I got diagnosed about two years ago, and ever since then my mental and physical health have gone down hill. 24 years old and prescribed a cane, my doctor tells me i will eventually need a wheelchair for everything. I just feel helpless 
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Hi MrWobbles, been there. I feel your pain. I would find out what type of Ataxia you have by getting a gene test first. Work from there. Best of luck!
Billy,
If I can give a suggestion it would be that you eat a good diet and EXERCISE as much as you can. Its very important to keep your muscles and joints active.
I was told its cerebellar ataxia, is there a more specific answer ?
Hi Billy, welcome🙂
When I received my diagnosis I hadn’t a clue what ataxia was…..my Neurologist said ‘it’s progressive and most people will eventually need to use a wheelchair’…..so it was scary.
Generally, after giving a diagnosis, a Neurologist will advise having genetic testing…to look for the cause of symptoms.
It is worth having genetic testing because…if the link is autoimmune.. or a specific deficiency is found to be the cause, therapy can be offered.
When someone has family history, and a specific type is common, it is relatively straightforward to confirm a link.
But..if there is no family history ..and immediate symptoms don’t suggest a particular type of ataxia, testing can take considerable time.
The main thing to bear in mind is ‘stay safe’…definitely make use of a walking stick to help prevent falls.
Try and keep active (within caperbility)…it really helps muscle control.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch ..we have lots of experience with ataxia issues.
This link is to reliable information about ataxia..and it explains genetic testing options.
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Hi Billy,
They told me that I’d probably be in a wheel chair within a month and it’s been over 15 years ago now, and I don’t use my can often. Make exercise and physical therapy your best friends. Do what you can to lessen or take stress out of you life. /Join support groups to know that you are not alone!!
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Hi Billy
I was diagnosed in 2007 but I was having minor symptoms two to three years earlier so probably 2004!
I was told until last year that it was idiopathic (unknown cause) and type, I’ve taken part in numerous genetic testing programmes. I was told last year it was definitely sca 48, there are so many types and possible causes that is why it is vital to get genetic testing. As others have said exercise is key for us, I do over an hour a day at home with a combination of stretching, balance, strength including core and cardio with a rowing machine. I’m convinced that it works as if I had done very little or nothing over the years I’m sure I’d be a lot less able than I am now.
I don’t use anything indoors but I do have a four wheeled walker in the car for longer distances. I’m only now considering a wheelchair but only for holidays etc.
I went to the London Olympics with my son in 2012 again with no aid involved, just had to sit and rest occasionally because of the amount of walking involved.
Above all try to remain positive and remember that you are not alone and exercise…
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Hi Billy, I’ve read responses and can’t add much except to say, I’m 82 and only recently taken to wheelchair. I have idiopathic CA. Stay safe, exercise and don’t forget to smile 