South Africa  
Jenny Moss

I’ve been a member of the South Africa TM Support Group for a number of years.  I was only able to find out about TM and the support groups after I got onto the internet.  Receiving that first TMA Newsletter from the States and being able to read about TM and other members’ stories was such a thrill!  Prior to getting the internet, I really had no idea if there was anyone else in South Africa who had TM and I really felt that no one understood me and what it was that I had gone through. 

I got TM when I was nine years old and for me it happened overnight.  I went to bed with a fever and my body feeling sore all over.  No matter what position I lay in, with my head on the pillow or off the pillow, I was just uncomfortable and sore!  I eventually fell asleep.  I woke up that Saturday morning feeling fine and ready for the day, as you do as a nine year old.  I swung my legs off the bed and thought it strange that I couldn’t feel the carpet.   I tried to stand up, but I couldn’t!   And that’s where my love-hate relationship started with hospitals and doctors. 

It was nearly four or five weeks before they came up with a TM diagnosis and by then the damage was done.  I was simply taught how to look after myself and sent home to get on with life.  1980’s - good times I tell you.  I was at the time completely paralysed from the waist down and really feeling all alone.  I am, however, very thankful for some of the movement and sensation which did return all on its own during the following years and without ever receiving any kind of medication.  

Once I got that all important internet and was able to search for the mystery illness called Transverse Myelitis, and actually finding out that there are thousands of other people from all over the world who have had similar experiences as myself, I just somehow felt better and not so alone.  And that feeling I had when I found out about TM and the support that is available is what has kept me motivated and then willing to take over as a support group leader from Tanishka.  Tanishka started the South Africa TM Support Group and single handedly arranged the very first TM SA get together!  Now that was an awesome weekend!  Meeting other members, exchanging war stories and talking medication was a real trip. 

I’m just so thankful that Mart Uys has been willing to take on this challenge with me.  Mart and I share the responsibilities of being support group leaders in South Africa.  Her knowledge and willingness to help others has impressed me time and again.  Mart knows more about TM than I do! (Mart’s daughter has TM).  I just live life as someone who has TM.  I would not have been able to continue without Mart’s help; that’s for sure!  Every new member that finds their way to us is to me such a blessing and sending off those new member packs is such a satisfying feeling.  And, hopefully, that member pack will make that new member feel a lot less alone.

Jenny Moss
PO Box 3865
Tygervalley
Cape Town, 7536
South Africa
082 928 3000
moss25@mweb.co.za

Mart Uys
397 Central Park Ave.
Lynnwood,  0081
South Africa
012-361-7671
martuys@iburst.co.za