A diagnosis of muscular dystrophy (MD) can bring about many changes, from new daily challenges to alternative methods of managing health. While this condition affects muscle strength and function, it does not have to define your ability to live independently. In this blog post, we will explore what muscular dystrophy is, how it impacts daily life and available treatment options. Furthermore, we will share brief strategies for gaining or maintaining your independence.
Muscular dystrophy is a grouping of genetic diseases that causes muscles to degenerate, resulting in a loss of muscular strength. There are eight different types and more than thirty other diseases that cause muscle degeneration. Often, this condition progressively worsens throughout one’s lifetime and can start to affect organs such as the heart and lungs. That’s why understanding its causes and early prevention is vital to long-term health.
Daily lives can vary, while some may be able to live independently, others may not. Common obstacles can include difficulty in movement, breathing, and swallowing, as well as heart complications. These symptoms, while physical, can also affect mental health. People can feel isolated due to the nature of their condition, and the inaccessibility and exclusivity of public spaces. Those with this condition, or who have just developed it, can learn to adapt to change as their bodies and environments do.
While there is no cure for this condition, there are treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve one’s quality of life. Currently, there are several different types of therapies and surgeries to lessen the symptoms of MD. For instance, therapies can include physical, respiratory, speech, drug, and occupational. As for surgeries, some individuals may have pacemakers installed to help with heart problems. Gaining access to these innovative treatments and therapies can make a world of difference, especially if caught early.
Life with muscular dystrophy does not have to be stagnant, one can learn new ways to become more independent. Assistive devices and physical therapies can aid in bodily autonomy, whereas self-care and support networks can help one’s mental health and promote independent thinking.
The question becomes, can one truly live an independent life with muscular dystrophy? The answer is, yes! With modern medicine and mutual aid, individuals with this condition can gain autonomy like they’ve never imagined. Learn more about muscular dystrophy at www.mda.org.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with MD and needs further assistance towards independence, call our offices today at 843-225-5080. We can support you along the way with educational resources, advocacy, support, and even durable medical equipment at low to no cost!
References
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/