I am 57. I served nine years in the U.S. Navy where it was discovered I had CMT but I was not allowed to see my medical record until the Public Health Service got copies from the Department of the Navy. I was diagnosed as having CMT at the Naval Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan in September 1963. I took my discharge in December 1963 and went to work for myself catching bait shrimp.

I had problems picking up live shrimp from the start with my left hand because of the thumb. A part of my hand that is useless just gets in the way. Standing on my feet for long periods caused backache and spasms so painful I would black out momentarily. After having a back muscle spasm, my shoulder and upper back would be tender and sore for two days. I had a family and responsibilities so the choice was grin and bear the handicaps, forget the pain, and put all the effort towards earning a living.

The medical department staff at Yokosuka wanted to send me back to Balboa Naval Hospital and I wanted to go to my squadron aboard the Kearsarge. Hatcher went to ship after several demands and talks with doctors. I could not stand the monotony of another month of hospital life. I had plans, and another tour in a hospital was not on the schedule. I wanted to come back to the U.S.A. aboard the Kearsage, take my discharge and begin to live the life of a civilian.

In 1974, I went to the Veterans Administration, was gone over by a team of doctors and was awarded a disability. I took the doctors' advice, no smoking or drinking and never quit work as long as I was able. I try not to overstress myself but do tire easily. I cannot sleep an eight-hour shift because of my neck and would like to know if CMT could be causing the pain or a childhood injury.

I keep my appointments with dentists every six months because I can get a reaction from Novocaine and will not take it unless a tooth needs to be pulled. I may get my nerves tested when getting fillings installed but prefer to withstand whatever to Novocaine. I could get a little crazy or strange. I should think most of us with CMT have a high tolerance with pain.

I have a problem with cold weather. My hands and feet lose all feeling. My feet will stay cold for at least an hour after going to bed. I started having hand tremors about two years ago and a sharp pain between the wrist and elbow, could not twist my arm, so I started an exercise program with handgrips. No more pain in lower arms. The neck is still a problem and I'm looking for an elephant to step on it periodically or a 300-pound female with educated feet.

I am sure there are others like myself who have problems and hang-ups, but life is still worth living and I keep the brain in good working order--what's left of it. I do an excessive amount of reading and get very frustrated when I have not got a book started. Reading is my main hobby, so I hope the eyes last a lifetime.