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!
Navigating ups and downs, plus more highlighted the conversation during the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, September 29th, 2021. Here to delve further into the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!
Early in the evening I touted a recent personal triumph.
While finishing far from a personal best time, I felt victorious in completing the 2021 Run Through History 5k. As I shared, due to my groin strain the prior month I went into the race not my best physically. Nevertheless, I persevered through the hilly course. Thinking about the hills, led me to ask a question.
Curious, I asked what others find more challenging, moving uphill or downhill? Long-time chat regular Blemianswered with no hesitation, saying downhill. I said the same, noting going downhill momentum builds making controlling yourself harder. Blemi and I soon found ourselves in good company.
Alessandro concurred with my assessment about controlling momentum going downhill, just using more colorful wording. Additionally, Veronica replied with certainty. Calling downhill definitely harder. In response, I pondered if others would agree descending stairs remains more challenging then ascending them. My co-host Devin Axtman confidently replied “Without a doubt.”
As the night progressed, the chatter gradually moved from moving up and down hills and stairs to another subject.
Earlier in the day while reading Disability Visibility I came across the concept Crip time. Curiosity striking again, I asked how many people were familiar with the term. Devin hit on a key element involved, needing to plan on extra time. To offer a more comprehensive definition of Crip time I cited University of Minnesota‘s Crip time definition.
A concept arising from disabled experience that addresses the ways that disabled/chronically ill and neurodivergent people experience time (and space) differently than able-bodyminded folk.
-University of Minnesota
Veronica found herself realizing she uses Crip time without even knowing it! Mentioning in-particular always doubling prep time for recipes. What about you though? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you use Crip time?”
Answer in the “Comments” below! Afterwards set a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow was hopping as always. Members discussed life events like completing a 5k, their favorite fall activities, and how Australia is handling COVID. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
First, I want to share a cool thing that Zach recently accomplished. He completed his first 5k after experiencing a significant fall. Way to go Zach!
Casey and Zach tweeted about their favorite ways to deal with pain from cold weather.
AcquiDis checked in from Australia with an update on how the government is handling the COVID situation.
Finally, Zach asked members what their favorite fall activities are.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite part of the Fall? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.
Celebratory and reflective vibes emanated from the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, September 15th, 2021. Allow me, chat co-host Zachary Fenell, tell you more via your weekly recap. Let the celebration begin!
Early on in the evening I offered a reason to celebrate by sharing some good news.
September 15th marked the night before my last day at Beachwood Public Library. Participants congratulated me as I shared I would soon begin as a branch services clerk at the South Euclid Public Library. Along with the congratulations came curiosity.
My co-host Devin Axtman asked me about the differences in my new position. All the discussion about my new job led long-time chat regular Blemi to make an observation.
Blemi commented we in the #CPChatNow community have come a long way since the chat’s beginnings. Her comment reminded me that December will mark our eight-year anniversary! Said realization inspired me to ask a question.
Getting creative, I asked participants what advice or wisdom their 2021 self would give their pre-CPChatNow self. Devin responded “You can’t hurry love.” Meanwhile Blemi replied “Be patient and enjoy what you have instead of always living for the future.”
What about you? Keep the conversation going and answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question “What wisdom or advice would your 2021 self give your pre-CPChatNow self?”
Leave your reply in the comments! Afterwards set a reminder to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday. The party begins at 8pm ET.
#CPChatNow 