life expectancy for friedreich's ataxia

I understand this is an old thread but I have a point mutation too and am now 34.
Living a pretty normal life other than the fact I use a chair to get about .

I have never heard of anyone with FA living into their 70s.

Not true at all. My mother had FA and she lived up to 84 years. She was wheelchair bound. She bought a Easy Riders to move around , did shopping, visited her friends. She had a full life.

Beautiful, I love this.

It sounds like Your Mother in law is doing well and her story is definately an encouragement to many with this disease and their family. If you don’t mind me asking, how old was your Mother in law when she was diagnosed or when she began having symptoms.

My mum is 57 been in a chair for 15 years is she goin to die soon ?

I have fa my name is Ginger
I have lots of pain

I am reading this and trying to find answers and it sounds like you are talking about my sister. She worked at Florida state boosters as well.

When was she diagnosed? My two best friends both have FA. My guy friend was diagnosed around 12/13 & wheelchair bound by 14. His sister was wheelchair bound by age 11. His health is deteriorating. He is 36, but has already had heart attacks. I am praying & hoping.

God Bless you. My mother was 21 when she was diagnosed. I was 2 years old. I do remember hearing everyone say that she would not live past the age of 40. I never saw her walk. She held onto objects to get around, used the silver canes, then crawled before giving in to a wheelchair. I watched her every day as her body betrayed her. As the years went on, she could no longer bear weight; we used a hoyer. My mom was a full quad and blind by January of 2017. She would still be alive today at the age of 84 (now 85) if my sister (who has lived in Oklahoma since 1984) didn't come back here to Delaware when my dad got sick to steal all their money, didn't shove my mother in the back seat of my dad's Lincoln Town car and attempt to drive her 24 hours across the country to her house in Oklahoma. One hour into the journey on January 30, 2017, my mom threw up, aspirated and died, due to "complications" of her disease which resulted in a cardiac event brought on by Donna. My sister killed her for greed. My dad died 3 days later. They would have been married 66 years and had never been apart one day since they married. My sister went to the bank, stole all their money, drained their investments, wrote checks out to herself and stole every piece of furniture, jewelry and clothing that was in their home. The caregiver stole from them, manipulated them and worked with Donna to take everything they had. Despite my mother's limited quality of life, she was bright, full of wisdom, smiled and brought nothing but happiness to everyone who was blessed to have met her. My dad dedicated his life to care for her. Despite his health issues, all of which could have killed him, he died of a UTI, sepsis and septic shock because Donna had no one looking after him when she had him shipped off to her house. I had taken care of my parents my entire life. I am the eldest daughter, The Scapegoat, if you will, and Donna was always the "useless" golden child. After my sister told my father that mom died, dad died. Yes, my malignant narcissistic, sociopathic sister Donna killed both of my parents. I carry paperwork with me everyday that states, she committed "Murder in the 2nd degree" for the death of my mother and her neglect in the death of my father. Google the song "She Loved" by Sheri Easter and that was my mom. "You can let go now daddy" by Crystal Shawanda is dedicated to my father who cared for my dad and was sure not to die before she did. My malignant narcissist, sociopath sister will burn in hell forever. I love you mom and pop. Rest in peace. I love you. Your daughter, Deb. I can tell you that the doctors have said that once you start having trouble swallowing solid foods then that's when you know to prepare for the next chapter in your life. Mom was no where near that point. God Bless you and I hope when it is your time for your journey with the Lord you will meet my mom.

In order to have FA, both your mother and your father have to carry the gene. It is not something that is entirely hereditary. My mother had this disease, so apparently both her mom and dad carried the gene. I know when I got married and started my family my husband and I were concerned. Despite the fact that it is by far the most debilitating disease that exists, both you and your spouse would have to be carriers in order for it to be passed down. There are tests that you can take to see if you are a carrier or have FA. Usually FA strikes a young person between the age of 17 and 22. My mom started exhibiting signs at 19, but no one knew what it was. She started becoming awkward and clumsy, trouble negotiating corners, etc., with a bit of slurred speech. No one knew what to make of it, until she was finally diagnosed. God bless the families that are impacted by FA. It does completely take over an entire family. Life is revolved around the FA. It is horrible. May God be with you.

I am caring for a lady with this deserve she is 78yrs old she would like to know if she is the oldest person with it?

My sister was diagnosed at 8. In a wheelchair at 13. She is now 45 very ill diabetes, not eating , hearing voices, sight and hearing has gone. Swollen legs then they go really thin, in so much pain it's untrue. It's gets harder and harder everyday. No quality of life she doesn't know who we are most of the time. Been in and out of hospital so many times and all they keep saying is, it's the tablets, it's her diabetes, it's a water infection, ... My poor sister breaks my heart but death would be a blessing to be honest...

My husband was diagnosed in his late 20's.He's 71 now. Still lives at home though in a hospital bed for his comfort.He does get up with help,into his wheelchair.I think if possible,if a person with FA can stay among family,it may make a difference in mortality rate.Or it could be he's just a stubborn Italian! lol He has a younger sister with FA but is in a nursing home,and the disease progressed faster with her.He did alter his diet since he had pre-diabetes and it helped a lot.He no longer is pre-diabetic.

Hello I AM 47 years old, I was diagnosed with friedrich's ataxia at 16 yrd!!
YA''LL HAVE BEEN WRONG BEFORE, U CANNOT DETERMINE "LIFE"!!!!!!!
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HELL I WAS A LICENSED DRIVER TILL 23 YEARS OLD & MY HEART IS FINE!!!!!!
YOU AIN'T GOD!!!!!