Being held and bodily pride: What touch deprivation does to the self-esteem of disabled people

newborn

It is very interesting Steve said physio students are taught a back-stroking technique to relax muscles. I wonder if that is intended to be something so gentle it would be safe for new hatched chicks?

He also says, though, that it was intended as a precursor to other treatment.   It is a gap in the market that there is nothing someone could buy, involving really really gentle touch. You can buy a pizza sent to your door, or send for a wrong-sort-of massage, or arrange for a cleaner.   But human touch is out of the question. ( Maybe that's part of the reason people will pay a lot for a trusted  hairdresser?)

chiarieds

Actually it was myself that mentioned that there was a stroking technique used to mainly help patients with back pain, which I learnt as a physio student. Yes, it was gentle, & whilst I can't comment about 'new hatched chicks,' which I never encountered, I do know that some encountered their patients falling asleep due to the relaxation that occurred.

Appreciate that such a massage can't be bought; sorry I have no answers, as such a stroking technique is used in a professional capacity to help alleviate pain.

Tori_Scope

I'm sorry to hear that it caused you some trouble @Pugie, but it sounds as though you and your son are a bit more settled now?

Waiting until the right time and taking things slowly definitely sounds like a good plan to me. I hope that the right person comes along!

Thanks for your kind words I hope you have a lovely weekend too. Are you up to anything nice?

csno01

A deep but interesting topic. Thank you for sharing. 

L_Volunteer

It is indeed @csno01

Danielle_2022

Hi everyone,
I know it's been a little while since there were any comments in this thread, but I really wanted to share a blog post, written by Andrew Gurza. It covers "four accessible ways to ward off touch starvation in 2022" and is a really insightful look at many of the issues raised here

Tori_Scope

Thanks for sharing @Danielle_2022 I've heard good things about weighted blankets, but don't have one myself. Have you ever tried using one?

Danielle_2022

Morning @Tori_Scope,
I got a weighted blanket for Christmas about two years ago and it changed my life! 10/10 would recommend

Richard_Scope

Hi @Danielle_2022
I'm curious, how would say it changed your life?
I'm often asked about weighted blankets by parents of children with CP and adults with CP. Having never used one myself, my knowledge is superficial.

Danielle_2022

Hiya @Richard_Scope,
I have a lot of anxiety and I find the feeling of being weighed down by something to be really helpful — kind of like a hug! To that end, it also usually helps me to sleep much better than I had been beforehand. I would also say it’s good for my legs, especially if they’re feeling extra spasm-y, but I’m not sure if there’s any actual science behind that

Danielle_2022

Hiya,
I personally use the Gravity Blanket, so can only really give a review on that one, but it definitely seems to do its job

2cats25

I am 62 and have CP. Can only use my right hand. I use a weighted blanket. It warms my left leg which is frozen and painful with spasticity. I think it does help me sleep as it helps with restless leg syndrome. The big drawback for me ironically is the weight itself. It's heavy to move and awkward to change as I have arthritis in my right hand. The blanket cover needs to be tied on to the blanket. A very fiddly job and exhausting for me as I live alone. Overall I think it is a benefit but wish I'd bought a lighter one...mine is 12.6 kg.

Danielle_2022

Hi there @2cats25,
I totally know what you mean about the weight itself being difficult to manage. I'm blessed that I live with my family, so they're available if I need anything. How long ago did you buy it? Would it be possible to get it exchanged for a lighter weight? It's definitely not worth exhausting yourself for!

JustPete

Like @Richard_Scope my knowledge about weighted blankets is limited.  I do know that I have always needed alot of blankets or heavy duvets, no matter the weather, to keep me in bed, still/under control at night.

I quickly checked the "gravity blanket' online just now.  Upon seeing the price I decided I will stick to my 'thermal solution'.

Why do they think to can get away with extortionate pricing for 'disabled gear'.  If it looks like a blanket, acts as a blanket, feels like a blanket, surely it is a blanket????????????

2cats25

Since the pandemic I have spent a fortune on things to help ease the pain of spasticity as I couldn't take the heaviest of my blankets to the dry cleaners. I bought a weighted blanket and two covers (winter and summer). That was too heavy. A heated throw which I only used for a short time before it was recalled by the manufacturer as a fire risk. A massage device with 6 tools, a yoga based massage board with heat from Homedics, plus various creams and CBD oils. I have used Baclofen on/off for decades and tried to wean myself off it because of raised levels of something in my liver. I asked my consultant if an injection would help my left leg but he was non committal. I tried to ask my GP when I saw her for a steroid injection for the arthritis in my right hand. She shut me down, as if to say 'you're here for an injection not a consultation '. I really struggle to walk during the colder months and worry how I'll cope when the heating bills go up again. At the moment I'm increasing my doses of cocodamol and brufen but they don't help. I have a constant headache, constipation and have to warm my foot with a hairdryer so I can get it to move. I really don't know what to try next. Putting loads of socks on etc is not the answer. I need to be able to move my foot. It is solid and I walk with it to the side as it's so painful to walk in the usual manner. Buying 'stuff' has proven to be a waste of money. I need medical intervention but can't imagine how long it will be before I'm seen by a specialist. 

SueHeath

Hi @2cats25 welcome to the club, hope you've managed to have a good look around.
I was very interested in your post, think it's been terrible how we have all had to put our health issues on hold.
I have been looking into CBD do you think it helps.
Your headaches is most likely due to all the pain killers, i find drinking more water helps.
I am not in the medical profession but i do believe a lot in natural remedies, with this in mind try ginger capsules from the health shops, its not expensive, but its a very good warming herb, used for lots of things including circulation i think this might help with cold feet.

meljay

lisathomas50 said:

When I was about 12 years old I had to spend a short time in a wheelchair  when my bones in my feet were jointed and I had my tendons lengthend  

Whilst I spent time in my where chair people always  rubbed the top of my head or rubbed my hand I used to hate people randomly touching me without asking.

I am still the same now people touch you when they are talking pre covid or hug you or touch your face thats the only good thing about covid 

I supose I am like it more because of the abuse I suffered when I was younger but since I can remember I have been like it my mum said I wasn't a baby thst liked to be touched or fussed over maybe its just me 

meljay

No,I understand completely.I don’t like to be touched at all.I am not at all tactile.I have been on dating sites and all these men seem to want is one thing and as soon as they know they aren’t getting that you never hear from them again.Suits me though.When you have to walk with a walker you can’t hold hands with anyone anyway.

Darking

Being very tactile I've missed a lot of consensual touching and hugging 

meljay

I don’t miss that at all.I don’t like to be touched or hugged.