LGMD Spotlight interview:   

Nome:  Steven  Età:  57 yrs. old

Paese: Stati Uniti

Sottotipo LGMD :  LGMD (sub-type unknown)

 

A che età è stata fatta la diagnosi:

I was diagnosed at the age of 43.

Quali sono stati i primi sintomi:

Vague symptoms have been present since birth.  I had a waddling gait, could not climb, had difficulty with stairs but the doctors could not diagnose the cause.  My mother always knew something was wrong….but what?  I was finally diagnosed with LGMD when heart problems began at the age of 43.

Avete altri familiari affetti da LGMD:

Yes, most likely.  A second cousin (female) and my Grandpa Stone possibly had a form of MD because he was crippled from youth but back then they called it “rheumatism”.  I also had another second cousin (male) who was totally helpless and died young.

Quali sono, secondo lei, le sfide più grandi da affrontare nella convivenza con la LGMD?:

The greatest challenge are falls!  I was in Boy Scouts since the age of 11 and had difficulty keeping up with other boys in activities.  I have experienced numerous falls.  I require the rescue squad and neighbors to help me up as my wife is usually at work when I fall.

Qual è il suo più grande risultato:

My greatest accomplishments include fathering 4 children – 3 of which are still living.  I was able to hold a job for 25 years and volunteered with the local rescue squad for 38 years; beginning at the age of 16.  I continue to volunteer with the rescue squad but only answer the phone.

I served as a Boy Scout Leader (assistant scout Master for 25 years.)  Currently, I am now an organizational representative.  I was an Eagle Scout in 1978.  For my Eagle project, I did a church cassette tape ministry.  I continue to serve as the sound man at church today,

In che modo la LGMD l'ha influenzata nel diventare la persona che è oggi:

All of my life – everything that I do is a challenge!  But with work and determination, I have ‘Kept on Keeping on.’   I am determined to stay as active as I can be despite my LGMD.

Cosa volete che il mondo sappia della LGMD?:

LGMD makes every accomplishment a real challenge.  But work and the desire to succeed can make many things possible.  My whole life has been hard but it could be worse….especially if I had a different type of muscular dystrophy or I had a more severe form of LGMD.

Se la vostra LGMD potesse essere "curata" domani, quale sarebbe la prima cosa che vorreste fare?:

If my LGMD could be cured tomorrow, I would want to be recertified as an EMT and then volunteer on active duty with the rescue squad.

 

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