Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things needed to lead one`s daily life. – Judith Heurmann

In my first post I went into detail about both my mental and physical disabilities. I’d like to share more about my experience to raise awareness and learn from my readers.

I have had cerebral palsy since birth and I’ve had severe anxiety for many years but was only diagnosed in 2015. I went to a school for those who had special needs and had always been given help with walking and a walking aid called an AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) or splint as it is widely known. Since leaving school I have struggled to get a new splint. My splints  are provided by  my local hospital and getting the right fit so that my foot was not covered in blisters has proved to be a real problem. It is no fun when you can’t get a new splint and your old AFO is on its last legs!!!!!!!

At last on the 3rd attempt the orthotist managed to provide me with a beautiful, shiny new splint which is comfortable and fits me. It’s black which blends in better with the trousers I wear. The old one was a sort of psychedelic pink which seemed like a good idea at the time. 😂😂

Another difficulty   I have found is that I have to buy 2 pairs of shoes each time. One shoe is a regular size 5 and the other an enormous size 9 to accommodate the splint. This is not always easy as often shops don’t stock the same shoes in the different sizes. Thank goodness that trainers are trendy as these are the only shoes that are suited to fitting a splint.  I also cannot tie shoelaces because I can only use my left hand so I buy special elastic ones  that have a clip which can be tightened or  loosened accordingly with one hand

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Sometimes my AFO needs to be sent away for refurbishment which means I am unable to walk and have to use a wheelchair which has to be pushed by a parent, carer, or relative.

I’m  now going to paint you a picture as they say, Well, there was a day at school when I had to use a wheelchair as my AFO had to be sent away  for refurbishment. I couldn’t walk due to one leg being shorter than the other and my foot twisting.  A helper that worked with me in class at school  said “you can walk you need to strengthen and build up the muscles.” which as you can imagine made me very upset as this wasn’t true.   I walked in horrendous pain all day with only a walking stick for support which was completely useless to me.

For my right arm and hand I wear some tubular grip bandage to help get the signals to my brain so I can feel my hand and arm.  I also have problems with my shoulder due to muscle weakness and right side paralysis.

I think my cerebral palsy has contributed to the severe anxiety I now face, but more of that another time.

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AFO or not my walking is painfully slow, My Grandma says I leave a silver trail haha so funny NOT!!! Nevertheless I try to walk when I can even though I have fallen over a couple of times recently which doesn’t  improve my confidence as you can imagine.

By the way, the government (DWP) has just removed the mobility component of my PIP as they deem I am quite capable of getting around, on and off buses and trains etc. without help. Just to think all my life I thought I was disabled and didn’t realise that I was faking,😢😢😢😢 I have appealed watch this space.