JakeJohnson2k
22-01-18, 11:34
Hi All,
I've lurked here for a couple of years, but after seeking help EVERYWHERE I've finally decided to post.
I'm currenty suffering from HA.
My symptoms are:
Feeling of poor coordination
Stiffness in hands (mainly left)
Feeling of poor balance
Shaking (mainly in hands, mainly left)
Aside from my symptoms, I don't "feel anxious". But when I notice a symptom, I get very anxious. I've had similar symptoms for a couple of years but they change slightly, so if I went to the doctor each time I had a new symptom I'd be there every few weeks.
I have the compulsion to check my coordination and shaking 24/7. It impacts my sleep, my enjoyment of life in general.
The compounding context to my HA is that my cousin suffers from Spinocerebellar Ataxia. His decline has been drastic and heartbreaking to see. His rapid decline was the trigger for my own HA, and as it is a genetic disease I have fixated on it. (Prior to my cousins illness, I believed I had a brain tumour or MS).
I now find it very difficult to convince myself I do not have this disease. I have seen many GPs (though over a year ago) and also a specialist. I saw the specialist approx. 12 months ago and he tested my balance and coordination, before concluding I had anxiety.
What can I do to live with this?
NB. Although the ataxia is genetic, it is still incredibly rare. Both parents must carry the gene, and there is no other instance of ataxia in my family or extended family. It is also untreatable, as far as I am aware.
I've lurked here for a couple of years, but after seeking help EVERYWHERE I've finally decided to post.
I'm currenty suffering from HA.
My symptoms are:
Feeling of poor coordination
Stiffness in hands (mainly left)
Feeling of poor balance
Shaking (mainly in hands, mainly left)
Aside from my symptoms, I don't "feel anxious". But when I notice a symptom, I get very anxious. I've had similar symptoms for a couple of years but they change slightly, so if I went to the doctor each time I had a new symptom I'd be there every few weeks.
I have the compulsion to check my coordination and shaking 24/7. It impacts my sleep, my enjoyment of life in general.
The compounding context to my HA is that my cousin suffers from Spinocerebellar Ataxia. His decline has been drastic and heartbreaking to see. His rapid decline was the trigger for my own HA, and as it is a genetic disease I have fixated on it. (Prior to my cousins illness, I believed I had a brain tumour or MS).
I now find it very difficult to convince myself I do not have this disease. I have seen many GPs (though over a year ago) and also a specialist. I saw the specialist approx. 12 months ago and he tested my balance and coordination, before concluding I had anxiety.
What can I do to live with this?
NB. Although the ataxia is genetic, it is still incredibly rare. Both parents must carry the gene, and there is no other instance of ataxia in my family or extended family. It is also untreatable, as far as I am aware.