I shouldn't complain....

I've been seeing several videos, lately, that explain the nature and symptoms of Friedreich's Ataxia. It's good that society is trying to expose this illness to prevent it from being the unheard-of illness.

However, all of these vdeos/exposes/interviews show FA'ers in the same light; we're all doomed to physically disintegrate under a genetic illness. We only stay home and pray for the day when God or medical science hands us a cure/treatment.

Some of us prefer a different outlook.

I was 15 when my symptoms began. I fight this illness every day by defeating the fatigue. One of the primary symptoms of FA is loss of stamina.

While every case of FA is different, some more disabling than others, I believe that fighting the fatigue and building stamina is the most effective way to fight FA.

Many disabled people choose to stay home, smoke pot, watch TV and play video games. Some don't have other options because of excess limitations, but some have a choice.

My dedication to physical activity has been attributed to 'vanity', that I do this just to 'look good'. Well, I will have to accept that, as I can't change peoples opinions. But living with a degenerative illness is 'do 'or die'. Keeping active is a matter of survival.

Eventually, I will lose the war, but I can win the battles every day. (less info)