In medical school, one of my professors told me I had a gait disorder. I told him, “No I don’t!” Well, he was right of course. 20 years or so later I found myself unable to run, and gradually noticed weakness in my quads and legs, and eventually a very awkward gate. I’ve been so busy as a family physician that I ignored my symptoms for a long time. MRIs of my head, neck and lower back were all negative, so I thought, “maybe it’s all in my head.” Eventually my gait became so awkward that I saw a neurologist at UW, who referred me to a neurogeneticist. After two rounds of genetic testing I found a diagnosis: POLR3A- a very very rare form of ataxia.
When Were You Diagnosed? Which Type (If Known)?
I was diagnosed in 2021 with ataxia, and my neurologist found the genetic type in 2022.
How Has Ataxia Impacted Your Life?
Hearing other stories of ataxia patients, and being a family physician who has seen a lot of scary diagnoses over the years, I am VERY lucky. I am still working 3 days a week, but no longer make the long trek down hospital corridors and have stopped doing a few procedures due to a mild intention tremor. I no longer walk far or hike, but I do swim regularly.
How has NAF helped you or your family?
The annual conference in 2022 was terrific.
What is Your Ataxia Story?
As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Ataxia, we believe that each story has the power to inspire, connect, and empower others. We invite you to share your personal Ataxia journey with us.
Are you here to read the personal stories, but haven’t yet joined as a member? We hope you find comfort in reading about the experiences of others on their Ataxia journey. We invite you to join as a member to receive a new member story each month. It’s free, and you’ll be kept up-to-date on the latest developments in the Ataxia community.
Recent Member Stories
Anamaria
A 29-Year Journey to the Truth My name is Anamaria Mitre, I am from Zalau, Romania, and I am 42 years old. If you saw me today, Read More…
Jeryl S.
My story started in 2016 with double vision and eye movements. I went to the neuro ophthalmologist who suggested fixing my problem with Yankee my Read More…
Danne Geson Winneräng
When I had my tinnitus investigated in 2007, a balance disorder was discovered. I was put in touch with a neurologist who suspected something called Read More…
Shannon
Finding Balance: My Journey to a Rare Diagnosis For years, I brushed off the dizziness, fatigue, and the way my feet sometimes seemed to have Read More…
Jorge Alonso
My name is Jorge Alonso, I am 33 years old I was diagnosed with ataxia at 31 or 30, although I really felt the disease Read More…
Abdulrahman
Hello, I’m Abdulrahman – in the beginning I was shocked, but then I digested the news, my lifestyle and way of living really helped me Read More…
