Ways to describe our hidden disability

[Guest guest]

I am having difficulty explaining to others and even to myself the

added burden on having CMT.

I look fine. I am a big man. I look strong. People I have known for

years assume that I am the strongest person in the room.

Therefore, people expect me to do my share or more of the work, which

seems reasonable to them. If I don't get in there and work hard,

people think that I am lazy.

My DR. has limited me to moderate exercise, but I don't know how to

quickly explain that to friends and family, let alone strangers.

I have used the word " crash " with my wife, when I become so exhausted

that I can't do anything more. But she doesn't like that term. I can

see it in her eyes.

I have thought about using the " spoons " technique, but that takes to

long. Has anyone found a quicker way to describe the exhaustion

without using strong terms like " Crash? "

Has anyone figured out how to tell people that we just can't work as

hard as they expect without sounding lazy?

How do I know myself if I can't really do the work or if I am

actually being lazy?

How do I tell people that sometimes I just can't suck it up and do

the work anyway?

How do you get to important projects that need your attention when

you have crashed?

How do you judge whether doing something will actually cause a crash?

How do you train yourself to not avoid all work, because some work

might cause a crash?

Do all of us fight this internal and external battle or is it just

me?

If I could just get rid of this battle, I know I would be more at

peace with myself. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Mike