April 15 has a new importance to me. Having a dad that is a CPA, it always meant the big tax deadline had passed. It's also Pompe awareness day. In December 2014, I was diagnosed with adult onset Pompe disease - a glycogen storage disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness. It was a bittersweet answer that I had been in search of for many years. It was discovered that my liver and muscle enzymes were elevated when I was in high school. I played sports in junior high and was in poms in high school, although I wasn't great at anything physical. I started noticing more weakness in my legs over the past few years and was determined to find an answer.
After a muscle biopsy and four emg's over the past several years had turned up negative, a blood test sent to Duke University gave me the answer. My "congenital myopathy" had a name, Pompe disease. I, personally, am lucky enough to still be able to workout and do most things I want to do (fortunately, I've never been a runner). I'm truly blessed beyond measure. I just wanted to share this in case any of you know of someone that may be dealing with the struggles that are symptoms of Pompe disease.
Nealie White, USA
