Can anyone tell me about Occupational Therapists please?

[TitsalinaBumSquash]

Hi i am after some advice i guess. I am a mum of 2 young boys, one of which is disabled.
I have severe hyper mobility syndrome that is rapidly getting worse.
I am really struggling with daily tasks such as getting in and out of bed, bending down to the the oven, turning on taps and walking in general and getting in and out the bath, and DP works full time but helps out in the evening.

Somebody suggested i call our local Ocupational Therapy unit for some advice and also see if i can self refer or if i need a gp/rheumatology referal.

I am just wondering if anyone is an OT or has been helped by one?

Will they actually beable to help me or is it mainly for elderly people? Sorry if thats a dumb question!

I have looked for a link but appears each region calls their service something different. I am not sure if you can self refer but I have recently been seen for a housing asseessment, I was referred byt he housing people. I am only 37, it is not just for old people!! I had a really good meeting which looked at all my needs, talked about DLA and blue badges (which I currently refuse to have as I don't think I am that bad!) They are now visiting the house we have been offered tomorrow to make an assessment as to whether it is suitable or not. I have been provided with support aids to help with daily living and given advise on local support groups as I am new to the area. My only complaint would be the amount of time it took to a) get referred and b) get seen even on their critical plus list I was waiting a couple of months.
I would suggest ggogleing your loccal service to find out how to get access to it and whether you can self refer.

I would say the referral to your rheumatologist would also be a good idea and ask to be seen by a physiotherapist as well if you can.

Thanks for the replys, i have lterally just had a call from out local OT unit and the lady was so nice i ended up crying the waiting list is 2 weeks average and someone is going to come and discuss my needs and order me some equiptment to help with the bath and they are aslo going to give me a housing assesment to aid my housing aplication! I feel like weight has been lifted. Im very about blubbing on the phone though.

Sorry it wasnt clear in my Op i already see a Rheumy i didnt know if he needed to refer me to OT or not. He is great, he has refered me to a physio and i still waiting for contact (4 months ago now!)

OTs are great. I hope they can really help you. It's all about finding ways to help you function in your daily life(hence occupational therapy). Am biased - DH is an OT (though Mental not physical) and has many wonderful OT friends. Good luck with everything, and don't be embarrassed about blubbing - you are human and dealing with a heck of a lot, good luck.