Written by
Vincent Broussard
Founder
When you live with Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), every day comes with a set of challenges most people will never understand. It’s not something you can just “shake off” or ignore — it’s a part of your life, woven into everything you do. But over time, I’ve learned that AMN doesn’t have to define me. It’s part of my story, not the whole book.
For those who don’t know, AMN is a rare genetic disorder that affects the spinal cord and nervous system. It can cause stiffness, weakness, fatigue, and mobility issues. Some days are manageable; others test every ounce of patience and grit I have. The unpredictability is one of the hardest parts — not knowing if I’ll wake up feeling strong or if walking across the room will feel like climbing a mountain.
But here’s what I’ve realized: how I deal with AMN daily is less about the disease itself and more about my mindset.
I start each day with intention.
The mornings are usually the toughest — my legs are tight, and fatigue can hit before I even get going. But I’ve built a routine that grounds me. I stretch, hydrate, and take time to breathe before diving into the day. I remind myself that movement, no matter how small, is progress.
Nutrition and fitness are my medicine.
Living with AMN has made me obsessed with understanding my body. I focus on what I can control: what I put into my body and how I treat it. Eating clean, staying hydrated, and working out — even when I don’t feel like it — are non-negotiable. Exercise isn’t just about strength for me; it’s about resilience. It’s my way of fighting back against a disease that tries to slow me down.
Mental health matters just as much.
There was a time when I let frustration and fear take over. Especially when I was on medications like prednisone — the irritability, the sleepless nights, the weight gain, the lack of motivation — it was brutal. But I learned that mental toughness isn’t about pretending everything’s okay. It’s about acknowledging the hard days and choosing to move forward anyway. Meditation, journaling, and gratitude have become key parts of my daily routine.
Purpose keeps me going.
AMN changed my life, but it also gave me purpose. It’s the reason I started YOURx Health — to help others take control of their own health journeys, to show that no matter what challenges you face, you can always work toward better. Sharing my experience publicly isn’t easy, but if it helps one person push through their own struggle, it’s worth it.
This is just the beginning of the series — a real look into how I live with AMN, physically and mentally. My hope is to shed light on what it’s like to face something rare and unpredictable while still choosing to show up every single day.
Because at the end of the day, AMN may shape my path — but it doesn’t define my destination.
