echoes long ago,

Check this site out. Maybe it will give you some idea about CMT.

http://www.cmtausa.org/index.php?opt...d=10&Itemid=41

There are many, many types of PN so it would be hard to tell without some further tests as far as CMT. Family history can also be a factor and help with a diagnosis. EMG/NCV testing can tell if a person has CMT 1 or CMT 2. And of course DNA blood testing for the types that they can now test for. That can also tell the sub type. CMT 1 shows as slower than normal nerve conduction speed. CMT 2 shows near normal nerve conduction speed or mildly slowed.

Unlike Susanne C. symptoms of CMT did not become evident until much later in my life. I could do anything and everything and I did for a long, long time. The symptoms varied greatly in my family and that is expected. No CMTer is alike.

I am not young either. I'm grateful that symptoms did not show up for a long long time. And then they weren't that bad at all. However, CMT did progress as it does and in the past three to four years CMT has really progressed for me. It has robbed me of much and continues to do so.

I do not need any heavy exertion such as walking fast (can't do anymore) to have my feet/legs feel like cement, can't run anymore in fact for the past say 18 years, going up hill is much easier than going down hill. That's the reason why I go down the few steps backwards using hand rails in my house. It is easier to do it this way as I've heard other CMTers say. I'm sure that's due to that peroneal muscle being affected greatly. CMT is of the PNS (Peripheral Nervous System). They now are finding it affects other places - depending on the type.

I cannot move my toes hardly at all. They are getting to the point of being numb. My feet/toes are very, very sensitive. I can't stand much covers hanging on my toes at all. I cannot stand on my tiptoes or my heels and have not been able to do that for years either. If I am on the floor I have to use a sturdy piece of furniture in order to get up. That's happened quite a few years ago. It's all progression of this wonderful (NOT) CMT. But you know that aging also comes into play as well and that is true for the general population as well.

For more information on CMT check out my site on CMT. At the top of this forum click on "PN Tips, Resources, Supplements and Other Treatments.

There is no cure/treatment at this time for CMT. Just no special diet, supplement or magic. A person has to deal with the symptoms as they come along. You can build up good muscle but not diseased/atrophied muscle. I also got AFO's a year ago now. They help some but I still use a cane and/or an arm. They are the least supportive kind for now. You lose more good muscle wearing them as well. But there came a point where I had to get them. These are called Toe Offs. I take them off around 7:00 P.M. at night. At some point I will have to probably have casted AFO's. Time will tell.



Hope this helps.