My mid-thirties & difficulties using steps & stairs

Now as I entered my mid-thirties I have noticed that a few things are starting to change. At this stage of my progression my muscles have weakened so much that climbing stairs has become next to impossible - especially if there isn’t a railing. So I am sure you can understand why I have become a little apprehensive about using stairs. At this point even a small step even off of a curb can result in a fall. It’s the main reason why I always try to avoid having to use any type of stairs. It has even affected my ability to climb the steps at the local movie theatre. Maybe the worst effect lately is that it has limited my ability to visit family and friends - especially when dealing with stairs that have no railing to support me.

In recent years I have had to become very creative in dealing with stairs especially in times when I have no other choice but to use them. At times sitting down to the floor and going down the stairs seated one step at a time on my rear till I reach the point when I can turn around and crawl back up to my feet. Embarrassing in some ways but by this point in my progression I have stopped caring what people think. After all, I have no choice but to live my life to the best of my ability.

 A life changing moment leads to me sharing my story

 As I enter my mid-thirties I also start dealing with a lot of fatigue resulting from me not being able to get a proper night’s sleep which starts to negatively affect me at work. Also at the time I am suffering from a work-related injury in the form of tendinitis which also isn’t helping things at work. Eventually this all leads to me being let go after having my injury blamed on the fact that I had Muscular Dystrophy. Even after losing my job I couldn’t get a good night’s sleep. So I brought this to my doctor's attention and he sent me to have a sleep study done at a local clinic, talk about a very interesting experience. After this is when they discovered that I had sleep apnea and ever since then I have been using something known as a CPAP machine. Thankfully this helps me get a good night's sleep which now really helps to provide me with the energy I need to make it through the day.

 Now as far as walking is concerned at times I would have to say that lately it can be a bit of a challenge avoiding slips and falls - especially when I have pushed myself too far physically. There have even been a few times when my legs have given out so now I tend to just take it easy. These days it’s all about conserving energy and living with-in my limitations, remaining positive even in times when I might be struggling with a few of the challenges that come along with having Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy.

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