LGMD “Spotlight Interview”

Name:  Keisha  Age: 31 yrs. old

Country: United States

LGMD Sub-Type : Unknown

 

At what age were you diagnosed:

I was diagnosed about 5 years ago at the age of 25-26.

What were your first symptoms:

I noticed that I was repeatedly falling and that my leg would give out without any warning.  I also recall that I was unable to raise my right arm unless I had assistance.

Do you have other family members who have LGMD:

So far, no one in my family has muscular dystrophy but I plan to have my parents tested to see if they are carriers.

What do you find to be the greatest challenges in living with LGMD:

One of the greatest challenges is always having to plan ahead – if going out with friends or family to make sure the place is handicapped accessible.  Every day it also takes me longer to get dressed in the morning.

What is your greatest accomplishment:

Coming to the fact that I have LGMD and still trying to figure out which form of LGMD.  And learning to embrace it.

How has LGMD influenced you into becoming the person you are today:

I feel LGMD has made me an unique individual helped me to bring awareness of the disease to others that don’t know much about it.  Having LGMD has helped me to become stronger and more independent.  I know that having LGMD is a part of me, I am human and still have my days just like anyone else.  I am a strong and proud woman with LGMD.

What do you want the world to know about LGMD:

LGMD is something that currently has no cure.  It is something that won’t go away.  Physical therapy and aquatic therapy help manage the disease.  Even with LGMD, we are still strong and can live a normal life just like anyone else.

If your LGMD could be “cured” tomorrow, what would be the first thing that you would want to do:

If I could be cured tomorrow, I would want to run a marathon, run up and down the stairs, and take a big vacation somewhere to celebrate!

 

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