my introduction

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My name is Colleen. I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with

CMT for most of my life. One of my brothers also has CMT as well as

my father and grandmother and so on and so on. SO far I have had a

pretty good life, no complaints minus some aches and pains in my

legs and hands and some muscle weakness in the last few years. I

have always tried to be active. ALways played sports. I must admit

though before I knew I had CMT it bothered me always being last

during the mile in grade school and always falling all the time. It

was nice to know there was a reason and I just wasn't slow or clumsy

(although sometimes I think I may just be:)

After I was diagnosed I had plastic orthotics. They worked pretty well and I

also was more aware of things so I was able to concentrate more when I walked.

Senior year it was quite the bummer I had alot of trouble with my left foot.

I ended up having my foot reconstructed. It was rough at the time but I believe

it was completely worth it. I no longer had to walk on hard plastic, I could be

on my feet longer without being in pain, and I could tell a major difference

between my feet when I would try to run.

Right now I am recovering from having my right foot reconstructed. I can't

hardly wait to go for a jog and get back to college. Anyways I hope that wasn't

too long. I think part of the reason why I joined was because I have never met

anyone with CMT besides my family and I am kind of scared seeing how it has

effected my grandmother and is

effecting my father.

I know each case is its own and am thankful for what I can do now but part of me

can't help but wonder how I'll be in the future. This group seems pretty nice

to get more information and be able to talk to people who may have a better

understanding.

:)Colleen