New Diagnosis & New friend on the List
Mushroo909(AT)aol.com
Wed, 1 Jul 1998 20:26:17 EDT
Hi!
I'm a new friend. I accidently found your site looking for help. I have not
been up to par for 21/2 years. I woke up having those electrical shock
feelings down my arms and spine. I recognized them, because they had occurred
15 years ago after radiation therapy for Hodgkins lymphoma. When I later
visited the dr. for an unrelated cold I mentioned them, and was referred a few
weeks later to a neurologist. He thought something was a bit off with my exam
but said he didn't know what was wrong. A month later, I got worse with
spastic legs, and imbalance. I had an mri- normal. So he prescribed Buspar for
"anxiety." My symptoms disappeared for 3 weeks.Later I had worse falls, broke
my toe, and started having bladder problems.I had tests which revealed a
"neurogenic bladder. I was having weakness in my arms, trouble walking and
(especially difficult) balancing in the dark or with arms closed. I was given
a week of steroids and Voila!! I was cured for 6 weeks!!! Then it came back.
More steroids for an unknown myelopathy did not result in improvment. Symptoms
worsened slowly and progressively until about 6 months ago and have leveled
off. I have ataxia, bladder/bowel problems, balance problems, esp with eyes
closed, spasicity, some occasional blurry vision, and FATIGUE. I use a cane
for balance and walking any distance A change due to the retirement of my
primary care resulted in a new neurologist. One second opinion thought it was
MS. This one says Transverse Myelitis. My MRI and spinal fluid is normal- I
have positive Babinski on both sides.
My doctor says there is no treatment for now but I am on Baclophen for
spasms and he's prescribing a drug for the fatigue. He's arranging for
physical therapy too, as I'm very uncoordinated and weak in limbs.I'm
wondering how I'm going to teach another school year ( fourth grade). I have
so so many questions. I'm not sure how this club works. I noticed that there
are chat rooms for people with MS. Is there such a room and time for people
with Transverse Myelitis to "meet" and address concerns and questions? If not
too bad. But I am thankful to have accidently come upon this while searching
the internet. I have so so many questions and apparently you all are the
experts!! you've been there !