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People Profile: Michael Sharp
18-year-old Michael
Sharp once enjoyed a healthy and active life. As a young child, he played
hockey and was on the swim team; he liked to run and play. But when Michael was
11, his right hand started acting funny. His fingers would curl, his wrist
would twist, and writing became a challenge.
His mom, Victoria, decided to take him to a neurologist at Miami Children’s Hospital where doctors performed an MRI. But shortly after that, Michael’s symptoms became much worse. His whole arm, starting at the shoulder, was in pain and would twist awkwardly. In 2000, Michael was diagnosed with dystonia.
Over the next several months, Michael’s arm became “stuck” in an awkward position. Then other parts of his body started developing symptoms of dystonia. When Michael was 13, he starting developing severe pain in his left hip. His legs also began to hurt. It was as if his body didn’t listen to him.
His mom, Victoria, decided to take him to a neurologist at Miami Children’s Hospital where doctors performed an MRI. But shortly after that, Michael’s symptoms became much worse. His whole arm, starting at the shoulder, was in pain and would twist awkwardly. In 2000, Michael was diagnosed with dystonia.
Over the next several months, Michael’s arm became “stuck” in an awkward position. Then other parts of his body started developing symptoms of dystonia. When Michael was 13, he starting developing severe pain in his left hip. His legs also began to hurt. It was as if his body didn’t listen to him.
The last three months
of his 8th grade year, he could barely move or function. He couldn’t
sit down in a chair, let alone a wheelchair. All Michael could do is lay down
in bed or on the floor. Michael continued to attend school, but could only
manage it on a part time basis. His teachers would give him school lessons
orally while he lay on the floor of an empty classroom. By June 2002, dystonia
had taken over Michael’s entire body.
“As each part of his body started developing dystonia, it would hurt him extensively and then just twist into an uncomfortable position,” recalls Victoria. “It hurt me so much to see him in so much pain.”
Frustrated, confused, and in need of answers, Victoria took Michael to countries all over the world to find help for her son. He visited doctors in Europe, underwent a special physical training in Slovakia, and even went to see a spiritual healer in Brazil. Each time, Michael would see some minor, temporary improvements, but no real change.
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“As each part of his body started developing dystonia, it would hurt him extensively and then just twist into an uncomfortable position,” recalls Victoria. “It hurt me so much to see him in so much pain.”
Frustrated, confused, and in need of answers, Victoria took Michael to countries all over the world to find help for her son. He visited doctors in Europe, underwent a special physical training in Slovakia, and even went to see a spiritual healer in Brazil. Each time, Michael would see some minor, temporary improvements, but no real change.
Click here to read more of Michael's story...
Click here for PDF of entire article
Return to main Media Center page
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