Living With Myotonic Dystrophy
Welcome to my website about Myotonic Dystrophy. I was diagnosed with this condition in 2012.
I assume you are here because your life has been touched by Myotonic Dystrophy. Maybe you are a parent with a child with the disease. Maybe you’ve just been diagnosed. You could have been suffering from this disease for years. Whatever your position you are most welcome to explore the website. I hope you find it useful.
Symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy
Signs and symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy often begin in a person’s 20s or 30s but can begin at any age. Symptoms often include progressive muscle weakness, stiffness, tightness, and wasting.
There are two types of Myotonic Dystrophy: Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 and Myotonic Dystrophy type 2. The symptoms in people with Myotonic Dystrophy type 2 tend to be milder than in those with type 1, but the symptoms may overlap.
People with Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 typically experience involvement of the legs, hands, neck, and face, while people with Myotonic Dystrophy type 2 typically experience involvement of the neck, shoulders, elbows, and hips. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among affected people.
I have type 1.
Other signs and symptoms of Myotonic Dystrophy can include cataracts, type-2 diabetes, and cardiac conduction defects (irregular electrical control of the heartbeat). Some affected men also have hormonal changes that may cause balding or infertility.
In some cases, babies are born with a variation of Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 called Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy. Symptoms of congenital myotonic dystrophy are present from birth and include weakness of all muscles, breathing problems, clubfeet, developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.