can run and walk backwards?

[shangrila]

Hello everbody,

Let me summarize the story; my problem with walking has started 2 years ago while I was alone and unhappy living abroad. one day when I was walking to yoga class, my rigth leg suddenly did a unconsious movement (like kicking). In 1 month I was almost crawling. And asap I returned homeland on a wheelchair (2 years ago). the doctors that I went, told me that it was totally psychological and i needed to go to a threapist. I did what they told me and I went to shrink for 1.5 years. In this time period I got a lot better but still I was unable to walk without stumbling... And a couple of days ago a neurologist told me that i migth have drd and he gave me madopar treatment: 62,5 mg * 3 each day, we will wait and see the results. If the treatment will response we will know that it is drd, but I wanted to ask you if you have the same symptoms like me; I can't walk properly, i can't control my rigth leg, both of my legs' muscles are streched unconsiously. when i walk i make strange movements like swing, shaking, falling. i can't walk naturally as a reflex, i'm trying to control my legs. although i can't walk, I can run (not perfect but much better than my walking) and I can walk backwards.
In the morning for a minute or so I can walk very well (just like normal)
Sometimes when I forget that there is a problem I can walk well but than I remember (I thought the disability makes me remember though)

I am 34 years old / female. The answers will help a lot.

Thank you,

selen.

[pentakids]

I don't think it's in your head...well...maybe...but not that kind of "in your head"...first of all...find a movement disorder specialist not just any neurologist...and shop for a good one...what you have does sound like some kind of dystonia...if it is drd it is much easier to treat!! I can walk backwards much better than forward...I have to walk on my toes to walk forward...I have heard this a lot...and I am much worse at night....this is a dystonia BB on the internet...they are a great source of info but you have to realize they are not professionals....http://www.dystonia-bb.org/forums/asd/...please don't give up on finding answers...I was very debilitated before treatment....I still have some trouble but I got better on sinemet within a day and was moving more than I had in years...it was like night and day....some people don't respond as fast but I was put on a pretty high dose to start....hang in there...penta

[Beverley]

I would agreee that you have some sort of Dystonia. DRD is a definte option. If the Madopar does not help or just helps a little I would look into trying Sinemet..

Many of us have been told that this is all in our heads by Neurologist that just do not have the understanding that this is a real medical condition. They like to use psychological or conversion disorder just because they cannot figure out the problem. For some people Dysonia can have ups and downs in how it affects them. Some even have what seems like a remission of symptoms. This is rare but not unheard of.

There are some SSRI / antidepressant medications that can cause dystonia also.

You definately need a good Movement Disorder Specialist (NL that specializes in Movement Disorders and has a working knowledge of Dystonia.)

I also can walk much better on Grass or dirt and carpet and in small areas like hallways.

Beverley

[YG>]

I sometimes have trouble walking and my left leg drags. I tell my legs to move, but feel I am dragging sacks of potatoes.
I used to turn sideways, and walk sideways for a while. Backwards doesn't give me trouble. Running is sometimes easiers than walking because there's less range of motion.
What helps me is to takes a break, and stretch. I need to stretch a lot. hips and thighs from front, back, in, and outside. And never walk in a hurry, that really cramps me up. I do much better with slow long strides that more frequent qick short strides.