Individual with LGMD: Tasha

LGMD "스포트라이트 인터뷰"

이름:  Tasha              나이: 46

국가: 미국

LGMD 하위 유형: LGMD2L

몇 살에 진단받으셨나요?:

I was diagnosed at the age of 13 but had problems since about the age of 8.  They said it was growing pains and then several wrong diagnoses were given.  At the age of 13, my blood levels were looked at and were off the chart.

첫 증상은 무엇이었나요?:

I experienced weakness and horrible aching in both calf muscles after exercising.

다른 가족 중에 LGMD를 앓고 있는 사람이 있나요?

Yes, my younger brother has the same diagnosis of LGMD2L.  He has had a totally different progression and level of muscle atrophy.  My older sister does not have it.  Both of my parents were carriers.

LGMD와 함께 생활하면서 가장 큰 어려움은 무엇이라고 생각하시나요? 가장 큰 어려움은 무엇인가요?:

My greatest challenges with this disease are tiredness and pain.  And, people not understanding.

가장 큰 성과는 무엇인가요?:

Continuing on every day, working and exercising.

LGMD가 지금의 당신이 되기까지 어떤 영향을 미쳤나요? 어떤 영향을 미쳤나요?

Depends!  It has gotten me to be an advocate for myself and health.  I was told to be in a wheelchair by adulthood, if not sooner.  I was also told to plan my career accordingly.  Then I was told to stop all of my sports and activities.  As a 13-year-old, this had profound effects on my childhood, as I was heavily involved in sports and was really good at them – especially soccer.  So as not to drive myself crazy, I ignored the doctor’s advice and did it anyway.  I played soccer through college and after.  I believe it helped me overall with my attitude and physical well-being.  I often hurt and had difficulties walking afterward, but I think overall it helped me stay healthy and kept my muscles active.  I still exercise and do outdoors activities, but have a longer recovery time.  I am an accountant and I feel that is partly due to my abilities.  I believe LGMD has made me a stronger person overall.

LGMD에 대해 전 세계에 알리고 싶은 내용:

First that although awareness has been brought to the forefront,  mostly about Duchenne MD, it was primarily because of the Jerry Lewis Telethons each year.  There are many other forms of muscular dystrophy that people like I have….that also need research.  People are suffering and there is NO CURE!  Also, with LGMD, I have noticed that it is not always apparent that people have a disability.  Meaning….I look totally normal but have several problems people do not recognize.  Since I am not in a wheelchair, some people think I am just faking it.  I cannot do stairs at all anymore and have had to turn down many job opportunities because there was no elevator.

만약 내일 LGMD가 "완치"될 수 있다면 가장 먼저 하고 싶은 일은 무엇입니까?:

I would tell the world…..

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