You are not a rusty old truck. You have a disability that is a wicked taskmaster and also a great teacher. I walk in a more mindful way, generally, because I might trip🙀. Today I have a purple great toe to prove it.
Dystonia is a disability and people do not understand it but you are the same person you were, probably caring for others your whole life and now you must turn that warmth and understanding on yourself. Hang in there. I have been living successfully with generalized dystonia for 74 years. Find something you like to do and get into it but do not let it beat you. Many hugs to you.

Dear Sadnancy,

I am taking Clonazapam for abdominal jerking and Carbidopa-Levodopa for the generalized dystonia. Without meds I have foot drop and tripping, couldn't write trouble holding things because of tremors and the neck twisting and lots of dystonia issues such as inability to walk without tripping, unable to lift a fork or spoon, etc. Drs are often resistant to giving patients who are diagnosed after childhood the Carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) a two week trial; because, they have a commonly held misunderstanding that is doesn't work for older patients. I asked for the two week trial and it works like magic. Researchers suggest a two week trial to see whether my symptoms would improve. I also doubted it but was ready to try anything. Hang in through the first week it can take the full two weeks to work. It starts very slowly and then bam the symptoms are gone. The Carbidopa-levo worked like magic and the Klonopin knocked out my abdominal ticking or crunching, which was very embarrassing. I do not know whether you have tried either of these meds. The Carbidopa-levodopa is an older, very safe drug. The Clonopin causes some sleepiness but I can do everything like a normal person without jerking, ticking and twisting. These meds are also very affordable.