Monday, April 8, 2019

Forever Scarred....A Simple Update

     "Well, that's going to leave a mark!" And indeed, an MRI look-see at my Cerebellum in 2003 which confirmed the diagnosis....showing that Cerebellar Ataxia had left it's ugly mark then and continues leaving physical markers now...like pushpins in a map. For the first 14 years or so, I had an unknown form of SCA....but because I wanted a number like it seemed everyone else had, I decided to designate one and apply it to myself. For a while, I jokingly told others that I had SCA 24/7.

    Recent genetic testing has, however, upgraded me into a different category...a much more rare form labeled SCAR. Actually, my exact diagnosis is SCAR 8.....which to my understanding is a Recessive Autoimmune form of SCA. It has to do with the SYNE1 Gene.....which I still don't know if it is pronounced SIGN1 or SIN1, although the latter pronunciation would get my vote! Whatever the case, it would seem that all my earlier marks have now left me permanently SCARred.

     The recent change, or update to my diagnosis, will have no negative bearing on my forward movement...but I will steadfastly continue to point to the future!