Hey Jenna,

Thank you for the response! I've also noticed that when I gain weight the symptoms seem to be more severe. I am a big guy, 6'1 at 212lbs, and I know I can defiantly stand to lose some. I have been continuing to walk the track every evening as well as at work, and I'm still in the process of getting the appointment set at the MDA clinic. I'm kind of an impatient person, but I'm trying to keep level though it all.

I called my sister and she told me that she was diagnosed with Becker MC so I'm going to assume that my diagnosis will be similar. I teach for 8 hours a day on my feet. The only way I've been able to make it work out is if I keep moving. I walk all around the classroom the entire time. It keeps me from seizing up, but also leaves me tired and sore every evening. Getting out of my car when I get home and walking up the stairs takes some serious doing. As a benefit it has helped me keep the students in line since they know at any time I can be walking behind the workstation and seeing exactly what they're up to. My calves and thighs are getting HUGE though. I'm going to have to start getting my pants tailored pretty soon if I can't get them to slim down.

I really appreciate the explanation on the "high phenotype variability." I've been wondering why it is that my father could do 22 years in the army without noticing that he had any sort of MC.

I'm really hoping to find a happy medium between lifestyle changes and medication. I'm not a big fan of taking meds, not morally or physically opposed, just never have liked it. I've been reading a bit through the site, and looking at the things that have helped others and am going to start implementing some into my own routine. I suppose I am going to have to learn to stop working against my own muscles as you put it. I normally try to push through the stiffness, like I can out muscle my muscles.

Well thank you again for the response! You guys have helped me more that you know, and I appreciate every word written. This forum is a blessing that I'm glad I stumbled upon. All the best!

Brian

Type of Myotonia: TBD

Country: USA

Oh definitely don't push through it! It's futile, needlessly tiring, and is thought to be what causes the muscle enlargement.

Type of Myotonia: Becker

Country: USA