Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy covers several different neuro-muscular diseases. Each has its own course of damage to be run and length of time that it will challenge an individual and their loved ones, varies. It can be relatively short lived, (as in it kills quickly), or can go on for several years, even decades, slowly destroying the muscle tissues of the person and their quality of life.

How each person handles the disease with which they are diagnosed will vary according to both the patient and those around them. Some people are very matter of fact and accepting, others dive into the deep end of the pity pond. Self pity or pity towards the afflicted does not help. A positive attitude, while it may not extend the life, it will make the life much more enjoyable and worth having. For one thing, more people will likely be around which as is the case in many diseases and illnesses good to have as it can take the focus away from the inevitable...death.

As for treatments, this will be best advised by the doctor(s) and medical teams working with the child. Since each form of MD is different, there cannot be a one size fits all approach. Exercise is often the best starting point, however this will only help to maintain maximum muscle strength at best. In all cases, the deterioration will continue no matter how much of a fight is waged.
There are support groups, check with MDA.org and places/organizations such as centers for independent living (in New York City there is CIDNY)
for more information. Google search support for muscular dystrophy.

Try this site for independent living centers: www.virtualcil.net/cils/ It covers the United States, not sure where you are located. Just click on a state and move forward.

Wishing you and your friends the best and the fullest level of strength as they move forward on this journey.