[] My Introduction-To

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

Welcome to . Thanks for your introduction and questions. Perhaps the

individuals you are associating with do not even know what CMT is, or what

it can cause for those of us who have the disease. Thus, this explains their

lack of understanding.

I'm not being nosy, but the following are some questions that came to my

mind when I read your introduction. If you could provide some of these

answers it might shed some light on our members sharing their

thought/experiences with you. How old are you, how long have you enlisted

in the US Army for (2 years, career etc.)? What are some of your daily

routines? Also, what type of CMT do you have? Did you have an EMG, nerve

conduction test or was it a blood test.

It has been my experience that CMT can be debilitating, but it is

manageable. Some CMTers have milder forms of the disease than others.

While my feet have the typical high arch, and my ankles rolled making it

difficult for me to walk. I chose to have soft tissue surgery on both of my

feet. There was no bone fusion. I am pleased with the outcome, but surgery

is not for everyone. There are AFOs (braces), and in shoe orthotics. If

you are having to wear the heavy lace up boots, they may be causing some

problems for you.

Perhaps if you speak with the neurologist who diagnosed you, he or she could

recommend whether you might need bracing or orthotic. You may need to speak

with your commanding officer regarding the disease itself. I do not know

what the procedures of the Armed Forces are.

Again, welcome and I'm sure you will receive other replies from our members.

Do not be totally overwhelmed with this disease. You are already headed in

the right direction, and that is arming (no pun intended) yourself with all

the knowledge you can regarding CMT.

Take care and best wishes,

Texas

-