Effect of Friedrich’s Ataxia
I have Ataxia. There are various types of Ataxia and the one affecting me is known as Friedrich’s Ataxia. F.A. is a rare neurological disorder that has an effect on the speech, balance and coordination. It is an inherited genetic disease and people with F .A. need support to walk or get around, from e.g. a stick, scooter or wheelchair.
Remaining active
In my fight against F.A. it has been very important for me to stay active and exercise on a regular basis. My exercises include swimming, going to the gym and physiotherapy. Lately when I visited the doctors in London, they told me the importance of having physiotherapy. My legs used to get stiff and having physiotherapy was the cure. Although swimming does help legs becoming less stiff but physiotherapy would be ideal. I did start walking in the past but due to my legs weakening I could not continue with it.I inshallah will resume my walking again once I feel my legs are strong enough. To be able to walk again and do so without any discomfort is my ultimate goal.
Always being Positive in Life
There are times when I do feel low and frustrated. The general fact of being unable to do anything without someone helping me, not being able to play outdoor sports, like tennis or cricket, and being unable to dance or go for a drive on my own were getting me down.
After feeling frustrated and negative for a while it dawned on me, that it was time for me to remind myself that my advantages definitely outweigh my disadvantages. After all , what I had learned most since being diagnosed with Ataxia was to have a lot of will power, to keep a positive attitude and remember that God always compensates things. So I started to compare myself positively to others who were less fortunate than me.
Affording the luxuries of life
The fact that despite being confined to a wheelchair, I was able to achieve things that many people who are able to get around normally never have, gives me a sense of achievement. For example, I am able to swim very well, something which many non-handicapped are unable to do. My circumstances are also so much better than countless other people out there. I am able to afford many luxuries in life which many are not blessed with and I thank God for that.
Having fun in life
I am a member of the prestigious Sind Club in Karachi. It is an exclusive club and I am fortunate to become a member. Sind Club is I would say my second home, as I go for swimming and also go to the gym. Their food is also very good and I do tend to take home different varieties of their eatables. Plus Sind Club has a number of social parties like dinner and dance balls, parties etc. So having all these benefits, it is hard to imagine my life without Sind Club. Having close and caring friends is also a blessing that many people do not enjoy.
Being focused in life
Above all the thing that has helped me the most has been my faith in God and my communicating with him. So counting my blessings and remembering what I have been able to do and achieve in life despite my handicap once again helped me rise above the feelings of frustration and depression. My handicap has taught me how to be happy and contend in life. We only live once and we should try to make the most of it. The ability to struggle for something, even though we may never achieve it, is of foremost importance. This has been my main focus in life, along with always looking at the positive side of things.
In conclusion, here is a saying that has helped me tremendously:
“ If you put your mind to something, hold onto your faith and inner strength and just stay focused, you can accomplish anything”.
I have Ataxia. There are various types of Ataxia and the one affecting me is known as Friedrich’s Ataxia. F.A. is a rare neurological disorder that has an effect on the speech, balance and coordination. It is an inherited genetic disease and people with F .A. need support to walk or get around, from e.g. a stick, scooter or wheelchair.
Remaining active
In my fight against F.A. it has been very important for me to stay active and exercise on a regular basis. My exercises include swimming, going to the gym and physiotherapy. Lately when I visited the doctors in London, they told me the importance of having physiotherapy. My legs used to get stiff and having physiotherapy was the cure. Although swimming does help legs becoming less stiff but physiotherapy would be ideal. I did start walking in the past but due to my legs weakening I could not continue with it.I inshallah will resume my walking again once I feel my legs are strong enough. To be able to walk again and do so without any discomfort is my ultimate goal.
Always being Positive in Life
There are times when I do feel low and frustrated. The general fact of being unable to do anything without someone helping me, not being able to play outdoor sports, like tennis or cricket, and being unable to dance or go for a drive on my own were getting me down.
After feeling frustrated and negative for a while it dawned on me, that it was time for me to remind myself that my advantages definitely outweigh my disadvantages. After all , what I had learned most since being diagnosed with Ataxia was to have a lot of will power, to keep a positive attitude and remember that God always compensates things. So I started to compare myself positively to others who were less fortunate than me.
Affording the luxuries of life
The fact that despite being confined to a wheelchair, I was able to achieve things that many people who are able to get around normally never have, gives me a sense of achievement. For example, I am able to swim very well, something which many non-handicapped are unable to do. My circumstances are also so much better than countless other people out there. I am able to afford many luxuries in life which many are not blessed with and I thank God for that.
Having fun in life
I am a member of the prestigious Sind Club in Karachi. It is an exclusive club and I am fortunate to become a member. Sind Club is I would say my second home, as I go for swimming and also go to the gym. Their food is also very good and I do tend to take home different varieties of their eatables. Plus Sind Club has a number of social parties like dinner and dance balls, parties etc. So having all these benefits, it is hard to imagine my life without Sind Club. Having close and caring friends is also a blessing that many people do not enjoy.
Being focused in life
Above all the thing that has helped me the most has been my faith in God and my communicating with him. So counting my blessings and remembering what I have been able to do and achieve in life despite my handicap once again helped me rise above the feelings of frustration and depression. My handicap has taught me how to be happy and contend in life. We only live once and we should try to make the most of it. The ability to struggle for something, even though we may never achieve it, is of foremost importance. This has been my main focus in life, along with always looking at the positive side of things.
In conclusion, here is a saying that has helped me tremendously:
“ If you put your mind to something, hold onto your faith and inner strength and just stay focused, you can accomplish anything”.
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