"One Less Thing"
I was diagnosed in 2012 with Multiple System Atrophy. It started back in 2006 (the year I was diagnosed with cancer) I noticed my handwriting was slightly off, and over time I had a small quiver on my lip, and a barely noticeable tremor on my pinky finger. The neurologist thought it was "essential tremor', and then "Parkinson's" and then in 2012 I went to "Movement Disorder Centre" at UBC and received the diagnoses. It progressed very slowly for years, then two years ago I kept falling, and had difficulty speaking. I had to go on LTD, I hated to leave, I loved my job at the school. In my case, the disorder has really affected my speech and balance/coordination. My own GP has never heard of it, it is a rare neurodegenerative disorder. When my daughter Kyla moved to Victoria last summer, I knew I couldn't be on my own. So, my sister Diana asked me to move with her. Diana has been so awesome! I remain optimistic, and my family has been incredibly supportive during this challenge. And there are some wonderful Facebook sites of fellow patients, we're all there to support each other.
I guess no one is immune to challenges, "everyone has a story!" We just do what we can, I try to keep positive and grateful.
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