My name is Lyssa and I was in a car accident in October 2008. My movement "issues" were originally diagnosed by a GP as Acute Stress Disorder -> PTSD and that they would "go away over time." The myoclonic jerks were episodic but I was able to resume moderately normal walking etc. by mid-December, most days. I fell down at home in early April, a sudden shock to the system with no warning - my legs just crumpled underneath me and I started jerking around uncontrollably. My GP sent me to the hospital with a neuro requisition for consult as he thought I had Huntington's... To make a long story short, I have a "neurological movement disorder" that presents as myoclonic dystonia as well as possible seizure activity that we're still investigating. Hopefully will get more details on that next week. It's been a long haul. I went from a high achieving, strong, and fiercely independent female with a salary position in management, a Masters degree and a stable home... to losing my ability to live independently. I have to walk with a cane and most of the dystonia presents on my right (dominant) side so many daily, basic tasks I have had to adjust to use my left side. I have been on a medical leave of absence (unpaid) for the last two and a half months, waiting for long term disability plan to kick in. My entire life has shifted rapidly in the last two and a half months but I'm trying to stay strong and reach out for contact with others. |
