Been printing our letters since Sept. 20,l996 but haven't had the time to
answer questions or give my opinion. I sat down the other night and went
through it all and wrote short answers, questions to most of you.
Before I do that I should update you. I'm sure you all remember my panic
attack when I was sent home from work. Well, the rest was good, my GP
suggested that my fears were depression based. Could not really argue
with her since I was feeling like I had PMS every day! So, I agreed to
try Zoloft and have been pleased with the results. Gradually, I am
getting pleasure from activities I used to enjoy. Cooking is back to
being a pleasure not a chore. Work was getting difficult, because my
attention span seemed to shrink every day. Two weeks after starting the
antidepressant, I got a promotion. Can you believe this? Now, this had
been "in the works" for some time. It just happened right when I really
needed a change, job wise. It totally messed up my vacation plans but at
my job if you refuse or defer a transfer you don't get asked again. So,
I now have a longer commute, no mid-day naps and am trying to get a
handle on this new office. But, except for my actual schedule, I am in
charge. That is a challenge I've been waiting for.
Barbara M: what T level? I found it difficult to determine fatigue vs.
depression. I always seem to be pushing the envelope and really think I
have to do that. Acupunture after the nerve and muscle testing? I don't
think I'm ready for that! My tai chi instructor suggested that course
though, since I can't really balance well to do the form.
Maureen: I also use melatonin for sleep. My schedule has changed and
it's helped get me to sleep when I need to. Also, my heated mattress pad
stays on the bed all year. I've always relied on vit. C and good
nutrition. Have had problems lately keeping my weight up. Dr.(GP) says
thats common.
Jim F: I sometimes get spasms during the night. Sometimes they wake me
up, but I know most people get leg spasms during the night. What is
different that requires medication?
Joan: Any news about Leah? How's the positional training going?
Don: I have asthma and just the word steroids sends me running. For
those of us who have had very negative reactions to steroids it's a scary
option. I told my neuro that unless I had another acute incidence I
would not agree to steroids. She agreed that the percentage of
effectiveness was in question.
David J: Measles twice, shingles once.
Margy: Have not seen any published stats on TM without paralysis.
Carolyn: also experience numbness in hands, it's recently gone past my
waist. My neuro will definately want another MRI when I see her in Nov.
My toes are the worst, can't feel them. Time has helped me adjust to
that though, as long as I'm on a level surface I can walk well. Just bump
into alot of things!
Beth West: Sounds like a diagnosis won't help much. Symptomatic
treatment is all they do anyway!
Re: diagnosis: My neuro (Bella at U. MA) said two lesions are necessary
for a MS diagnosis. Also, paralysis is not the only valid diagnosis for
TM, an MRI(positive for inflammation or lesions) is also a valid
diagnosis.
Thats it guys.
Wish you all a happy Fall. (That is in capitals!)
Donna