Robert Rhodes

Agreed with Egan as well.

I have been using GNC’s brand of mass gainer for about a year and a half. (I’m underweight, if you can believe that.)
With a rigorous job and additional exercise, I’ve gained a noticeable amount of muscle in my torso and arms.

It is equally important to adjust the rest of your diet. I’ve eliminated all dessert and…[Read more]

Happy Birthday, Frankie! (Belated or not.)
I passed my 36th birthday several weeks ago.

That being said, don’t allow yourself to believe that the best days don’t lie ahead!
Friedreich’s Ataxia can take away your physical abilities – but it doesn’t have to take your joy too!

Thank you for the articles that you have written and will write!
You…[Read more]

Wonder is part of it. We are all bound by a medical condition that is rare. There are drawbacks, of course – but there are also unique advantages and experiences if we choose to see past the rough times. It is our strength and curiosity to see what lies around each corner that inspires others that don’t have FA.

I want to see where this journey is heading. My life has gained significant momentum at this point, and I want to see how certain things will play out.

Giving up or, at worst, committing suicide would not solve anything or bring closure any faster. Neither would it be inspirational to others – those affected by FA and those that aren’t.

In my opinion, structure is a good thing regardless of medical conditions and/or physical ability.

For myself personally, I can work alone or with a group of people. It all depends on the task, time constraints, budget (if applicable), etc.

Early bird. I wake up at 5:30 AM local time, Monday through Friday. I still work full time with about a 20-minute commute both direction.

The most awkward exchange that I’ve had so far is teaching my cardiologist about FA.
It feels a bit weird when the patient has to teach the doctor about a medical condition.
Even more peculiar when the doctor acts both grateful and insulted that you know more about it than he does.

(My first ataxia symptom was congestive heart failure on both…[Read more]

I agree with Jesus Rodriguez’s response. Love requires the other 364 days too. It should not be defined by a single officially recognized holiday or by whatever materialism the celebration promotes. February 14th is just another day on the calendar. (By the way, I’m single too – but it isn’t necessarily a bad thing.)

I don’t really devote as much time or emphasis to social media as I did in college. When I do post something it is usually to promote a positive mindset or something to make you think. I present Friedreich’s Ataxia posts in the same way. As an aside, I’m only on Facebook. Don’t have time for Twitter – and not photogenic enough for…[Read more]

I believe in God fully without question.

Friedreich’s Ataxia is temporary and bound to this life. To allow it to paralyze hope for eternity would be a tragedy that I couldn’t fathom. To me, it is a physical problem. Nothing more. It is an enemy foot soldier (and thief) – not a giant.

That being said, I know God has a plan to reveal His glory…[Read more]