- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
- Interviews
Cally's interview
How did all start?
In early childhood
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Neurology, orthopaedics and respiratory. The most useful is respiratory
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Using a bipap machine
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Hip dysplasia and scoliosis mean I can no longer walk and five years ago I almost died of respiratory failure.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My husband's family are supportive and I have no contact with my own. My friends are supportive.
What things have you stopped doing?
Walking, dressing and undressing
What do you think about the future?
I am realistic and know my breathing may worsen but I'm happy and hope to continue with my post grad studies.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
1996 when I got my B A Hons
2007 when I got married
2010 when my husband and I went to Florida and San Francisco
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Be a doctor and live in the US
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Chaotic, difficult physically but rewarding and enjoyable academically.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Stay as positive as possible don't let people put you off doing things.
