When I was released from inpatient rehab 9.5 years ago, I needed full assistance getting dressed. This is one thing I definitely struggled with, I mean come on, I was 19 years old and had to go back to needing help getting dressed. But I realized something early on, yes, I needed help, but this was just a "stepping stone". I had to bust my ass every day in therapy to get my strength back to be able to do these once simple tasks.
I worked and worked towards my goal, this literally took months! Where did I start? I started by putting on shorts, because they are a little easier. I would pick up one leg to put it in my shorts and.... Boom I would fall over... Time to start ALL over! I did this probably a thousand times no joke! A lot of curse words were said during this time and my neighbors probably though I was nuts, but sometimes you have to call yourself out. It might sound dumb, but if you are being a little bitch, then call yourself out! This worked for me, when I was at my ultimate low, I would tell myself "no one can help you through this, only you can turn this situation around". So, I pushed through the times that I felt like giving up!
After a few weeks of practicing every single morning with little assistance and a kick in the butt from my mom I finally conquered getting shorts on.
A little side note... Yes, it was a lot quicker for my mom to get me dressed. She absolutely hated seeing me struggle, but she knew deep down that I had to do this. At the end of the day my mom and all the others around me that pushed me to do things for myself are the reason I am where I am today! So, parents/caregivers- let us struggle a little before you help us. Guys, as much as you are and will hate your caregiver for making you do these things, you WILL be thanking them later! I promise you that!
OK, back to the story. It was now time to figure out how in the heck I am going to get pants on, let alone button them? First step that I had to conquer was getting my legs through the pants.... This became quite the event... I had 2 legs in one pant leg, I had the pants on backwards.. You name it I did it. What a struggle!! Finally, I was able to get the pants up, but how was I going to button them with my limited hand function? Back off the pants go, I figured out that I had to button them before I put them on. I tried multiple different jeans but none would go up over my hips buttoned... Ahh another road block! Then I discovered the American Eagle Flex Fit Jeans, these are an absolute god send! I string a belt through them, put them on, buckle the belt, and I am set to go!
Next is the socks.... This was the number 1 most frustrating thing! I literally tried everything and just could not do it. So, I thought...the never quit attitude kicked in and I discovered that if I stretch the top of my socks out I was able to start my foot in. That right there was the final piece to the puzzle.
I want to stress one last time, this did not happen over night it took HOURS of practice and a lot of tears. You can do anything that you put your mind to, NEVER GIVE UP! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!
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