04/25/2015

NAME:  Audrey

AGE: 42 Yrs. Old

COUNTRY: United States

LGMD Sub-Type: LGMD2i

AT WHAT AGE WERE YOU DIAGNOSED:
I was diagnosed with LGMD when I was 37. I had never heard of it before my diagnosis.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST SYMPTOMS:

I noticed in my twenties I began having trouble climbing stairs, raising from the floor, and lifting my legs. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how abnormally weak I was becoming. I thought I was just out of shape or uncoordinated. When I needed physical therapy for shoulder pain, the PT sent me back to my doctor because she recognized something was seriously wrong.

DO YOU HAVE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WHO HAVE LGMD:

My older sister also has LGMD2i, but her progression is slower.

WHAT DO YOU FIND TO BE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES IN LIVING WITH LGMD:

My greatest challenge has been to accept help without feeling like a burden on others. I’m still able to walk, but I need a lot of help from my family with everyday life. I am so fortunate to have such a great family support system. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am!

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:

I’ve spent the last 23 years being a mother to my 3 daughters. Motherhood is certainly my greatest accomplishment.

HOW HAS LGMD INFLUENCED YOU INTO BECOMING THE PERSON YOU ARE TODAY:

LGMD has allowed me to simply accept what life offers. When faced with this diagnosis and an uncertain future, I’ve found out I’m still okay… I can do this, and I’m going to be okay!

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW ABOUT LGMD:

I think it would be great to put LGMD on more people’s radar. Most doctors I’ve seen haven’t heard of it.

IF YOUR LGMD COULD BE “CURED” TOMORROW, WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING THAT YOU WOULD WANT TO DO:

If I were cured tomorrow, I’d run. I’d run as far as I could, then I would climb the stairs. I’d help every person who dropped something pick it up. I would plant and tend a beautiful garden. I would never take these legs for granted!