Friday, September 17, 2010

The difference between Muscular Dystrophy & Multiple Sclerosis

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When it comes to living with Muscular Dystrophy at one time or another we meet those who make the mistake of believing that we have Multiple Sclerosis when we don’t. What we have is called Muscular Dystrophy. It was just a few years ago when I learned that other people with Muscular Dystrophy are facing this very same issue. So what can we do about this? Well the best thing we can try and do is raise more awareness about Muscular Dystrophy in the hopes that one day people know exactly what it is. After all Muscular Dystrophy and Multiple Sclerosis are two completely different medical conditions.

So first let’s take a look at Multiple Sclerosis, according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, MS is a disease that is unpredictable, and it affects vision, hearing, memory, balance and mobility.
Now, when it comes to Muscular Dystrophy the issues we face are very different from those living with Multiple Sclerosis. So what is Muscular Dystrophy? Well according to Muscular Dystrophy Canada it is a condition that comes in many forms such as Duchenne, Becker’s, and Limb Girdle just to name a few. Now the effects of Muscular Dystrophy range from Joint and Muscle Pain, Leg and Foot Swelling, Muscle Cramping, Changes to Posture, Difficulty Walking, Difficulty Gripping and Holding, Fatigue and can even lead to issue’s with Breathing.

So what is Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

Now when it comes to Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy people with this disorder typically experience progressive muscle weakness of the leg and pelvis muscles, which is associated with a loss of muscle mass. Muscle weakness also occurs in the arms, neck, and other areas, as well as in the lower half of the body. It must be known that Becker's Muscular Dystrophy gets progressively worse and it’s tough to say but over time some of us will eventually end up using a cane or wheelchair. But the truth is most of us with Becker’s are fully capable of living life like any other person, and that includes enjoying a nearly normal lifespan. Sadly though when it comes to other forms of Muscular Dystrophy for some the outlook is very different.
In the end I hope everyone takes the time to learn more about Muscular Dystrophy and also joins in by helping to support organizations such as Muscular Dystrophy Canada and other organizations around the world that raise awareness and support and fund research into finding a cure for each and every form of Muscular Dystrophy.
Eventually I hope that one day when we tell people we have Muscular Dystrophy that they fully understand exactly what it is.
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