Coping With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

My disease was noticed even as a small child. I looked normally developed muscularly but could not keep up with my playmates when they ran. At 11 years of age, I developed severe contractures in my Achilles Tendons on both legs. Surgery had to be done to lengthen the tendons. I was able to walk fairly well but with a noticeable limp. However, I had no real problems for a long time walking one half mile to school or playing golf. I was a shot putter in high school. My leg weakness prevented me from using my entire body to put the shot. I later completed four years at Emory and Henry College and two years at West Virginia University. I worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor and as a Disability Examiner for over 23 years. I married and my wife had two children. I have been retired since 1990 and became too disabled to work long hours. The message is to keep keeping on, to thank God for what is left of us, and to take one day at a time. God Bless you and yours.