Re: To Pick You Up, !

[Guest guest]

,

I too get depressed once in a while. I have CMT as well as my 3 sons and my

oldest grandson. My grandson, who is 19, made me realize that life doesn't

stop because of CMT. He always has a smile on his face, never looks at the

negative, has a wonderful outlook and feels like he can do anything his friends

can do. And he does.

My mom also had CMT and always told us girls, You think you have it so bad, look

around, there's so many worse off than you and to always lend a helping hand

when needed.

I am now a firm believer in Positive thinking. It really does make a

difference. I try to keep that smile on my face, be kind to all and with the

help of our Creator there is no hurdle we cannot overcome. Also, there are so

many positive friends on this site with so many ideas and suggestions. I am so

glad I found them. I'm sure you will be too. Best of Luck to you.

Kathy from MN

[Guest guest]

Thank you Gretchen I really needed that. I think everytime I find

a 'new' CMT symptom I hadn't known about I am positive it's going to

happen to me, and happen fast. What was the NT study? I knew about

vit C, I should start taking it again. And excercizing, I don't

excercize. I'm wondering if a Theracycle would be good, as that way

the motor could kick in and keep me moving for 15-20 minutes. Anyone

use one of those?

Yes, I do horseback ride, and intend to keep doing it for as long as

I can. I just don't know how long that will be.

Anyone else want to share works for encouragement? The way I've been

feeling/acting it's as if I just got a diagnosis of Lou Gehrig's

disease, and I know CMT isn't as bad as that. But that's what I'm

thinking is going to happen.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

In terms of exercising, have you tried yoga? I have a friend with CMT who

swears by it. There are so many types of yoga and you work at your own pace, so

I think you would have luck finding something that works for you. And since

yoga is all about building strength, flexibility, and balance, it seems like a

good choice. Just an idea...good luck!

Terr

[Guest guest]

I think we all get in down moods from time to time. Some days I can't even

button or zipper or walk straight across the floor with or without my AFOs. But

I'm thankful for the things I still can do, and I try not to focus on the things

I can't. I guess the thing that snaps me out of an emotional slump is in

remembering that there are worse things that could happen to me. There are a lot

of people out there who are so much worse. Feeling sorry for myself gets me

nowhere. Try to stay positive in all that you do!

[Guest guest]

,

Each CMT case is different, I know mine's pretty advanced as it is

starting to spread to my breathing, but, I don't let it get me down,

I also ride regularly, and give free lessons to kids, even with CMT

in my younger years I was on the rodeo circit and did alot, I live

each day as if it were my last, because even if you don't have CMT it may be.

Ienjoy my 2 boys ages 2 and 13 very much and they are very

patient with their slow dad, luckily the CMT I have I did not pass

on to them, I'm gonna stay active as long as I can.

[Guest guest]

< " Yes, I do horseback ride, and intend to keep doing it for as long as I can. I

just don't know how long that will be. " >

,

This statement above got to me. I know EXACTLY how you feel. I actually share

this fear with you. I also ride, in fact, I own an 8 year old TB gelding. The

way I figure, I don't ride to be an olympic medalist. In fact, I don't think

most olympic medalists ride to be olympic medalists. For me, it's about me and

the horse. It's about the connection we have. That connection will remain

between us whether we're jumping 6' courses or just hanging out on the ground. I

hope that helps. My horse makes me better person. He makes me more

patient and I know that at the end of the day, he loves me. That's what matters

to me.

Okay, I have to stop myself before I type on for pages and pages. At the end of

the day, it's my horse that keeps me going.

Liz

[Guest guest]

,

When I found out I had CMT, I felt the same way. I was in a constant

state of panic about finances and my health. My symptoms were getting

worse more quickly than I had heard they should - probably because I

was so stressed out! I have an incredibly physical job. I am a teacher

to 28 1 and 2 year olds.

Well, I started takin Effexor (an antidepressant) and it changed my

world. I also take CoQ10 and ALA (don't know if they help, but thought

it was worth mentioning). I am so much happier. My symptoms have

leveled off. I think the reduction in my stress level has helped.

I HAVE found things to look forward to. I actually have created a

fantasy disabled life for myself, where I: have a " Rock Star Parking " art car

with a handicapped placard learn to sew and make myself fabulous outfits in my

new free time have a cute service dog, who I love dearly and can take ANYWHERE.

About the finances? Who knows? I am working hard to pay off my car and

we are putting extra toward our mortgage every month. We can only do

what we can do. I LOVE my job and I will do it until they kick me out

because I am falling down like Chevy Chase all over the place. LOL! My

husband has said he will work two jobs or do whatever it takes, if it

comes to that. Life is short. I hope you can find ways to be happy. It

is possible. Six months ago, I was a wreck! I know.

[Guest guest]

,

Funny, I just went through a mind crisis recently. After talking to many people,

it was my father (who also has CMT) that hit home.

He reminded me that if I have faith that I and everybody else is here for a

purpose, then everything will come out in the end. It may not be what you want

or believe you deserve, but that's really not for you to decide. There is a

purpose, your job is to pay attention and be prepared. Once you begin to loose

that faith, fear begins to enter. The more you allow fear enter, the harder it

is to regain faith in your purpose.

My brother broke it down even more (personally I think he's a bit twisted). He

told me that if you let go of your ego, then you can look at everything in a

positive light. Even if someone holds the door for you because you are having

difficulties. Stop thinking, " God, how embarassing, I hate this. " and try

thinking that maybe you have put a little joy in their life to be given the

opportunity to help you, say thank you.

Here's somewhat of a riddle another friend of mine told me, " Fear came knocking

on the door, Faith opened the door and nobody was there "

Think about it.