LGMD “SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW” 

Name:  İbrahim                                 Age:  55 yrs. old

Country: Turkey  

LGMD Sub-Type:  LGMD 2B/R2 Dysferlin-related

At what age were you diagnosed:

I was diagnosed at the age of 25.

What were your first symptoms:

At first, I was feeling tired in repetitive movements.  The weakness appeared to start in my ankles. It was more in my left foot.

Do you have other family members who have LGMD:

No, there is no one is my family who has this same diagnosis.

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

There was mild fatigue in the beginning. Because I was a teacher, long periods of standing seemed to negatively affect my work performance. I started to walk with a single cane but had difficulty going to work. I started using chairs.

Since it is a slow progressive type of muscle disease, I had difficulty in explaining myself to those around me.

What is your greatest accomplishment:

After quitting teaching profession, I thought I should touch others’ lives. First, I worked for Türkiye Kas Hastalıkları Derneği (Turkey Muscle Disorders Organization – like MDA). Later I also worked for HASGAP (Patient Volunteers Network).  I still work for Izmir-Turkey Muscle Diseases Branch voluntarily.  I have passion for poetry and writing since my secondary school years. I have written two poetry books (Moon Blue Nights and a Shore-Free Sea).

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

Living with LGMD has allowed me to carry the death in my pocket, allowing me to taste more from life. It made it more productive.  It led life to touch more.

What do you want the world to know about LGMD:

The only way the world knows our world is to make a difference. We cannot talk about changing our quality of life unless we dream, produce and share what we produce. Most of us fight our diseases. If there is no dream and effort in this effort, we cannot change anything. Mentalities that do not dream and produce cannot understand this.

I want them to know that our heart and brain are working.

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

I would make changes to my imagination. I would run among the galaxies and play in the kids parks of galaxies. To read more “LGMD Spotlight Interviews” or to volunteer to be featured in an upcoming interview, please visit our website at: http://lgmd-info.org/spotlight-interviews