Arizona TM Support Group

   
“It started with flu-like symptoms.”  “I had nausea, dizziness and I felt –lightheaded.”  “My new symptom is burning on the back of my thigh.” “I hate taking morphine but if I don’t, I can’t function.”  “Do you have dry mouth from your meds?”  “What about constipation?”

This is the kind of conversation you might hear on the third Saturday of the month when our Arizona support group meets.  We started with only three members, two who had TM and the mother of one of us.  Now we are up to five, all women.
At first we met at restaurants around town and that worked for awhile; however, some members had concerns about restaurants.  A few had problems sitting for long periods of time; others felt uncomfortable discussing bowel and bladder control in public places.  Last month, for the first time, we met at a member’s house.  It worked and we will continue doing that for the near future.

Our group is small so it is easy for us to be close.  At times all of us have felt like staying home because we have been fatigued or not felt well.  Instead, we dragged ourselves to the meeting.  We are always glad when we make the effort and go.

We almost always discuss how we are feeling, new symptoms, and any concerns about our doctors.  Lately, we have been discussing the pros and cons of going on disability as one member is considering that option. I think we all like to tell how we were diagnosed with TM, even though we have heard each person’s story before.  But there is comfort in retelling it.  As we have gotten to know each other, we also talk about the same topics any friends would discuss.

When I started this support group, I thought it would be a way for me to give back and help others because I have had TM for nine years.  Instead, I find myself getting so much from the others in the group.  For me, the group is the best place to complain about my pain and the feeling I sometimes get of the unfairness of life in giving me TM.  Why me?  I exercised, didn’t smoke, ate right.  I was a good person.  If that wasn’t enough, two years later I got Type 2 diabetes and was told it was likely a result of taking steroids for TM.  My friends who don’t have TM care but don’t really understand.  Also, I know if I want to keep their friendship, it is better to keep my complaining to a minimum.

The women in my support group are courageous, awesome and supportive.  My life was been enriched by knowing them. 

If you are interested in getting involved in our group, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Barbara Sattler
Tucson, AZ
(520)325-5861
bsattler@cox.net