testing necessary?

[Guest guest]

Georgia,

I have not been DNA tested. I have no need.

When I had my first EMG test (circa mid-60's) it revealed nothing out of the

ordinary. I don't think the main two types of CMT

were known then either. My spinal tap and nerve biopsy showed

everything was normal. In the late 90s I had an adult baseline

EMG with normal results. There is no CMT in my family.

All the DNA testing can do is pinpoint about 12 kinds of the CMT

subtypes, like 1B or 2E for example. With about 46 known types of CMT

now, there is still much unknown genetic work to be done. And then tests need to

be developed for those types.

I went to a podiatrist once and walked out. His workroom and office

were too messy and unsanitary, and quickly learned because of my

special feet to stick with orthopedists. You are right, podiatrists

might know feet but orthopedists and neurologists are MDs who have

trained in the entire body and its systems.

I see my Internist twice a year, that's it for doctors and me. My Internist

handles what I need; one medication and also a " prescription " for my aquatics

program. My former Internist handled me the same and had directed me to a

Certified Orthotist who could make my in-shoe orthotics.

If anything a visit to an Internist can give you some direction regarding

nutrition and to a physical therapist for strength exercises.

I have not seen a neurologist on a regular basis since the 80's. I no longer see

my orthopedist, as of 2 years ago, following a successful back surgery.

~ Gretchen