Why I run...

My name is Robin, andI have suffered from MdDs since July 2004. I was 44 at the onset, and very active and healthy. Mine was a spontaneous onset, however, for a month before it came on I had traveled by plane to FL to help my sister thru a difficult surgery and was her private duty for 3 days without much sleep. After landing home, exhausted, I felt the rocking motion for about 48 hours and then it went away.

A month later, we drove to the beach 8 hours away. They have a shopping area with a floating bridge going over a waterway - I felt the sensation hit while walking on it and it hasn’t gone away.

I had a year of going to different doctors, trying several medications without help. Nasonex is the only medication that seems to help the symptoms a little.

I felt sorry for myself that year and became a couch potato. I did continue to work, but found myself growing more tired earlier in the day and by the end of the work day, I just plopped on the couch and prayed for things to stop moving.

After a long time of feeling sorry for myself, I decided it wasn’t going away with being a couch potato, so I got out and walked several miles a day. After a few days, I noticed the symptoms improved some. I kept going, and soon started running. The symptoms were a little better each day - tolerable levels.

Now I've run 6 half marathons with a respectable finish and will be training soon for my first Marathon in January 2010.

My life has changed in many positive ways, but I have to be careful what I do -as things still trigger the symptoms. Malls and other stores increase my symptoms as do jobs that require my eyes to move up and down frequently, shuffling cards sets it off, washing dishes, potatoes or such, and like many people - short car rides make it go away temporarily. I have also noticed that small amounts of wine will reset the symptoms when it gets bad! (after long car rides or airplane rides)

The positive side of this horrible affliction is that I'm now in better shape than I was at 25...and a much happier person. I have a great support system with my husband of 27 years and my 2 children who are amazing young adults now. Yes, this is something I think about daily, but I'm finding ways to cope. If this story helps one other person become more proactive and feel better, then I feel I've done a good thing :)

Rock on!

Robin (to learn more about this go to www.mddsfoundation.org)