> Subj: Diagnosed with TM in 1959
> Date: 8/22/98 9:13:08 PM Atlantic Daylight Time
> From: Rizahdough(AT)aol.com
> To: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
> I just wanted to say I have been enlightened by the postings I have read.
> I
> was 9 when I was paralyzed. I have no idea where on my spinal cord, but I
> was
> totally paralyzed, completely numb, and had no ability to use my bowel or
> bladder from my waist down. I was in isolation, only my parents could come
> see me and only certain nurses where allowed in my room, besides ALL the
> doctors that wanted to come look. I felt like I was on an "isolated
display"
> .
> I was in the hospital for 6 weeks, had 7 spinal taps (luckily didn't feel
> one
> of them) I was finally allowed to go home, once I was diagnosed.
Tranverse
> Myelitis was what the doctor told my Mom, also he told her I'd never walk
> again. My nerves would never function correctly to allow me to walk. I
> must
> say my pride would not let me use a wheelchair.... I was a dancer. So, I
> started dragging myself around the house using the army crawl with my arms
> only. My goal were the chocolate chip cookies my Mom made and would
> sparingly
> dole out (two a day, she didn't want me to get fat) I made it my mission to
> "seek and destroy" all the cookies! Well......to make a long story short,
I
> realized when I pulled myself up with my arms to reach the cookies I could
> stand with my knees locked. As I got stronger I could walk (knees still
> locked, stiff legged) hanging on to everything, to keep my balance. I did
> all
> this when my parents weren't home and one day I decided to show them my
> accomplishment. I walked into the den when they were watching TV ........
> the
> look on their faces was one of total disbelief. After they regained their
> composure, my Mom rushed me to the doctors office..... I guess they
couldn't
> believe their eyes.
> Well........I got to enroll back into school, that was one of my goals. I
> didn't want to go to special classes. My Dad set up my own phsysical
> therapy,
> he had me stetching and doing strenghthening exercises. I did very well
> growing up, always tried to keep a positive outlook.
> I have never had any pain medication, my bladder is doing great compared
to
> what I have read here. I can hold it for awhile, but if held to long, I
> have
> an accident. I don't take anything for my bowel movements, they are about
> every other day or so. My legs are strong I can walk the whole day thru
> amuzement parks, I do now find it easier to walk holding onto
> something.........this has occured within the past couple of years.
However,
> I
> do have difficulty walking downhill, uphill is easy. With me it is a
> conscience effort for every step I take, if I am nervous or upset I have
> trouble controlling my feet.
> I have never met another person with TM, so I will enjoy reading all the
> posts.
> Sincerely, Kris
Kris,
Hello and welcome! You are an inspiration to say the least my friend. I am
glad you found us and am looking forward to reading EVERYTHING you have to
share.
We are a good group and are always here to lend and "eye" as the case may be.
It is just wonderful that you have a truly supportive family, as it is
important to anyone who is ill or not.
I too find that down hill walking is difficult and avoid it. As I am still in
recovery uphill does not work too well either. Everyday gets better this is
true.
Thanks for sharing!
Maria (who will now motivate her children with chocolate chip cookies)