Not for a CMTer. I'm sure it is different for others.

I think that if one has damaged cells, with damaged mitochondria, which is one current theory about PN now and other diseases, that exercise would be limited by that damage.

You might be able to do some, but not what you would like or what others might tell you to. The mitochondria process glucose and fatty acids, for energy, for the muscles etc. And if they don't work properly, you are limited by that loss.

I think CMT would fall into this category of poor metabolism.

In other words, don't push...pay attention to what is weak and set limits. One sign would be a lack of tolerance ...if you build slowly and hit a wall and can't get past it...that would be a poor sign for further exercise limits.

Low to moderate intensity as advised by a physical therapist. Not exercising to a point of exhaustion, cutting back and if the pain lasts for more than 48 hours after exercising a CMTer has done too much.

I have several conditions, hopeful.

My PN is so severe that I cannot walk for exercise.

I find that aerobic exercise in the pool, and using the Nu-Step machine and other variable resistance machines work well for me.

Often the YMCA will have a heated therapy pool, or a local hospital.

For us NO PAIN is essential.

Hugs, Elaine

There are mutations in the MFN2 gene that cause the most frequent form of autosomal dominant axonal form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. CMT2A.

I do try weights only 2 lbs for upper body. It seems like no matter what I try I'm left in so much pain I'm reluctant to try again. I'm going to keep trying.
Thanks for the input!

Hi Kitt,
I may have ask you this before but did you have testing done by a geneticist? I'm thinking if that is how you were diagnosed that way I might give it a try.
Thanks for the info. I appreciate it!

This is exactly how I feel. I don't want to become a couch potato but the pain just from walking is so unbearable at times. I'm going to slow down my speed again and keep trying.

Thanks! I just got a script for PT from my rheumo. I'm going to see if I can find a place that does water therapy. I think that may be good for me.

No, I had EMG/NCV testing done. And other things - part of the exam. No need to see a geneticist. I already knew that I had CMT as it is in the family from way back. The neurologist just confirmed what I already knew and my symptoms way back then were near nothing. But CMT just kept progressing as it does. No one with CMT knows for certain how they will end up. CMT symptoms vary greatly even within the same family. This is so true.

Symptoms of CMT can become evident when you are young, old, or in-between. Or they might not be that evident but you can still pass it on. It is a complicated syndrome with so very many types of it identified now. I have one of the most common types - CMT1A. Even today CMT is misdiagnosed as something else. A good neurologist who knows CMT is the one to see.

Thanks for asking.