A personal story
This is a vulnerable post to write, and one I have been ready to share for a long time. And since September is CMT awareness month, there is no time like the present! CMT is a rare, genetic disease of the peripheral nervous system, and while I’ve had the condition since conception, my diagnosis didn’t occur until 2018, when I was 46 years old. I sought help after experiencing progressive weakness in my feet and calves, along with multiple severe ankle sprains, thinking my symptoms were due to chronic lower back issues, which ultimately led to my diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Currently, treatment involves wearing braces called AFOs (ankle-foot orthotics) and caring for myself through exercise, weight training, and a myriad of other daily activities. The primary symptoms I currently experience include numbness and weakness in my feet and lower legs, Drop Foot, motor fatigue after standing for long periods, and trouble balancing. I also have hearing loss and scoliosis, which are both attributed to my specific CMT variant (4C). Thus far, my hands are minimally affected, and my fine motor skills are excellent. I am grateful every day for my ongoing ability to use my hands to practice acupuncture, write, and live my life to the fullest, but I sure don’t take it for granted. Why am I sharing this now? Well, for a few reasons.
With Mother's Day upon us, I am sending you all my annual giant hug
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