My Introduction

[Guest guest]

My name is Janice and I am a 42 year old single teacher with a moderate case of

Type 1A CMT.

Most people on my Mom's side of the family have inherited CMT, although it

affects us all differently. My Mom and I agree that all the people we know with

CMT in our family are rather exceptional in our positive attitudes, courage and

joy of living. We accomplish great things and inspire others around us. We

have a lot of compassion and empathy. Mom and I are both energy healers and we

love to meditate- although not in the same room! LOL.

I am about to undergo my fifth surgery on my left foot on the morning of July

18th with Dr Younger here in Vancouver. He is supposed to be the best in town,

so I am very grateful that my three year wait is about to end. He is planning

an arthroscopic debridement, two tendon transfers, heel cord lengthening, and

moving my heel over. Gulp. I'll be on crutches for at least 6 weeks and then

another four in a walking boot. My other surgeries were a triple arthrodesis

when I was 15 and then again when I was 17. He also wants to operate on my

right foot- I'm not sure I want anything corrected on it.

I wear an AFO on my left foot to correct my gait. It stings the bottom of my

foot when it is warm, but other than that I love it. I can only find one pair

of shoes to fit me- runners, of course.

I have been on pain killers for over a year now, and have reduced my teaching

load to about six hours a week for the past several years. Thank goodness for

great disability insurance plans. My neurologist has diagnosed me with

fibromyalgia, which possibly explains some of the pain. One of my biggest

challenges is when the patellas in my knees dislocate. I once read this is not

uncommon in those of us who have CMT. I also have osteoarthritis and scoliosis.

I often find myself explaining what a hidden disability can look like- I really

appreciate my disabled parking pass and my new red " Fortress " wheelchair

scooter.

I love travelling and have visited forty-two countries so far. I am an active

member of a project called Couch Surfing- a great way for the world to come to

my door. I also do a lot of Internet Dating and chatting on MSN....great

distractions for me.

Whew...a long introduction! Thanks for reading.