Elaine,

Hello, my name is Christina Ray and I live in Broken Bow, Ok.  My symptoms started when I was 37.(May of 2007)  I first noticed that I couldn't tip toe and I was having trouble walking up stairs.  I finally got a diagnosis in January of this year. At this time I am using a wheelchair all the time.  I am unable to get up from the couch by myself, and need help turing over in bed and stuff.  I can tell that it is moving into my shoulders because I'm beginning to have trouble pushing myself up from a laying position.  I don't really have any pain with this except a little bit of aching in my hips from time to time.  I was told not to exercise, but I do streach out daily.  It seems to me that my MD has progressed quite quickly in my legs.  I also noted that several of the members first had symptoms in their 20's and are still getting around alot better than me. I'm curious if a later onset causes faster progression.  The good news is all the research that is being done.  It takes a little adjusting to get used to it all, but keep good thoughts in your head and staying positive helps alot.  This groups is wonderful as well.  Take care and keep in touch.

Christina Ray 
--- On Fri, 6/26/09, Elaine Byrne <ebd197@...> wrote: