Hi all!
Diagnosed in 2013, with FXTAS, that's fragile X tremor/ataxia syndrome.
The characteristic features of FXTAS are intention tremor, which is trembling or shaking of a limb when trying to perform a voluntary movement such as reaching for an object,and problems with coordination and balance (ataxia).
Typically intention tremors will develop first, followed a few years later by ataxia, although not everyone with FXTAS has both features. Many affected individuals develop other movement problems,such as a pattern of movement abnormalities known as parkinsonism, which includes tremors when not moving (resting tremor), rigidity, and unusually slow movement(bradykinesia). In addition, affected individuals may have reduced sensation, numbnessor tingling, pain, or muscle weakness in the lower limbs. Some people with FXTAS experience problems with the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions, leading to the inability to control the bladder or bowel.
Individuals with FXTAS have a mutation in which a DNA segment, known as a CGGtriplet repeat, is expanded within the FMR1 gene. Normally, this DNA segment isrepeated from 5 to about 40 times. In people with FXTAS, however, the CGG segmentis repeated 55 to 200 times. This mutation is known as an FMR1 gene premutation.
At the moment, I take Sinemet 25/250 4-5/day, Sinemet CR 25/200 1/day, amantadine and pramipexole. After 10 years with LDopa treatment, I have more negative effects, like painful dystonias, in phase "off"; in my case, when dopamine level in the body is very low.
Actually, I want to reduce Sinemet, and I'm very happy to be part of this comunity. I have already read an incredible amount of post, very interesting and helpful, about naturals treatments and supplementation. The challenge now is to know what'is better for me..
Thank you very much!
(Patient Support and Advocacy Resources : National Fragile X Foundation - fragilex.org/).