Rather than go into my own anecdotal rambling
your questions are probably best answered at
http://www.myelitis.org/tm.htm. First click on
the item related to "Symptoms etc." and then
on "Medical and Rehabilitation Treatment".
Print them out and give to the supposed learned
folks. If they have more questions tell them to look
us up. Not to leave anyone out but I'm confident
that Jan, Phil, Gunny and I can fill in their blanks.
Just tell them that (we have individuals in the group
who have more experience with TM than they are
old <g>. Yes, I'm not happy with the medical
profession or social workers who think they know
all about all. I get on my soapbox another time.
You may want to read some of our stories and
pick one or two to take to the Doc. The Q regarding
the difference between TM and someone who is a
para from a wreck can only depends on the severity
of the injury is it a total or only partial transection of the
cord or is it just bruised. Symptoms vary. Remember that
with TM there is a swelling at some point in the cord
T5-6 in Jakes case. When the swelling occurs the cord
is compressed and the microscopic fibers within the cord
are damaged and many are broken. The reason that our
symptoms vary is that there is some regeneration of these
fibers but there is no way to insure that the broken ends will
reconnect as they were. I saw recovery for 18 months. In
general another person with a T5-6 injury could have similar
symptoms. Finally, after the Doc does his reading and is not
willing to learn more, I think we might be able to find a hammer
between us and you can pound it in to his head if it is not too
thick.
Good Luck..Hope this helps
Doc