The ADEM Support Group

I'm a writer and former journalist. I ordinarily describe myself more by my professional accomplishments than my personal ones. That is why this communication is unusual for me. My personal perspective changed when my health did in June 2006. I lost my ability to use a computer keyboard, to tell time, to read or write, or even to draw stick figures beyond juvenile efforts. That I couldn't walk was the least of my deficits.

Ironically, I never lost my ability to spell; but I couldn't remember the birth dates of my grand kids. My sense of humor remained firmly intact; through three consecutive hospitalizations, multiple MRIs, and an unconfirmed diagnosis. The neurologist at the first hospital I went to discharged me in five days with a "brain condition" and without any medication. This was his primary diagnosis on my discharge summary. He was more interested in referring me to his sleep apnea clinic. My MRI showed that I had 13 brain lesions.

Other than a hospitalization due to a near-fatal car accident ten years ago, and for pneumonia before that, my health has been fairly uneventful, for which I am very thankful. How can one possibly imagine having this happen to them? I am interested in starting an ADEM support network. If you have ADEM or if you are a family member or caregiver, I hope that you will get involved. It is important that we find each other for the purpose of offering information and support. We also need to be there for those who will receive the ADEM diagnosis in the future. If you are interested in participating in this support network, please get in touch with me.

Barbara Kreisler
9476 Scarlet Oak Dr
Manassas, VA 20110
(Home) (703)753-4000
(Cell) (571)436-9034
bkreisler.imprint@verizon.net