WHAT IS MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (MD)?

Muscular Dystrophy is a very rare genetic condition that affects the muscles. This is a progressive condition that starts with muscle weakness and can lead to the person becoming fully disabled.

Over 30 types of Muscular Dystrophy have been identified. All are caused by mutations of the genes that cause abnormalities in the creation of proteins or removal of toxins from the body.

A person with Muscular Dystrophy may have a shortage or lack of proteins that affect the structure or ability of the body to repair muscles. Changes or mutations of the muscular system may occur if abnormal proteins are created and there could be an accumulation of toxic substances that can lead to muscle pain, weakness, tenderness and voluntary control over muscle movement.

SYMPTOMS AND EFFECTS OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (MD)

Compartment Syndrome:

When nerves and blood vessels are compressed due to the swelling of damaged muscles.
This leads to severe pain, numbness, and potential loss of function in the affected limb

Myopathy (Muscle Disease):

This includes toxic myopathy, which can be caused by toxins or drugs
It leads to severe and chronic muscle pain and weakness.

Rhabdomyolysis:

A condition that occurs when damaged muscle fibers release into the person’s bloodstream
This is a life-threatening condition. It causes dark or cola-colored urine, muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness.

TREATMENTS FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPY (MD)

There are treatments that can help lessen the effects or repair the damage caused by muscular dystrophy. These include:

Stopping the exposure to the toxin or drug that is causing the problem
Increasing fluid intake helps the kidneys flush out the toxins released from the damaged muscles into the bloodstream
In severe cases, the kidneys can’t remove the toxins on their own. Your doctor may decide dialysis may be needed to support kidney function.
Your doctor may perform a biopsy to help diagnose the exact condition and rule out other muscle diseases. The results will help with further treatments and your care plan.

HOW A-1 HOME CARE AGENCY CAN HELP

A-1 Home Care Agency provides experienced Caregivers, Home Health Care Aides (HCA), and Personal Care Assistants (PCA) at affordable rates. We have been helping elderly, seniors, ill and disabled residents of Los Angeles County, San Gabriel Valley and Orange County since 1991.

Our caregiver can assist people of all ages with pain and mobility issues with:

Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Bathing, Dressing and Grooming Assistance
- Incontinence Care / Toiletry Assistance
Safety Supervision / Fall Prevention
Medication Reminders
Mobility Assistance / Transferring
Range of Motion Exercises
At Home Care Includes the Above and:
- Meal Planning and Preparation
- Light Housecleaning and Laundry
Companionship

Advanced Services Provided:

Disabled, Handicapped and Developmentally Delayed
- Bi-Polar / Manic Depressive Disorder
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
- Multiple Sclerosis
Arthritis / Pain Management
Diabetic Care
Transitional Care / Discharge Assistance
After Surgery / Post-Acute Care
Dialysis and Kidney Disease Care
Parkinson’s Disease
ALS / Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
Sundowner’s Syndrome
Dementia and Memory Care
Traumatic Brain Injury TBI
After Stroke Recovery Care
Heart Attack / Bypass Surgery
Cancer and Chemotherapy Care
COPD
Low Vision / Blindness
Hearing Impaired / Deaf
Hospice, Palliative and End of Life Caregivers
Anxiety Disorders
Depression