Holiday wishes
Jo Ellen Finkelstein (ghellen(AT)ninenet.com)
Sat, 27 Dec 1997 16:55:54 -0600
JHarper33 wrote:
>
> In a message dated 97-12-27 12:49:25 EST, you write:
>
> > In a message dated 97-12-27 09:50:24 EST, you write:
> >
> > << I haven't found anything to help with
> > numbness. For me it decreased gradually, but hasn't gone away completely
> > and
> > sometimes increases again. >>
> >
> > Barbara:
> >
> > I felt I just had to compliment you on writing such an excellent letter to
> > Nancy's friend!
> >
>
> Thanks! :)
>
> > Concerning the above snip regarding the numbness increasing at
> times....does
> > it seem to happen mostly when you are tired or stressed? How many times
> has
> > the numbness "come back"? My numbness had completely gone away then
> > returned
> > in full force when I was very tired (work related training and lots of
> > overtime). It lasted for several days that time. Now I have a very mild
> > numbness that has stayed with me for several weeks. I know that TM is
> > different for everyone, but I always like to hear about other's experiences
> > to
> > see how they relate to mine.
> >
> > Take Care....
> >
> > Sharon M. (from Arizona)
> >
>
> The numbness never went away completely. Originally it was in my left hand and
> arm, up onto my shoulder a little, and from both my feet all the way up to
> about my waist and up to my chest on my right side, though it decreased in
> intensity the higher it went. When I say, "numb," it wasn't like a limb
> falling asleep, can't-feel-anything type of numb, so I wonder if numb is
> really even the right word. I could feel touch, but on my right leg couldn't
> and still can't feel minor pain and cold. But there is definitely decreased
> sensation. I remember those first days, when I went to try to use the "port-a-
> potty" they had beside my bed, I kept looking to see if the lid was shut -- it
> felt like it was, even though it wasn't. I could move and could manuever
> myself to the bedside potty and back, but couldn't walk alone at first.
>
> After a while I could walk with the walker, then a cane, then alone (though
> still somewhat awkwardly and still sometimes misstep). The numbness decreased
> to mainly being in my left hand and both legs from about mid-calf downward and
> often in the vaginal/rectal area. But sometimes it does creep upward again,
> and sometimes it increases in intensity -- sometimes I can hardly feel one or
> two of my fingers or toes, and that's very frightening to me. I've had more
> trouble with numbness lately than I have in a long time. I think stress is a
> factor, as well as lack of sleep and coldness, all of which have been factors
> over the last few weeks. I'm hoping to rest up over the next few days and see
> if that helps. Position also is a factor. I noticed that whenever I wrapped
> presents, my right leg would feel more numb. I always used the same chair, so
> there must have been something about how that particular chair pressed against
> my nerves or something. So I tried to shift my weight and position often when
> I sat there. Many times I've been on the verge of calling the neurologist up
> again and asking we need to do another MRI or something, but I try to give it
> a few days, and it always goes back down. One dr. was more concerned with
> function than feeling, so I use that as a guideline also; sometimes one knee
> gives out and sometimes I'm much more stiff and off-balance, but I haven't
> lost the ability to walk again. If that ever happens, I'll be calling the dr.
> a.s.a.p.!!!
>
> You asked how often it comes back -- I haven't really kept track of it, but it
> has come back or increased a number of times, then decreased again.
>
> Best wishes,
> BarbaraHappy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year , Happy Kwanzza
I everyone, thought I would cover the bases with the Holiday
ggreetings to everyone. Hope everyone has happy ones!
I have been trying to cope with all the work related to
celebrating, (cleaning the house, baking, getting out to buy presents
for family, friends, and nurse aides.) wheee!!! After everything
settles down I hope to return to therapy and vocational rehab, My next
steps are to be fitted for braces and to begin water therapy at the
local YMCA. I will let everyone know how those go. I hope you are all
doing as well as you can and that things will get better for all of us
in the year 1998.
Til next time,
Joellen