These commonly asked questions have been answered by Professor Peter S Harper an expert in Myotonic Dystrophy. Simply click on the question you are interested in to find the answer.

Q1. What is the difference between myotonic dystrophy and muscular dystrophy?

Q2. I have just been diagnosed as having Myotonic Dystrophy at the age of 20. Will my muscle symptoms get worse?

Q3. After Myotonic Dystrophy was found in my family, I was checked and told that I have it mildly. I am aged 60 and have no muscle symptoms at all, only cataracts. Will I become totally affected?

Q4. My husband is 45 and is worried that he may need to use a wheelchair in the future is that likely?

Q5. My son has been found to have Myotonic Dystrophy, and he is having a lot of learning problems at school. Could this be related and should I tell the school?

Q6. I have been told that I should have regular heart tests. Why is this needed if Myotonic Dystrophy is a muscle disease?

Q7. Will the condition pass on to my children? I have been told that only male are affected, but I am a woman, so how can you explain this?

Q8. I am aged 25 and am quite healthy, but my father and sister both have Myotonic Dystrophy. I should like to start a family soon, but am worried that any children might be affected. What should I do? Should I ask for tests in pregnancy?

Q9. I have Myotonic Dystrophy but my 10 year old daughter seems fine at present. Should I have her tested?

Q10. My first child died soon after birth with the congenital form of Myotonic Dystrophy. What is this and will it happen again if I have another child?

Q11. I have heard that Myotonic Dystrophy is due to an 'unstable gene' and that this is why it gets worse with each generation. Could you explain this please?

Q12. I have been told that anaesthetics and operations can be dangerous for people with Myotonic Dystrophy. Is this true? What can I do about this?

Q13. I have been told that I carry the Myotonic Dystrophy mutation but I have no symptoms and all my other test results are normal. Am I at risk for operations or anaesthetics?

Q14. Is cancer more common in Myotonic Dystrophy?

Q15. My father has had Myotonic Dystrophy for a long time and is now getting a lot of chest infections. Are these connected?

Q16. I get a lot of cramping abdominal pain and bowel symptoms that my doctor says are due to 'irritable bowel'. Could this be connected with my Myotonic Dystrophy?

Q17. I always seem to feel tired. Is this due to my Myotonic Dystrophy?

Q18. Should I be on regular medicines?

Q19. Are exercises or a special diet of any use in Myotonic Dystrophy?

Q20. Is it all right to continue driving? Everyone tells me that I drive safely and it is important to help me continue working.

Q21. I know that a lot of research is going on. Is it likely that this will result in a treatment that will help?