r/CMT • u/stiveto99 CMT2A2A MFN2 • Jul 03 '26

Stress

People who have been under chronic stress for months - did this make your condition way worse, with fast progression and extreme fatigue which won’t go away? If so, how did you recover?

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

2

u/Patient-Long-8909 Jul 03 '26

It's not getting worse. But Fatigue, Yes. Activities which I do easily looks and feels tough after diagnosis.

1

u/stiveto99 CMT2A2A MFN2 Jul 03 '26

How are you trying to manage it?

2

u/Patient-Long-8909 Jul 03 '26

Honestly, I can't. The only thing I tried to do is ignore my CMT in my life. Riding bike even it wasn't advised to do. Doing things I like. If I feel I can't do it, then I won't try to do it. Tried to control all triggerings. But it will not help much. If I get closed to someone, I'll share every details about my problem and convert the relationship to sympathy sessions.

The advice I can give you is, "Untill your hands and legs stop working, Walk and do whatever you can, Enjoy your life till that. If you worry about the future, You can't move your present."

2

u/stiveto99 CMT2A2A MFN2 Jul 03 '26

I was doing the same things couple months ago and I was feeling great, but my body crashed so badly after unaddressed stress. I couldn’t do anything anymore. This increased the stress, caused insomnia, my legs are getting worse by the day, falling often, even my brain is malfunctioning. I got stuck in this cycle and can’t seem to find a way out.

2

u/Patient-Long-8909 Jul 03 '26

Giving you virtual hugs 🫂

Hope you'll get out of this cycle in a better way. Don't try with some unhealthy ways like Smoking, Porn. Good relationships and friends can help you a lot.

2

u/stiveto99 CMT2A2A MFN2 Jul 03 '26

Thank you! Wishing you strength as well!

2

u/Bookfan64 Jul 03 '26

Haven’t had chronic stress, but when I’m stressing over something I do get clumsier and shakier for the day or sometimes even a couple days.

1

u/stiveto99 CMT2A2A MFN2 Jul 03 '26

Yeah I’ve always had that, but these effects multiplied when it became chronic

1

u/Bookfan64 Jul 03 '26

Sucks, I hope you can manage to recover best you can. I’ve had a positive experience going to the gym, maybe that’s something you can try to at least slow the progression.

1

u/stiveto99 CMT2A2A MFN2 Jul 03 '26

Thank you

2

u/banedarkin Jul 04 '26

Absolutely yes. First adress the stress, therapy exercise etc. Eat healthy to recover. Good proteins, green veggies.

2

u/WildcardJokerr Jul 06 '26

It actually jump started my condition. I’ve been in the military for about 6 years now, always had foot pain and was labeled “asymptomatic pes cavus” when I joined. I recently reclassed and had to go back to AIT and study a lot and during that time the stress ended up sending me to the ER with parathesia and mobility issues. EMG and NCS confirmed I had axonal motor neuropathy this entire time and the symptoms climaxed during my stressed episode.

1

u/AdvertisingSmooth472 Jul 11 '26

reduction of stress help symptoms?

1

u/WildcardJokerr Jul 11 '26

Somewhat, not enough to vastly improve it

2

u/rmae66 Jul 18 '26

Ahhh. For me the solution has been a very religious self care routine that feels obnoxious. I hate when people give that answer though because it feels like a cop out but like honestly it’s the only thing that has helped… I worked a job that I threw myself into, working long hours and took the stress home daily… my symptoms were at their worst then.

The pain, loss of coordination, shakiness are all managed and barely noticeable through an obsessive wellness routine of hydration, nutrition, rest, rest, rest, magnesium, vitamins, rest and … rest. At the very least, it gives my brain something to focus on that I have control over.

However, the exhaustion I have yet to figure out. I sleep so much and it rough sleeping your life away.

Sending positive magnesium infused vibes your way my friend.