Does anyone know what medication I can take to p... - Ataxia UK
Does anyone know what medication I can take to prolong my life? I'm only 26 and have ataxia unknown cause?
Hi Lewis, I am not sure where you are coming from or why you have asked this question but just wanted to let you know that you can live a long, pretty full & happy life even with an unknown ataxia. I was diagnosed with ataxia over 30 years ago, I still dont know what type or where it came from but I have just rolled my sleeves up & got on with life regardless. Yes it does affect you but my motto is never say never which has worked so far.
Also my brother was similarly diagnosed but in his mid teens & he has travelled around the world to lots of far flung places to show what you can achieve.
In terms of 'drugs' all I can suggest is try to keep as fit & active as you can, maintain a good diet & folow advice from GP's/specialists.
Finally I would recommend that you get yourself referred to one of the specialist ataxia centres as they are best placed to help you + if you havent already get in touch with your local support group.
Hope that helps, let me know if I can help further
Hi Lewis I would agree with the great answer glossman has given you Full marks All I can add is eat a good diet (No junk food!!) and try and get in touch with a fellow Ataxian My wife
and I have been most fortunate in 'palling up' with another couple and we meet for a pub lunch once a month and this is of great value to our wives Hope you have a good Christmas
Hi Lewis
As Ted said, I absolutely agree with glosman's wonderful answer. I was diagnosed with ataxia over 20 years ago. Like you, it is of unknown cause. It is somewhat life limiting but I like to think it has never held me back from what I want to do. The best things you can do from a lifestyle point of view are to keep active and exercise as regularly as possible and to remain mentally healthy and positive.
Harriet
Although my ataxia is of a known,aquirred cause,this is no consolation.No one knows how it will develope (had It for over 20years),but I agree entirely with all the previous replies.
Hi,
"glosman´s answer is more than o.k., I think
******************************
I was diagnosed with ataxia over 30 years ago,
I still dont know what type or where it came from but
I have just rolled my sleeves up & got on with life
In terms of 'drugs' all I can suggest is try to keep
as fit & active as you can,
*******************************
I have no idea though as to how old "glosman" is
as it quite hard for s.o. aged 26.
Regards
Thanks everyone for your possitive comments, my ataxia is progressive and can feel myself deteriorating rapidly, I lost my mother 8 yrs ago with the same condition and other compliations, lost my twin sister. 3 yrs ago with the ilness plus other complication they were only 25 (twins), I wish I could say I'd live another 30 years like some of you but that don't look like its gunna happen.,
Not sure that ataxia in such a young person is the same but who knows? I think the advice given is very encouraging. Not sure there is a medication available to you but there is a woman who overcame stage 4 MS and went from wheelchair to 5mile bike rides and she has somegood ideas about brain illness. I think her name is Dr. Terry Wahls and she is on the Internet. Also, there is stem-cell therapy and various experimental "tests".
I've had ataxia (unknown cause) for 10 years now and believe the best thing one can do is exercise for strength and balance (safely) and eat as healthy as possible. Do whatever you can comfortable do, as it's all beneficial! Although ataxia is extremely frustrating and challenging, a positive attitude helps! One of my favorite sayings is, "I may have ataxia, but ataxia doesn't have me"...,ha! I repeat this to myself on a daily basis... ;o)
