Whitney's interview
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How did all start?
Its genetic so I was born with it. I came to a Dr. Appt with my mother and grandmother when I was 3 years old and they immediately knew I had CMT>
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes, it was very immediate.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Gabapentin, I take 600 mg every night Compression Gloves- Wear them throughout the day at work Visiting CMT specialist every 5 years. Custom Orthotics
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
All of the above
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Fatigue, Pain in my hands and feet, emotional depression and anxiety
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Since my mother has it she understands completely. My friends and rest of my family understand things for the most part. One of my best friends has chronic illness's too so she knows whats up.
What things have you stopped doing?
Overloading myself on the weekends. Not taking time for myself.
What do you think about the future?
The Future? I take it with a grain of salt. I know things could go south fast so I'm happy with what I have. I don't want anything more or anything less. I know I will most likely have to 'retire' early or at least go part time. My husband and I have planned for it.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
College for sure! My theatre life was amazing and I met alot of my friends there. Had a great time there and will always remember them. Also I would say about 2 years ago I really got into my new passion of Modeling then and I've really enjoyed it. Its like theatre but only doing it for a day instead of a few months.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Probably do theatre again, I just don't have the energy for it anymore.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life is crazy, normal, abnormal, fun, loud, hectic, boring, sucky, horrible, and ultimately MY life.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Just live your life as best you can. Its so short so don't let this disease get you down. We all have good days and bad don't dwell on the bad.
