Re: Cramping, Exercise, Physical Therapy

[Guest guest]

Dear Donna & Gretchen,

Thank you so much for your very detailed explanations and

suggestions! I truly appreciate it. While I believe I have a very

good neurologist, I am getting so much more information from this

group.

The doctor's visit last Friday went well. Armed with your

suggestions, I was referred to a physical therapist who has a lot of

experience with CMT patients. I am looking forward to meeting her

and beginning an exercise program.

I am also very interested in starting yoga again. I have practiced

yoga off and on, but had a lot of trouble with it because of the

cramping. Sometimes I would lock up in the middle of a class -

pretty embarrassing. Now I just do it at home, infrequently. I'm

hoping that the physical therapist can tell me a better way to

approach my yoga practice, or refer me to a good teacher.

My neurologist prescribed quinine tablets to take as needed for

cramping.

I'm working on my diet as well. Donna, your nutritionist sounds

great. I am nearly finished reading a great new book called " Super

Nutrition for Women " by Ann Louise Gittleman. She was named one of

the Top 10 Nutritionists in the U.S. It is a very easy read - I've

learned a lot about women's body chemistry and dietary needs. She

actually recommends that women eat some red meat each week, which

goes against everything I've been trying to do for the last several

years! According to the book, lean beef provides iron, zinc and

stearic acid, among other things women need. Guess I'll have to

learn how to cook steak.

I also take a multivitamin (Rainbow Light Women's One), fish oil

(Carlson Salmon Oil), magnesium (250 mg) and probiotics (Jarro-

dophilus+FOS). I will continue to read the posts and consider

other suggestions for supplementation.

Thanks again to everyone for sharing your stories!

Best,

Suzanne