For anyone with Ataxia please

[kenkotherm]

What symptoms did you have when diagnosed with Ataxia?

I am 80 and just diagnosed from the Neurologist here in North Carolina. US

[ddmagee1]

Hello, well, I sorta walk like a drunk. Very sloppy. I couldn't walk a straight line if my life depended on it. I guess I sort of waddle, and have poor balance. It's easy for me to stumble, especially if I am on uneven ground. I've had numerous falls, some resulting in blunt force head trauma, concussion, hematoma etc. Once I start falling, my balance is so bad, I can't stop myself from falling. One time I fell on the street pavement, face implant. So, now I sometimes use a three-pronged cane, which helps. I'm uncoordinated in some ways, and don't move smoothly, like normal people. It's not always real noticeable, but just enough to be aggravating. Of course, I can just use the excuse that I'm an old, crotchety man, and that works, now. In my younger years, before I was diagnosed, but did have Ataxia, It was hard for me to explain why I was sort of uncoordinated. Of course, it wasn't as bad when I was in my younger years. It became more noticeable, when I was in my 50's and 60's. Now, in my 70's, if anybody says anything, I just say old age ailments. Ha! Ha!

[benning]

I would love to help you but it was so long ago I can't remember and frankly I would rather not remember,LOL.IT WAS MAINLY MY CO-ORDINATION,BALANCE AND SPEECH THAT WAS FU...ED.

[Sablelodge]

Hi there - Yup like You - I have really lived my life to the fullest - travelled/gamefarm/cars - self employed - all the bells and whistles - until I hit 51 - then all s h 1 t hit the fan - I was diagnosed - now been 5 years - In South Africa there is NO support neither not much knowledge of it - speechless (sort off) - wobbly (always) - fallen (not yet) - Depressed (VERY) - Energy (minimal) what can I say - Ataxia sucks (seriously)

[wobblybee]

🙂 Did you know.. if you log onto ataxia.org you can find links to 2 Ataxia Support Groups in North Carolina 😊xB

[Pussycat1]

Lost my balance and fell a couple of times, felt unsteady walking, speech became slurred, tried to sign my name and it didn't work. at just past 60 told by neurologist progression likely to be slower, so at 80 you should be fine.

[ninotchka]

First, BALANCE. 2nd, NEUROPATHY. 3rd: OVERALL UNSTABILITY, and LACK OF PROPRIOCEPTION. 4th: STIFF LEGS. The one thing that helps is that I have a very strong core from pilates and yoga. So I can usually catch myself, I am afraid of moving in the dark.