- R
- J
Hi, My name is Robert and I'm disabled. Three years ago I was diagnosed with IBM ( Inclusion Body Myositis).
Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an inflammatory muscle disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Patients suffering from IBM usually develop symptoms of IBM after age 50; however, some patients may present with symptoms as early as their 30’s. Patients typically develop difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), weak wrists or fingers and atrophy of the forearms and/or thigh muscles.
Symptoms
- . muscle weakness often progresses slowly over months or years.
- weakness in the thighs, wrists and fingers
- . difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
- . patients may have a history of frequent falls
Several of my close friends and family were kind enough to donate funds that made it possible to get a power wheelchair which will improve my life tremendously by eliminating falls and improving mobility. My next goal is to find a senior living or assisted living facility sometime in January. Imagine losing strength in your hands and arms to the point it's difficult to hold a glass or silverware while you eat, open a jar or package, dress, prepare a meal, drive a car, take a shower or bath, stand up from a seated position or walk more than 10 yards. I constantly fall and I choke while eating and get frustrated trying to do the simplest tasks. I'm not bitter or feel cheated by God because I've had a great life but my life is not over yet. I know there are still great things ahead for me to do. My faith in God, my family, my friends, a good sense of humor, and a positive attitude will sustain me. I have a small business that I manage online but my disability and Covid-19 have taken their toll so my finances are a mess and any money I raise will go to medical expenses, food, housing, utilities, and life insurance premiums. Also, I want to raise awareness of this awful disease IBM and do my part to help those suffering its effects to know they are not
- Thank you for reading my story,
- Robert Rogers
