Hello and a Few Questions

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone, My name is Michele and was dianosed with CMT this past Jan.

I've known for a long time that I was inflicted, but have, until recently,

been in denial.I have a few questions. I'm sure they already have been

answered by someone, sometime, but I'm new in CMTUS, so please bear with me:

I love to paint and draw, but in the last few months, my hands cramp up and I

have alot of trouble with numbing and pain . It's mosty my right hand, since

that is the one I hold my brush or pencil with. Question: Is there anything I

can do at the time or before I start to paint, that will prolong the time I

can paint? I only last about 45 minutes to1 hour in the morning and even

shorter in evening, 15 minutes, tops. Question 2: My balance is very screwy

in the evening, and I have had to stop walking and practically stop all

activities in the evening, due to the increase of falling. Any ideas? I love

to go out and be outside, but if I've had a busy day, and my legs are tired,

I'm desperately afraid I'll fall blocks from home and not be able to get

myself up. Some of my family have walked with me, but I want to be able to

be by myself again and do my walking meditation. Are those days gone now?

Question 3: Does anyone know of a book about coping with this disease and

coming to terms with the future? Thank-you for any ideas and advice you can

give me. This is all new to me and I'm sure in time I'll accept my future.

Many Blessings, Michele