Sticky McStickStick

I have got a few new books recently with a view to improve my knowledge of various aspects. One of these was Sticky McStickStick by Micheal Rosen.

Michael was admitted to hospital with coronavirus, and had to learn to walk again. I got this book to see if it might be a useful way to help younger children learn about using mobility aids, which are a frequent companion for many with HSP.

Michaels journey is in the opposite direction to those with HSP. My key takeaway points are that at the beginning of his recovery they tried various different mobility aids, and he found the wheelchair to be quite enjoyable.  Michael journeys through using wheelchairs, walking frames and finally to a walking stick in his recovery, and the transition helps him, and I like the overall point about changing to a more suitable aid as the situation changes. 

The story also describes the different work that physiotherapists do to help people, and shows the range of exercises that they can suggest to help. Micheal names his walking stick Sticky McStickStick, which he describes as developing an attachment to. One aspect is that Michael spends a while using the stick, and there are various considerations made to make sure that he is safe and able to go about his life safely whilst using the stick. At the end of the story Sticky McStickStick isnt used any more, and sits about his house as a reminder how it helped him at the time. This is an interesting parallel for many with HSP, where many people have mobility aids and other equipment at home which they no longer use.

Overall the story touches on many important issues for those with HSP:

• Mobility aids can help increase the number of things you can do and the distance you can go,
• It is important to transition from one aid to another as things change,
• People can worry about transitioning from one aid to another, 
• It is important to make sure that it is safe and appropriate to use new aids at home
• People can develop attachment to aids, which can further make transition between aids difficult
• Advice from professionals can help you determine if your aids are appropriate and guide you in activities to help 

I'm pleased to see a range of mobility aids pictured in a book in a positive friendly way.