Introduction Story - Errol White.
Errol White (eamjwhite(AT)bigpond.com)
Sat, 12 Sep 1998 10:20:06 -0700
Hello, My name is Errol White, I am from Brisbane Queensland Australia and I
contracted Transverse Myelitis in late December 1993. The first problem
was severe pain in my lower right chest on the morning of Monday 27 December
1993, but after a few hours it went away and I thought it was a result of
something I had eaten the day before. Tuesday morning 28 December 1993
severe pain in lower chest into the back on both sides, Upon finishing work
at 2.30 PM, my family took me to the local hospital and after five or so
hours no diagnosis had been made, so I was sent home with some pain killers.
(These ended up down the toilet) I hat pills etc. Thursday my local General
Practitioner Doctor sent me for X rays and CAT scan along with a ultra
sound, still no results and a number of blood tests failed to give a result
so Friday 31 December 1993 I was referred to a specialist and a neuro. By
lunchtime I was paralyzed from the waist down so more x-rays, cat scans,
blood tests, ultra sounds etc etc but no result. The specialist surgeon
then contacted the director of the spinal injuries unit at a major Brisbane
hospital who immediately said definitely sounds like TM. My hospital stay
was from 31 December 1993 to 27 May 1994. A MRI in January 1994 confirmed
that I have lesions from T6 to T8. I left that hospital in a wheelchair
how ever I had taken some shaky steps with the aid of a walking frame and a
giant wardsman helping the physio, also had taken some steps in the hydro
pool. The next seven months I attended a day rehabilitation hospital three
days per week and graduated to walking short distances with two Canadian
crutches and then on to two walking sticks. I still can walk with two
sticks today for slightly longer distance but cant cross a road or street
because I am too slow. I use a wheelchair in the evenings at home when I
am tired and my legs worn out and use an electric scooter for longer outside
journeys. I and very independent, drive a car with a modified accelerator
and will try almost anything. I travel independently but only with private
transport or taxi cabs. I have had some modifications to my house and when
my family is away, live quite independently although I have to get a house
cleaner in weekly at that time. I came down with TM at fifty years and six
months of age. My goal is to get as mobile a humanly possible now to
assist me in my latter years. I intend to live a long, productive,
eventful and enjoyable life. I am married with three children and one
grandchild. My children are Sharon, 34 years, Collin 32 years and Shaun 26
years. Collin is married with one son. My wife is Mavis and we have been
married 35 years this December.
I joined TMA in March 1998 and subscribed to the list since August 1998.
Regards, Errol White.