My Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone ...

My name is Robin. I'm 44, from Orlando, FL. Along with several relatives, I

was diagnosed with CMT at age 6, though I was never tested for the sub-type.

With few limitations, I've been fortunate to have led an active life.

I'm an artist and have had the pleasure of doing some illustration work for

MDA's " Quest " magazine several years ago. Over the past 5 years or so, I've

been painting murals and specialty finishes, doing both residential and

commercial. (To see some of my work, check out my website: www.robinfreyart.com

).

I truly enjoy what I do, but this kind of work is straining even for the most

athletic people. I climb up and down ladders and have to maintain my balance in

the most precarious of places, carry heavy objects, and stand in one place for

hours. In some ways, I think my work has kept me fit and has even helped with

my balance, along with yoga. However, I do tend to overuse muscles, which

creates pain and pinched nerves. I was also diagnosed with herniated disks and

Fibromyalgia about 5 years ago.

Lately, I find that when I excercise too much, my muscles tighten and cause all

kinds of pain and other crazy things to happen. Sometimes when I walk, I

experience weakness in my lower legs and have to stop and rest for a minute. It

mostly occurs in my " better " leg and that's why I attribute it to Fibromyalgia

rather than CMT directly. I also feel a " pinching " or pulling sensation from my

ankle up to my hip. Has anyone here in the group been diagnosed with

Fibromyalgia and experience this?

It is so nice to have a positive group like this to come to for advice and

support and even just to feel comfort in knowing we are not alone in this. I

welcome any comments, suggestions or advice.

Thanks so much ...

Robin

To be a star, you must shine your own light,

follow your own path and not worry about the darkness...

for that is when stars shine brightest.