My Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hello folks! I am Janet from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fifteen years ago

I was diagnosed with CMT although it has only been the last few

years I have had any problems.

My hands and arms are a bit weak but do not hurt. My legs are the

biggest problem. I have " electrical " pain in my left foot and

throbbing/aching from ankle to hips when I walk. I do have AFOs

which I wear everyday but I am not sure they are working. Walking

has become harder and harder over the last year to the point I can no

longer shop. I give my husband my ATM card and list and he helps out.

I have gained alot of weight over the last year due to inactivity and

that only adds to the fatigue and depression (and maybe walking pain).

I also was diagnosed a year ago with fibromyalgia for back and neck

pain that began four years ago. I have trouble sleeping because of

the awful, terrible pain in my back. My husband claims I moan and

groan all night when I move. Mornings are the worse. It takes me

three hours to get the " kinks " out, shower and dress for work. From

what I have read lately I am wondering if that pain is actually from

the CMT and not fibro.

I am fortunate in many ways. I am still able to work a full time job

(I try not to miss too much time)that I love. My husband is on

disability for Hep C. We are able to support each other greatly. It

seems when one is doing bad, the other is well enough to help out. I

think because he is also sick, he can be more sympathetic/empathetic

than perhaps other husbands/family members.

I also live very close to the CMT clinic at Wayne State University.

My daughter is at law school at WSU and lives three blocks away from

the clinic. I currently have a call into them for another appt to

discuss my aching/throbbing legs.

I look forward to helping anyone else with my experiences that I

can. Heaven knows I always have an opinion .

Janet