Hi,
I am Jeremy, a 29 year old New Zealander with CP. I have been a lurker on this list for a long
time, and a very occasional poster. The list has been a fantastic place to see how different
people live with CP, and to realise that my experiences with it are not unique.
I studied computing after leaving school, and since graduating have worked at a couple of software
development companies. Work has enabled me to save up and build a house which I have lived in for
nearly two years now. Leaving my parents was probably one of the scariest things I did, but it is
also one of the best things I did. I am independent as far as personal care goes, and get 1.5
hours a day help to do the cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc.
Like a lot of people on the list I have noticed a gradual deterioration in my abilities as I get
older. It is just little things, less energy, less coordination, things take longer, aching joints
and more spasms. So far, I have been able to adapt and cover for these things, and I am fortunate
to have a very accommodating employer who lets me work at home a lot.
However, taking 3-4 hours and a truck load of energy just to get ready for work in the morning is
starting to become a problem (-: I have showered and dressed myself since I was 11 or 12, and I am
having trouble coming to terms with the fact that I really need help with this now. Being stubborn
and pig-headed doesn't help when it comes to accepting more help either!
I realise that it is going to happen one day, and life will probably be a lot easier once I do get
some help in the morning. I won't be so damn tired and might have the energy for a social life
again for a start! The sensible bits (not to mention family and friends) say I should have asked
for more help a long time ago, other bits say wait until I break something getting in the shower.
How have other people dealt with needing personal care?
I know it is going to happen soon. I just thought that talking to some other people about it would
help me along the way,
Thanks for listening,
Jeremy
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Jeremy Persen, Nelson, New Zealand
Email: [log in to unmask]
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