Forum.MDA-Net.md

[Stephen]

I am 45 years old and have recently been diagnosed with Becker MD. I would be interested to learn of other peoples experiences with the disease it's diagnosis and progression. I am currently ambulatory and find the use of a stick very helpful. I am working as a self employed joiner at the moment but am finding physical work increasingly problematic, so i am looking at retraining and finding a desk job (!) I am father of two boys 2 and 4.5 .

[gypsy]

Hi Stephen sorry to hear of you diagnosie you seems to be doing well to still be working at a physical job
I have lgmd not beckers but and finding it a struggle would like to be able to talk to some others with MD's and how they are manageing

Gypsy

[alphaone]

Hi Stephen

Sorry to here of your diagnosie, I have BMD I am 44 Years old and have two boys age 16 (today he is getting his Learners licence) & 15 years old.
They have been cleared of MD. My progression is slowly getting worse and getting up from chairs is realy hard.
I work in an office in Adminstration, I can still walk but only on flat area and not for very long. But there is a lot of help for the workplace. It is called Workplace Modifaction Scheme which help your employer buy equipment to help you stay in work Last month i got an Electric Wheelchair for work.

Regards Scott

[Stephen]

Hi Scott thanks for your reply. It's quite an experience to realise that there are others sharing symptoms etc. I'm only really affected in the thighs and hips at this stage which makes walking difficult. I have been using a stick which helps with confidence.Stairs are just about impossible and even slight slopes can be hard too.My balance is pretty bad and I often fall by tripping on small things.I've applied for a course in architectural drafting for next year as physical work is getting harder.Life in front of a computer screen beckons!
Regards,Steve

[Vicki]

Hi Stephen,

Sorry to hear about you recent diagnosis. I think you are very realistic when you mention looking at working in a job which is less demanding physically. As you know this is a progressive condition and so as you get older you may need to make some changes in your life to accomodate. MDA is located in North Melbourne and has a free call number of 1800 656 MDA. Please feel free to call and have a chat with me, I would be more than happy to offer any advise, information or support that you may need at any time. MDA also runs a program called MD-Net. MD-Net is able to match people with similar needs and put them in touch.
_________________
Vicki Cavalieros

Client Services Manager
Muscular Dystrophy Association

Tel 61 3 9320 9555
Fax 61 3 9320 9595

Home of MDA www.mda.org.au

[ronaldo4649]

Hi stephen you are managing well by the sound of things, i was diagnosed in 1973 or so , i worked and manage d ok til i was about 42, and then used a walking stick for about 5 years and then to 2 walking sticks but was only walking in the house and a little bit in the street, but mainly avoided walking too far, this was until i was 60 3 years ago when i was falling over all the time and then of course, when you fall over it needs 2 people 2 pick you up, or you ring the ambos! I was trained as a motor mechanic, which i managed for 12 years, i was then a milk vendor in NZ for 15 years, then learnt a bit about real estate and started doing that, moved to qld when i was 40 for the warm weather, i am still able to muck around in my own small real estate business, dont earn a lot of money but it keeps me active and mixing with people, i have learned to accept what i have and i just grateful that it is not worse, all the best and just keep on going

ron harvey
_________________
Ron Harvey now 63 years young, had bmd since i was 22, was walking til was 60 (with sticks) now in power chair and hand chair

[superman13]

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