Hi all, I was diagnosed with SCA-2 (ataxia) in 2002, though I knew I had ataxia; my Mom has it, and my Grandfather and his Mom and numerous siblings had it, so once I noticed symptoms, I was convinced I had ataxia too. I used to be exceptional at sports (hockey, football, badminton, skating, volleyball, etc.) but as I aged, I noticed my skills were worsening. From being the best player in the league, to best on team to unable to play sports is a hard pill to swallow. I have found that sticking to a healthy food/supplement/exercise routine has been very beneficial in slowing the disease. I am unable to use heavy weights, especially 'free' weights which require balance; on the treadmill, I must use both hands to stabilize myself. Also, junk foods, booze, tobacco, neurotoxins (such as aspartame, MSG, fluoride) as well as most chemicals are just terrible for me. I knew something was 'off' when I was 15; at 22, I knew it was ataxia; at 28 I tested positive for sca-2; now I am 40. But my last employment before going on Disability was when I was 32. I find that exercise counters depression. With a healthy diet and proper supplements, I have managed to slow ataxia, and the side-effects of such is good health! Except for having ataxia, apparently I am very healthy; I haven't even had a sniffle or a cold or stuffed nose in 8 years. But everyday simple things are getting harder; like stairs, getting dressed, typing, walking, picking-up small objects, etc. I can no longer jog/run (except on treadmill while hanging on tight), bicycle, I can still drive but shoulder checks are an issue so I rarely drive, walking on ice is difficult and causes many falls, getting in a boat is difficult...and lifting/carrying weights is tough. So I use light weights (10-20lb dumbells) and excessive repetitions for exercise.
Hello to Neurotalk and all the members, I look forward to discussing things with others dealing with similar challenges.