I had that girdle feeling, described it as the
Bra God was angry at me for not liking to
wear a bra so he gave me that feeling so I
felt like I always had one on! It was so bad
at times I feared I couldn't breathe. It has
gone now. It was explained to me that that
was the nerve endings where the damage
stopped. I was damaged to t-8 and lost all
from breast down. I now can walk and have
some control of bladder/bowel but am no way
back to normal.
I don't know about the loss of hair-I didn't exper-
ience that but can tell you that it is not from the
steroid use, at least I have not noted that and I
have used steroids for many years for another
medical problem.
About the numbness, I have little of that anymore-
at times would welcome some numbness as the
pain and burning that come with return of feeling
(on the inside) is not pleasant. If, by numbness,
you mean the inability to feel touch on skin-I still
have no feeling except for that of pressure on the
outer part of my legs etc. after 22 months.
I know little about the herbal products that you are
using so don't know what they can do for you or if
they have caused the hair loss.
One thing I know, keep a positive outlook on your
condition. Look at what you are gaining and not
at what you've lost! Be glad, too, that you found this
group as we know what you are going through and
are all glad to help when we can. Hope this has
put some of your fear to rest. Fear is another un-
healthy thing to let fester-so-talk with us and let
us share with you what we have already dealt with
ourselves.
Sincerely, JanH