Re: Army experience -to

[Guest guest]

,

Rest assured, everybody here understands how disabling

this disease is.

I was drafted in 1970, made it through the 7th

week of basic at which point My D.I. noticed me

limping in my shower thongs. I had actually punched a

hole through the sole of the thongs with my 2nd

metatarsal bone of my right foot. The left was nearly

through. Inspection of my boots found the same

results. I was issued an indirect order to go on sick

call the next morning. The " kind and caring " Doctor

told me I had flat feet (NO KIDDING) and had devloped

ulcers over the head of the second metatarsals of both

feet. He told me I needed surgery, I said " patch me up

for the last week of basic " so he made plasters and I

finished up basic. (I am told my record still stood a

few years ago at Fort Bragg for the 150 yard man

carry, heh heh). I healed up some after basic and

finished up my stint in 1972 and went another 10 years

before I had the surgery! ALL THE WHILE NOT KNOWING OF

CMT UNTILL JUST SHY OF 2 YEARS AGO and just recieving

a dx in November. I have suffered a rapid

exascerbation the last two years.

Believe me I for one know what you are going through

and most of the other 600 odd members of this group do

as well. Not all share my disdain for the medical

profession, and that in part stems from my experiences

in the Army and the fact that insurance companies have

made doctors run their practices more like " Army

Doctors " but I'm willing to bet that you have an idea

of what I'm talking about.

Welcome! Feel free to share with me what you are

experiencing and I will do my best to share my

thoughts in a positive manner as well as 600 and some

other wonderful people.

Jim Nash