My life has been an endless circle of adventures and misadventures ever since I learned I had Myotonic Dystrophy type 2 in July 2008. I received my diagnosis two days before I gave birth to my third child, Joshua. However, I had suspected it since my mother was diagnosed in 2005 and we had the same symptoms.

For the most part it was our difficulty in conquering the stairs. For only 14 steps, but some days it felt like climbing Mount Everest. And if we had heels on, we were up for an intense work out, and it wasn’t going to be pretty. And without handrails, I would be forced to get down on all fours and climb up them like a monkey seeking food. And if we had a skirt on, there’s a whole other factor we’d have to worry about; hence the reason why I no longer wear skirts.

The day I received this diagnosis, the Neurologist broke it to me as softly as she could. She put her hand on my knee when she said the words Myotonic Dystrophy type 2. “Oh good,” I responded with a sigh. My reaction left her perplexed and rather stunned. Then again, I expected it, but I was happy to know that I had a firm diagnosis. 

Two days after my meeting with the Neurologist, my water broke. With my new diagnosis, the normal hospital preparation routine changed from my previous C-Sections.

The anesthesiologist had never had a DM2 patient before so he had to research the disease to make sure he knew how to treat me. Also, since I hadn’t had the chance to tell my OBGYN, she had to do the same. After more paperwork and more questions, I was wheeled into surgery.

Two hours later my husband and I welcomed our beautiful baby boy into the world. Thankfully, it all went without a hitch.

- Tina Pinsonneault

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