I'm going to school for Recreational Therapy which means a large portion of my job will be making adaptations to activities so people with disabilities can still enjoy life. Perfect job, ey? :) It's like I live my job on a daily basis. And honestly, you have to have a sense of humor about it because it can get silly! The other day my friends went bowling. I've had both shoulders repaired and after 3 swings my arm wouldn't stay in socket. *sigh* Well, the majority of my friend that I was with were also RT majors. We tried everything from sitting on the floor and pushing the ball with my feet to pushing it with another person to try to keep it from veering off to the lovely version of myself you see pictured. You have to quit caring about what others think and laugh a little. If there's a particular activity you really enjoy but are having a difficult time doing PLEASE don't give up on it with out first consulting a Recreational Therapist! Most hospitals will have one or know who you could talk to. They also might be called Activity Specialists or something along those lines. To prove my point, the video above is a girl bungee jumping with her wheel chair. This is through a camp in Canada that does adaptive extreme sports! How awesome is that? Take a look at their sight - Click Here! I'm assuming this isn't the only camp like this around the globe so no matter where you are, do a little research and don't let your disability take your life.
I LOVE your attitude about dealing with HEDS - it's especially commendable in someone as young as you are. I had to hit 40 before I didn't care what people thought about the weird ways I had to adjust to HEDS!
ReplyDeleteMaggieFaye (my handle on the ednf.org Inspire board)
Yes, I second the notion that you have a very good attitude. You know what they say about the brain and the pain.. I need to laugh more. I swear I only seem to laugh when I am with my PT, as we both crack jokes. Is your job going to be a full time one? Sounds like a very good choice.
ReplyDeletejess188 ( inspire board)
Oooh I know that feeling all too well. Yesterday I found a picture of a sort of finger contortion and wanted to see if I could do it. Of course I could but it was fun to try :) You have to find ways to laugh at your EDS.
ReplyDeleteAs for working, I can't do a full time schedule. With my internship I had to break it in half over two semesters so I don't over exert myself. I'd rather take a bit of a pride hit and succeed than do something I will likely fail at and become discouraged. I get tired easily and my body just can not handle a full schedule.