recap our chat from Wednesday, December 1st, 2021.
This past week in #CPChatNow was “A Happening” as Gorilla Monsoon would say. Members discussed driving, Halloween plans and struggles, and how they would describe the year 2021. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, members discussed what went into the decision on whether to drive or not with a variety of considerations going into member’s decisions.
Next, members discussed their Halloween plans and concerns they have surrounding accessibility of trick or treating.
Finally, Zach asks members how they would describe the year 2021 at this point.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question which is inspired by Halloween: What is your favorite Halloween costume of all time?
Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow. Thanks for reading!
While temperatures outside begin to drop, conversation during the cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow heated up. Or so that remained the case Wednesday, October 20th, 2021. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!
The weather topic arose early in the night.
Admittedly, I initiated the dialogue commenting how “it’s that time of year #CPChatNow when my spasticity is starting to increase due to colder temperatures.” Long-time chat regular Blemi responded, calling the week “a stark reminder of that” for her. Adding “It’s not even that cold yet!” Regarding Blemi’s “It’s not even that cold yet” statement, I speculated the actual temperature does not matter as much as how dramatic the decrease in temperature is.
Oppose to spending the night dwelling on the challenges we face due to the cooler weather, we re-focused to concentrate on solutions.
A focus starting with me asking participants to name a product which helps them get through the winter months. Blemi showed love for her heated blanket and heated massage pad. I too almost said heating pad. However, after looking over my “Cerebral Palsy Winter Tips” blog post, another answer came to me. My shoes with rigid soles.
Alessandro, on the other hand, offered some humor. Crediting being Italian as what helps him through the winter months. The humorous answers did not stop with Alessandro.
Veronica chimed in to say moving to Arizona helped her cope with the winter months. A solution I called “Perfect.” Nevertheless, not everyone has the option to move to Arizona. So, let us keep the solutions coming! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is one product that helps you get through the winter months?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section below.
Afterwards, mark your calendar to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter for #CPChatNow. The fun starts at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed showing off their new walker, disability related books they would recommend, and the reasons they read. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
First, I wanted to give kudos to Blemi for showing off her new pink walker to help promote her Youtube channel. Making mobility aids “cool” is a challenge for disabled people, so any time we can it’s worthy of praise!
Next, the rest of the chat turned to books and reading. This may have been inspired by Zach finishing the manuscript on his latest book! First, Zach asked members what disability related book they would host for a discussion.
Finally, talk turned to the reasons people read. Members shared a variety of reasons. Also, you can find Emily Ladau’s book Blemi references here.
Please share your answers to the Extend-The-Conversation-Question in the comments and join us each Wednesday on Twitter at #CPChatNow at 8 Eastern!
#CPChatNow 