When dystonia dares to once again rear its twisted head after an extended remission of all but the most benign symptoms, it can sometimes feel like a personal failing on my healing journey. I chastise myself for the lapses in judgment that led to making unwise choices. I berate myself for knowing better than to behave in such foolish ways: I shouldn’t have had a cheat day (or three) of so many … [Read more...]
Even when it can seem like the vast majority of my dystonia symptoms are in a strong remission, there is no guarantee that that they will stay that way. Just because I am able to do a two-hour intermediate yoga practice one day does not mean I will be at all steady on my feet the next day—or even later that night. While this reality can be disappointing for friends and family who are counting on … [Read more...]
In the year and a half that we’ve been together, I’m managed to keep this part of me hidden from my love. It wasn’t a conscious decision for me to hide it from him it just turned out that way. He just happened to catch me in mostly good spell. And while I had occasional flare ups outside of his company, I had never showed signs of my movement disorder, dystonia, in front of him. That’s not to say … [Read more...]
by Renée Canada Yesterday was such a gorgeous day. The air was no longer swampy and wet, the sun not scorching and unbearable to be in its path. I opened the bedroom window and deeply breathed in that fresh air, enjoying every breath. Part of the joy I was feeling on Wednesday was that it marked four days since I had last experienced a crippling involuntary muscle movement. I was afraid to write … [Read more...]