[David]

Hi Frankie

I’ve suffered from depression at many points but have not found an anti-depressant I can tolerate. I find the side effects are amplified for me. My doctor told me this may be because I have a neurological condition. The side effects do not wear off and after a month I could not persevere. My vision is very blurred (my eyes will not co-ordinate and I can only see out of one eye at a time) and I am totally exhausted all the time.

I have found that talking therapies (counselling) is helpful.

Most that I’ve tried are SSRI. If anybody knows one that works for them I’d like to know as well.

Good luck Frankie. Speaking to friends and family is often the best way to keep yourself well x

[David]

I love rides too. At a lot of parks I’m told to go in at the exit. This is excellent as we can avoid the queues! It used to be as simple as if I can transfer to the seat then I can go on the ride (my wheelchair was looked after by the attendant and ready there at the exit when the ride was over). Recently at larger theme parks they will not let me go on any ride I cannot get off on my own in the event of an evacuation. That’s almost all of them! Not sure if they are concerned for me or potential litigation. Not sure if it’s different here in the UK but it’s definitely harder than it used to be.

[David]

I have 4 siblings (3 sisters and 1 brother) and 3 of us (me, 1 sister and my brother) have FA.

Both are older than me (11 yrs and 15 yrs). We all had quite late onset, with no symptoms until we were each in our 20s.

It was, and still is, scary to see their progression.