How to Handle Muscular Dystrophy
A diagnosis of muscular dystrophy can be devastating. There are many variations of the disease and none are good. While some are almost immediately life threatening, others attack muscles slowly over time giving patients an opportunity to handle the disease in hopes of a cure down the road. Here is how to handle muscular dystrophy.
Exercise
Muscular dystrophy is a disease that affects the muscles. By strengthening the muscles, the disease can be slowed in some patients. If you are diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, the first step is to plan an exercise routine with the guidance of your doctor and physical therapist.
Other kinds of exercise should be included in your routine including breathing and coughing exercises to aid with the respiratory system. Exercise should be undertaken very seriously as it can slow or even prevent abnormal positioning of the joints or curving of the spine.
Drugs
For certain forms of muscular dystrophy, prescriptions drugs have been shown to be effective in slowing and helping patients handle the disease. There is no cure yet, although scientists are working to find one. If you have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, ask your doctor about corticosteroids to slow muscle destruction, and with myotonic muscular dystrophy, phenytoin, procainamide or quinine can treat delayed muscle relaxation.
Surgeries
For many patients with muscular dystrophy, surgery becomes necessary. If you are a good candidate, undergo surgery to help correct muscle shortening. Also talk to your doctor about a surgically implanted cardiac pacemaker if you suffer from Emery-Dreifuss or myotonic muscular dystrophy.
Mobility Assistance
If your disease continues to progress despite your best preventative efforts find mobility assistance. Being about to move on your own is huge, and when you’ve lost freedom, there are large adjustments to be made. Locate a motorized wheelchair or even just a cane or walker to help get around when your muscles begin to prevent normal walking or become painful after walking distances.
Stay Positive
Finally, the most important step of all is to remain positive. There are ongoing explorations into possible treatments and new procedures. Work hard at keeping your muscles as healthy as possible, and work just as hard to keep your brain and mind in working condition. Focus on the joys of life and try to remember that life is about more than the effects of a disease, even if it’s hard at times.
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