LGMD "WYWIAD W ŚWIETLE REFLEKTORÓW"

Nazwa:  Tasha              Wiek: 46

Kraj: Stany Zjednoczone

Podtyp LGMD: LGMD2L

W jakim wieku zostałeś zdiagnozowany?:

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.

Jakie były pierwsze objawy?:

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

Czy masz innych członków rodziny cierpiących na LGMD?

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.

Co uważasz za największe wyzwanie w życiu z LGMD:

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

Jakie jest twoje największe osiągnięcie?:

Continuing on every day, working and exercising.

W jaki sposób LGMD wpłynęło na to, że stałeś się osobą, którą jesteś dzisiaj:

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.

Co chciałbyś, aby świat dowiedział się o LGMD?:

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.

Gdyby jutro można było "wyleczyć" chorobę LGMD, co byłoby pierwszą rzeczą, którą chciałbyś zrobić:

I would tell the world…..

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