Sunday 27 January 2008

Gil's trip with his buddy FSHD

FSHD has been around all my life. He started to have an effect on my life from about 12 years old and has been an influence ever since. I never knew he was influencing my life until I was about 47, then I was diagnosed as having FSHD, his full name fascio scapulo humeral dystorphy. Since I was diagnosed we have been on first name terms. I think for me it was a good thing I did not know of his presence, as in my case it may have held me back. On a scale of 10 I would say I am about a 3 or 4, but would have to ask the experts for sure and I may do that. They are the friendliest bunch of medical experts I know. I will take 3 or 4 and am happy with it. I would not change anything major in my life, it has been a good time and only keeps on being so.
Above is just an introduction for the none FSHers out there. I decided, for my own benefit, I'd keep a log of how I get along on this travel adventure and see how me and FSHD progress together. It may be of interest to other FSHers, or it may pee them off, but either way I am doing it.
A bit more information for the noners out there. It is a muscle condition that means a persons strength get less on a gradual scale. Different FSHers are affected completely differently. A fact I never realised until this year. Anyway, if you want more info, google it.

I must confess to being a little apprehensive about setting off. Would all the women leave me alone, would I get any peace. My family put me straight on that one, so I set off. The apprehension was about my ability to get up stairs carrying weight, no bannister, no go, but I have bought a collapsable walking stick and think I will be OK. Too bloody late now. I am here and if I did not go now, then I would not be able to make it on my own in about a years time. Last year would have been better. That Mr Hindsight is a clever git.