Friedreich's Ataxia

I was diagnosed this genetic disease at the age of 10.

I was using a wheelchair then and relied on it heavily until I was 15, which by then I could not walk at all. I was wheelchair bound by the ge of 18 and using a stand aid hoist, which I still use now.

I also have diabetes and am asthmatic.

Welcome to Ablehere Kelly

I've add some more information on: Friedreich's Ataxia for other users.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedreich%27s_ataxia

Friedreich's ataxia is an inherited disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system resulting in symptoms ranging from gait disturbance and speech problems to heart disease.

\"Ataxia,\" which refers to coordination problems such as clumsy or awkward movements and unsteadiness, occurs in many different diseases and conditions.

The ataxia of Friedreich's ataxia results from the degeneration of nerve tissue in the spinal cord and of nerves that control muscle movement in the arms and legs.

The spinal cord becomes thinner and nerve cells lose some of their myelin sheath (the insular covering on all nerve cells that helps conduct nerve impulses).

Delatycki et al. (2000) provided an overview of the clinical features, pathology, molecular genetics, and possible therapeutic options in Friedreich ataxia.[1]

www.curefa.org

Also see www.ableize.com/specific-disabilities/Friedreich-s-ataxia the UK site has some very good info and a ataxia forum.