go ahead and elevate your help time. you might have to
elevate it again later. i needed no help for sometime,
now, my wife and son does some stuff for me.

--- Jeremy Persen <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> 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
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------
> Jeremy Persen, Nelson, New Zealand
> Email: [log in to unmask]


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