The other day, one of my regular readers (you know who you
are) noted that I have mentioned Friedreich’s Ataxia in previous posts, but not
really explained how I became a ‘Wheelchair Boy’. So, seems as I’ve had to
write up my story for the Ataxia UK charity, I thought I could share it with my
great readers. Hopefully, it answers any questions on my condition and explains
my journey (cue the Westlife music). It’s just a quick, whistle-stop tour of my
life to now so feel free to ask questions if you want to know more.
As soon as I could start walking, my mum noticed that there
was something different about me. The way that I went up the stairs seemed
peculiar. Unlike the more conventional/efficient way of ascending, using one
foot on each step, I was required to place both feet on each step to remain
balanced. Although this isn’t uncommon in toddlers and young children, even
after this stage in my life I had not progressed the way most people expected
me to.
At one parent teacher consultation meeting, the teacher told
my parents how I did not seem to engage in P.E. (physical education) and was
afraid of using the apparatus. One day at home, I was talking to my mum and dad
normally before I suddenly dropped to the floor. My mum asked me what happened
and I told her that it was a regular occurrence. This confirmed my mother’s
fears that something was wrong, so she arranged to meet with the school doctor.
The school doctor believed that the symptoms meant I had a
form of dyspraxia. I was then referred to see physiotherapists and occupational
therapists to try and help. However, my mum was adamant that it was not purely
dyspraxia to which the school doctor told her that she was being
over-protective and advised her to see a psychiatrist. My mum was furious and continued to contact
GP’s and physiotherapists regarding my diagnosis, until a case of vomiting led
to my eventual diagnosis of Friedreich’s Ataxia…
That is the end FOR TODAY. I’ll finish my story over the
next couple I just want to build suspense and keep you coming back.
Before you do come back tomorrow, another reminder of that all-important
link in case you either have amnesia or you’re a new reader, which is more
likely. http://www.bigblogexchange.org/blog/72005
Bye for now!
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