Hello,
This is Barbara D. and I'm the one who has a
friend with tm. He told me the history, which
I wrote on a scrap of paper so I hope I have this
right.
For my friend Bill:
1. age at onset - the complete disability was
at about age 48
2. stress - yes, divorce and SEVERE stress also
busy lifestyle with much commuting 1970-71
3. injuries- fell into dumpster from a crane at
work 1979 approx. After this injury, limped, used cane,
trouble writing,
not 100% in wheelchair till 85
4. vaccinations - may have gotten tetanus shot at work
right before onset approx 79 The last tetanus
he remembers was at his last job at the nurse's
station.
5. flu like symptoms - no, just arthritis
6. rash - no rash
7. health risk - worked with chemicals spraying
1977 to deactivate grease. The other man had to go
to the hospital and be cleaned out. (Also, used
a lot of pesticides at home off & on.)
Actual diagnosis of Transverse Myelitis was 1994 - but had been in
wheel chair since 1985
Sorry that I used a lot of words. Hope this
helps everyone. We have learned so much from all of
you! Barbara
barbd(AT)adept.net