My name is Dennis Wood, and I live with Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD).

BMD is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to insufficient or abnormal dystrophin protein, crucial for muscle function. Symptoms like difficulty walking, muscle cramps, and heart problems typically start in adolescence or early adulthood.

BMD is an inherited condition in an X-linked pattern. That means the gene that sometimes contains a mutation causing this condition is on the X chromosome. Every boy inherits an X chromosome from his mother and a Y chromosome from his father, making him male. Girls get two X chromosomes, one from each parent. Each son born to a woman with a dystrophin mutation on one of her two X chromosomes has a 50% chance of inheriting the flawed gene and having BMD. Her daughters have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation and being carriers. *

In my case, we could not find a history of BMD in our family.

So, how can a family with no history of BMD suddenly produce a child with the condition? According to mda.org, there are two possible explanations:

The genetic mutation leading to BMD may have existed in the mother's family for some generations without anyone knowing it. Perhaps no male children were born with the condition, or if a boy in an earlier generation was affected, relatives may not have been familiar with the condition.

The second possibility is that the child with BMD has a new genetic mutation that arose in one of his mother's egg cells. (Because this mutation isn't in the mother's blood cells, it is impossible to detect by standard carrier testing).

As a teen, when first diagnosed, I used to think that sheer willpower could overcome physical challenges. With enough determination, I believed I could push through any obstacle and maintain a sense of normalcy.

In my 20s, I was stubborn and firmly believed in “no pain, no gain.” This mindset, while common, often led me to push my body beyond its limits, ignoring the signs that my condition was progressing. Frequent falls in public places were particularly challenging. The embarrassment and physical strain of trying to get back up were compounded by the stress of worrying about falling again, especially in places like grocery stores.

Although BMD causes extreme mobility problems at an early age, the same challenges I face can also affect anyone at any age who has mobility issues.

I am just one of many who face mobility challenges; the same tools I use to live an everyday life can also help anyone with mobility issues. My story is about my struggles and the tools I have used to overcome them.

Embracing the use of tools has been transformative. These tools, from mobility scooters and electric toilet seats to adaptive automobile controls, have significantly reduced the number of falls and the associated stress. They have also allowed me the freedom to live an everyday life and conserve energy, making daily activities more manageable.

My experiences and the lessons I have learned can be incredibly inspiring to others. If you have any questions or need advice on a particular aspect of managing BMD, feel free to ask!

* mda.org