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Dystonia awareness

Some days its hard to find the words to explain what dystonia feels like. It's invisible to most people, yet it shapes every hour of my day quietly, persistently and often painfully. I don't share this because I want sympathy, I share it because awareness matters and too many people still don't know what dystonia is, let alone how much it can affect someones life. Dystonia affects my hands, feet, back and neck. My hands ache as though they've been gripping something for hours, even when they're resting. My neck strains as if theres a weight hanging from it and no amount of stretching helps. My feet cramp and curl making sonething as simple as standing still feel like a test of endurance. I've grown stronger in ways I never expected. Ive learned patience, determination and resilience. Ive learned to celebrate small victories, like waking up with a little less stiffness or being abke to open a jar of spaghetti sauce. Im sharing this because I want people to understand dystonia. I want others who live with it to not feel alone. I want friends and strangers to know that chronic conditions aren't always visible and that someone who appears "fine" might be fighting a silent battle beneath the surface. Recently my dystonia has been worse than its been in a long time. My back and abdomen muscles are in constant spasm and I can feel my body always pulling to the left which makes every day tasks extremely painful and difficult. I will be starting a new medication soon so I hope that helps and I will be getting my xeomin injections in February. With 2025 coming to a close I am hoping that means a fresh, healthy start for 2026! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

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