Mothering With Cerebral Palsy and Pursuing a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy

First of all, motherhood is rewarding. But let me tell you, it is tiring, especially with two boys.

My boys are my external heart. We do activities together and love unconditionally (thank you, hubby, for doing the highly active stuff with them). I do as much as I can before needing to rest for a bit.

I was born with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, and throughout my life I’ve had serial casting, surgeries, braces and botox. Throughout my childhood and into my early 20’s I could keep up with everyone walking, running, jumping and doing sports. Around my 27th birthday, I noticed a decline in my energy levels and I started having more back and leg pain. I needed to sit down more between chores (thanks, hubby, for doing heavy-duty stuff) and being mom to two boys with one who is on the autism spectrum (ASD). I am blessed to have both my boys!

I knew I had to do something to be the mother I dreamed of being. On February 2017, a friend on Facebook posted about selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) and how Dr. T.S. Park of St. Louis was successfully performing them on adults up to age 50. SDR is normally done on kids. SDR reduces spasticity and therefore pain in the legs and back caused by cerebral palsy, as well as increasing balance and energy and more. My friend Carrie (thanks Carrie) posted an article from the Huffington post by my new friend Nicole. After reading her journey and results, I nearly jumped off my chair with excitement. Through Facebook groups, I connected to others like me. After talking to my family, I took my chances and sent in my information to Dr. Park and his team.

On April 2017 I got the phone call the would change my life: I got a yes for the SDR!

I don’t have an exact date yet, but it will happen sometime between August and October. Why am I doing SDR? For my boys. There is so much I can’t wait to do.

Thanks to my family and friends for their love and support, especially my husband who is my rock.

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Thinkstock image by Kane Skennar