- Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
- Interviews
Wendy Kay Walker's interview
How did all start?
Symptoms most of my life. Misdiagnosed as MS at the age of 8.
Finally got DX in 2013.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
DX at 47
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Physical Therapy and exercises have kept me going.
Wear leg braces every day to assist with walking, avoiding foot drop and hyperextension of my knees.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Finally got to ride the tricycle my dad bought me in 2015.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Adjusting to everyday struggles with HSP.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Don't drive any more, so I have to rely on others to get me to family functions and outings.
What things have you stopped doing?
Outdoor activities and any physical duties around home. Can no longer travel like I used to.
What do you think about the future?
One day at a time.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Teenage years.
Outdoor adventures as often as possible.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Travel... Hike, Camp, Bike, Run and play with my grandkids.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Life is not what I expected it to be.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Take life one day at a time. Take a deep breath and DO NOT GIVE IN!! Keep on Going!!
