Introduction

The beginning...A brief synopsis. I was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome in 1994, following four years of symptoms. Diabetes hitched a diagnostic duo- ride for numerous thrills of a lifetime I would rather have lived without. A preferable choice would have been a grass hut in South America without running water, television, Internet, pizza, or insect repellent; however, I wasn't given a choice. The choice I did have was my attitude. I chose hope, faith, and humor..."in spite of."

Stiff Person Syndrome...What is it? I am still trying to figure it out. ;-) It is a rare autoimmune disorder that is estimated to afflict one in a million individuals...a long shot even for Vegas odds. Basically, my body's neuro-inhibitory system is out of control, creating a heightened sensitivity to external stimulus being...just about anything. (Touch, emotion, movement, temperature.) The stimulus will create painful spasms, anxiety, and induce unprotected falls. Falling does not hurt. It is all in the landing. ;-)

I explain SPS in detail and share four years of living with the disorder in my homepage website...for the curious or the bored. ;-) www.stiffman.org.

This forum is devoted to the "Encore" of my life. I hope to share life as it pertains to anyone who lives with physical challenge. We are distant or close cousins of the inbred family of autoimmune and invisible disabilities.

"Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was." ~Unknown~