Hi, I'm new here.

[Guest guest]

Hello, I'm 21 years old, and found this place in regards to another

message board on the web about CMT. I have CMT, although I have not

been officially diagnosed with it. I inherited it by my Father, and

have _alot_ of his symptoms. I haven't gone to the doctor about it,

because I have simply been trying to live as normal of a life as

I can. My biggest problem, though, (moreso lately) has been been

dealing with pain. I simply deal with it by the old adage, " Grin

and bear it! " I do take Aleve to try and kill it, but it doesn't

seem to be working as good as it was. I also seem to be dealing

with denial about it alot. I'll admit that. I would like to do

something about this now, and am not sure what to do. How can

I live a normal life without getting attention of people's

sympathy and pity ... yet do something about pain, the struggle

of walking, and everything else that goes with it? I am very

tired with putting up with this, and am always so quiet about it.

Not many,save for my parents, can understand me. (I admit, my

mother sometimes cannot understand, but she helps ..)

I didn't realize until just today that there were people, like

me, and my age .. who go through the same struggles as I do ..

I sometimes deal with guilt... because aren't there people worse

than I am? At least I can still walk .. and I look normal, save

for sometimes walking weird! (and having oddly arched feet ..

although I get compliments now that I have what looks like ballet

feet..I used to be teased by kids when I was in school. I always

hated my feet, and still do.) The fact that I dislocated my

lower right leg from my knee socket while dancing about a month

ago didn't help. My dad said he knew what it was. I didn't want

to believe it. However, I do end up laughing if I fall (and it's

not a bad fall!)

Anyway, Should I go to the doctor? Or should I just try to live life

as normal as possible? What could the doctors tell me, anyway?

They really don't help my father, and the last thing I want to

do is get on strong medication.

I guess I should just break down and do what everyone else does,

right?

I apoligize for any complaining (if I am) in this, and hope I

haven't. But, I _am_ trying to look 'up' and very positive about

things in general, and that's what I'm known for. It can get tiring

lately, though, and any encouragement would help.

Thank you, and bless you all.