Speech and ataxia.

[Jackieb301]

Hi, I’m new to this site, checking in from Canada. Have been struggling with ataxia for several years, cause unknown, had every test, slowly getting worse. Balance, speech. I still work and drive and keep my fingers crossed I can hold out to 65, I’m 59 now, My employers are great and allow me flexibility and provide me with an assistant so my workload has decreased, I’m very fortunate. Reading people’s profiles it seems everyone’s experience is unique. I have just been under a great deal of stress lately moving from my house to a one level condo, was not sleeping and of course worrying about change and my future, or perceived lack of it more like. However now I’m getting settled and getting full nights sleep, I am finding my speech much better especially in the morning has anybody else experienced this type of transition? Unfortunately no improvement in my balance.

[claire01]

stress along with sleep deprivation will make symptoms worse.I know myself when I am tired my speech is alot worse and my balance ( walking ) ...a frustrating condition 🙄

[Veteran250 in reply to claire01]

Hi Jackie and welcome, My speech is ok, my balance is out of control, often fall over indoors and walking is impossible for me, I use an electric wheelchair when out and about around town, shopping etc..... I won’t let it beat me and will carry on as long as I can.... I still go on parade with my fellow Military Veterans ..... my problems started around 2003 but my hands have been shaking since I was a small boy, I am now 74.

Don👍😀🌹

[Jackieb301 in reply to Veteran250]

Thank you. Good for you for not giving up. I think that’s half the battle with this condition. Thank you again

[Jackieb301 in reply to claire01]

Thanks Claire, I take some solace in that, If I can maintain a healthy lifestyle, including plenty of sleep and exercise I hope I can deter the symptoms as long as possible.

[wobblybee]

Hi Jackie, welcome 🙂 It's good to know that despite everything, you are still coping with work, and still on the road 👍 I can imagine the stress involved in moving house but that's now behind you, and happier days are ahead 🙂

According to my husband, my speech can vary in pitch, although I don't notice any difference, apart from slurring kicking in now and again. We actually had a chat about this earlier, when he said I should make an effort to increase volume, because he often missed half of what I said. In retaliation, I raised my voice in reply.. At that point my Echo Dot/Alexa piped up, saying ' I don't understand what you ordered' 🤣 We were convulsed 🤣 xBeryl

[Jackieb301 in reply to wobblybee]

😁 thanks beryl. I have found that I tend to lower my volume on purpose to cover up my slurring and half the The time people can’t hear me because I’m not speaking loud enough, Forget the slurring. Nice talking to you. 😊

[Veteran250 in reply to Jackieb301]

At least when we respond to each other on here we dont slur our speech and if we do, no one can hear us! Xx

[Jackieb301]

😊

[ladyntramp]

Hi Jackieb, Welcome, and I hope you find plenty of answers and solutions to some problems here on this forum/support group. I agree with Claire about stress and lack of sleep making you worse. I have always noticed that everything gets worse when I am tired. My speech becomes really slurred, and the volume of it becomes even quieter - and it is always quiet, except when I want to whisper, then it comes out loud - go figure! My balance becomes extremely bad, I find at those times I can hardly put one foot in front of the other, and the shakes in my hands are far more uncontrollable. About 3 years ago my husband and I moved house and I was so appreciative of family and friends who offered, and gave, their help. I continued to drive until this year, but have since stopped as I feel that I have lost all confidence in that area. Would like to have a few of those full nights of sleep though! Stay well and keep doing what you are doing as it seems to be working for you. If you can't stay well at least stay cheerful. All the best, Barbara.

[Jackieb301 in reply to ladyntramp]

Thank you Barbara, I appreciate your input🙂

[neta]

Hi there,

Just saw this now. I sleep like a rock, My secret? Watching TV. Jt makes me sleepy. Sometimes I fall asleep watching it. Doesn't seem to affect my quiet speech. I think the whispery stuff comes from a striking rib cage or decreased long capacity. The slurring probably from moth muscles. Just a guess but good sleep can't hurt.. Hello Canada! xxxx N

[Jackieb301 in reply to neta]

Thanks Nets 🙂