's Future or Fear

[Guest guest]

,

Sit down, and write out what you need to do until school is out in May

or June. You must be a Junior, right? So, yes, you are 'thinking about

college'. OK. Get on the Net and request info. Set a date for the SATs.

Calendar in the various proms and parties; try to find a summer job.

Plan for the next 6 months ONLY. This will help tremendously. Now, CMT

wise, if you have AFOs, wear them. When you meet with Dr. Shy or even

your Internist can tell you if Vitamins are necessary or supplements. At

16, I was pottassium deficient big time and had daily dosing liquid) I

was also incredibly tired, so after school, naps. Or before a date,

naps. I also got adequate sleep as it relaxed my muscles. My Dr. made me

aware just how important regular sleep time is for me with CMT. I mean

bedtime ritual, light out same time, etc.

Write down all your CMT problems and take to Dr. Shy. Ask what he

recommends. Before you go further with plans, work on your CMT, the

pain, the fatigue, diet, etc. Learn some sort of relaxation for that

stress you've got...yoga maybe? Stress, worry, having to make big

decisions, these all were tough on me at first. So, break things down

into manageable times, set goals say for and until June 30. Chart your

progress. Maybe your guidance counselor can help. How you live is really

no different than your peers, you ARE physically challenged, and

everyone around you must understand this. You'll reach all your goals,

just the road there will just be different.

If you are worried about a career, you can start looking into

volunteering, shadowing or an internship in a certain fields.

, living with CMT and its uncertanty will always be with us.I am

49 and I still live with the uncertainty. The fear left me about 22

years ago once and for all when I finally truly accepted my CMT. Work on

the LIVING part:) - school, PT job, internship, boyfriend, youth group,

fun, finding a college, etc.

I did it all - so can you, IF you set goals, no matter how short the

timeframe and do something everyday toward your goals.

~ Gretchen