Donna

Posted - December 2014 in Community Members

Donna with husband Colin and granddaughter Aliza

My HSP was confirmed in 2013 but it was suspected I had this condition. I am the only one in my family affected by this and have not passed the gene onto my children. I am a married 56 year old woman with three grown children and two grandchildren and work part time in a job I love in a preschool office.

I always loved to walk – bushwalking and walking my dog but I noticed at about age 45 I was becoming increasingly clumsy and was tested for various diseases and had MRIs. I was walking with two dropped feet and having some falls. I have since had tendon transfer surgery on both feet and have had pins in one foot to straighten my foot and to assist with walking. I am now walking with a stick and whilst it is slow going I still do love to walk. To try and maintain muscle strength in my legs I have taken up swimming (1 kilometre twice a week) and pilates – I enjoy these both enormously and could recommend these to anyone for body strengthening.

I find myself always searching for the perfect shoe! I do wear orthotics and favour ASICS but if anyone can share their experiences with a comfy shoe I would love to hear it!

I am independent but am always grateful of the support I receive from my husband. We accept the limitations HSP has put on our lives but there is still so much we can do!