Page created by: Darryl Thomas

My name is Darryl Thomas. I am part of the intersectional demographics (black male, gay. disabled, and a senior citizen). I was diagnosed in 2021 with spinocerebellar 7.(SCA7). In 2020 was the first time I noticed Parkinson-like syndrome, but was in denial because I had been so active (taught aerobics, jogged, hiked, played tenni, etc. In August 2021 i visited my family doctor because I coudn;t run on a treadmill without holding the rails and I sliiped off a lat pul down machine at the gym. My doctor referred me to a neurologist. During that visit, the neurologist ordered a genetic test. The test revealed I had SCA 7. I was told it was genetic and it's a rare disease with no medication for anything above SCA 4. At the beginning of 2022, my voice/speech started to be raspy and I could only talk when my teeth were clinched. My neurologist at University of WA stated I developed oromandibular dystonia.(OMD) They referred me to n ENT for Botox. It help with opening my mouth. My neurologist prescribed a series of pharmaceuticals for the OMD and to get my speech back. The side effects were unbearable. I stopped all pharnaceuttical In September 2023. Last summer I had a DAT scan and it revealed my syptoms were heavily on the Parkinson side and Levidopa may help. I just srted it and my speech is slowly returning. Over the last three yiears I have been coming to terms with my disease. I have started the Headspace application for meditating. I work out at home, go tophysical therapy monthly, was approved for disability, stopped working, etc. This disease is a journey and a lesson for me to learn.