Dealing with Web Sites on Genetic Diseases and Stem Cell Research

Have any of you with genetic conditions such as ALS, DMD, BMD, etc. ever read the mountain of material on the Internet about stem cell research? What about the material on all of the various conditions themselves? The Muscular Dystrophy Association has a pretty extensive web site with tons of articles on coping with diseases, research, and you name it. While it can be helpful to families and caretakers of those who are directly affected by these conditions, reading about your specific disease can send a person on an emotional roller coaster – especially if one is not prepared to deal with the hard facts. I found myself reading about the effects of my disease (DMD) as one gets older. One of the effects caused by my condition is dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). It was definitely difficult reading a description of what can happen as a result of dysphagia. If anyone is not mature enough to deal with the truth, it can be a source of emotional distress. This is true no matter what the condition. Maybe there should be a warning on each web site dealing with this kind of material. I must say I did learn a lot. I just figure since I have defied the odds for more than thirty years all I have to do is take on all this information as a challenge. One cannot adhere to everything a so-called expert has to say on a particular subject just because it’s considered “expert opinion”. It is up to each individual to find ways to deal with whatever effects any one condition can cause. Anyway, as one who finds ways to deal with his condition (whatever form of Muscular Dystrophy that may be), these are my expert opinions.