Spotlight on members of our community living with neuromuscular conditions: David Kennedy

As part of our members’ stories series, David Kennedy is delighted to share his story about the benefits he gains from keeping active through swimming.

David Kennedy

I’m David Kennedy and I am living with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was ‘keep moving’, and since I was diagnosed with FSHD it’s even more relevant. The main way I do this is by swimming. I’m very lucky that the National Aquatic Centre is close to me as I joined it when I was diagnosed. In any crisis situation there is opportunity and I’d like to think staying active helps you stay in a positive mindset.

Swimming (breaststroke) uses most of the muscles in the body. It’s also of great benefit mentally – I feel so refreshed after a swim. I cannot highlight enough the benefits of swimming, especially to us who have muscular dystrophy. While I am diagnosed with FSHD, my core and my right leg (dropped foot) are severely impacted too so it’s important for me to do exercise that helps maintain the muscle I have in these areas. I feel the swimming and the exercises I do in the swimming pool help me here.

Muscular dystrophy (in most cases) impacts on the quality of your life rather than your lifespan, so I find it very easy to be grateful for what I have rather than being bitter. When I was diagnosed with the condition, the overriding emotion was one of relief rather than shock. For a number of years, I was not able to run and I never knew why, so when I was diagnosed, it was actually a relief that it was not down to my sedentary lifestyle or being lazy!

The advice I would give someone living with a neuromuscular condition is to KEEP MOVING! Of the sixty thousand thoughts that go through your mind on a daily basis, as well as being repetitive, they are also mostly negative. Being active helps you cope with the negative thoughts and focus on the positives. We are all unique and there is only one of us in this world and we are all perfect just the way we are!

If you’d like to share your story, please contact us here.