when I'm upset, I can't stand up.  I end up stiff and - it's not an 
ordinary kind of muscle spasms.  my arms get weak and my back has 
spasms and my legs get rigid.  then I rest and it goes away.

I have found that doctors tend to say 'anxiety' but I've had talk 
therapy that is very helpful in managing this.  b/c it's not like the 
anxiety that "regular" people get.  drugs don't touch it.

I was also told CP/other brain symptoms can look like bipolar disorder. 
  I have mood issues, but.  the need to keep going with muscle weakness 
and stiffness can cause a washed-out feeling and mood instability.  
also brain injury can cause mood instability.

I'm on lithium and going to therapy.  that helps a lot and I feel much 
better.  I thought I'd mention this b/c some of the psychotropic drugs 
are very strong and/or addicting, and they don't work that well anyway, 
for this stuff.  this kind of 'wobble' or 'shakiness' in mood.  which 
can look like mania or depression but it isn't.


take care,

MK


-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Moskowitz <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 7:17 pm
Subject: Re: Dealing with the public if you have CP


Linda, Kat and Mary Katherine,

    I know what you mean.  I remember sitting through my S A T's and 
most of
my high school finals with my legs sticking out in front of me, as 
close to
straight as they ever got.

Susan 


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