Dystonia Patient Fatih Mehmet: "I want to be a beacon of hope for others fighting like me."

Fatih Mehmet Kuran (30), who lives in İzmir and was diagnosed with dystonia at the age of 8, did not give up on his active life despite years of treatment and the difficulties he faced. Kuran, who lives alone, said, "I want to both draw attention to the disease and be a source of hope for patients like me who are struggling."

Fatih Mehmet Kuran was diagnosed with dystonia, a neurological movement disorder, at the age of 8, following examinations at a hospital in Afyonkarahisar where he sought treatment for hand tremors and speech difficulties. Kuran, who received medication for many years, had a brain pacemaker implanted at Akdeniz University in Antalya in 2018. However, the expected results from the treatment were not achieved. Kuran, who moved to İzmir four years ago to continue his treatment at Ege University Hospital, continues his struggle for life alone.

Fatih Mehmet Kuran stated that he continues to live alone despite the difficulties he faces in his professional life, saying, "Dystonia is not sufficiently known. People confuse it with Parkinson's. My goal is to ensure that dystonia is recognized. I even have a social media account where I share what I do to raise awareness. I want to both draw attention to the disease and be a source of hope for patients like me who are struggling. Furthermore, I want to seize every opportunity that comes my way and do everything that benefits me."

'I WANT TO WORK SO I DON'T HAVE TO DEPEND ON ANYONE'

Kuran stated that he has tremors in both hands and therefore even drinks his tea with a straw, saying, "I have difficulty performing fine motor movements. I can do my daily tasks, but there are parts where I struggle. I cannot do things as quickly and on time as normal people. I have been receiving treatment for many years to overcome this disease. Currently, I work as a cashier and shelf stocker in a chain supermarket. But because my fine motor skills are weak, I have tremors in my hands. I face some difficulties. Since employers do not fully understand this disease, I have difficulty finding work. However, I have not given up; I continue to fight, I love being active. I want to work to stand on my own two feet and not depend on anyone."