In my early 40s I began to have more difficulty concentrating, and I remember feeling unusually forgetful. For a while, I ignored these symptoms until I started to uncontrollably twitch and make fidgety motions. When the chorea started, it was clear to my doctor that I was dealing with something more than just forgetfulness. The fact that my mom also suffered from the disease confirmed the doctors predictions, and that is when I was diagnosed with Huntingtons Disease. From then on things only got worse, my symptoms of chorea began to occur more frequently, primarily in my hands, feet, and face, causing involuntary body movements, and making it very hard to go about daily life. Now, it is even difficult for me to remember specific conversations, TV shows or books. My disease affects my ability to plan, make decisions and process complex topics. I have tro
uble navigating, even to places I have been many times, although I can retain memories and continue to do things I have been for a long time. I get easily agitated, irritated and aggressive over little things that I cant control. All these symptoms induce anxiety and depression and I often go into periods where I am constantly frustrated and down, but I dont know why. I have recently noticed that my voice has become hoarse, slurred, and I either speak too quickly or too slowly. While all these symptoms make life much harder to enjoy, the worse part of having Huntingtons disease is knowing that it doesnt just affect me, but potentially my children and our entire family for years to come. I am 55 and I have lived with Huntingtons Disease for just over 10 years, and I cherish every moment I have left with my family and friends. (Living with Huntingtons 2013)