I had written my case a few days ago, but John Pesac's reply stirred
up some memories. Although I had a flu about 4 months before I got
TM, from 1/89-7/90 I was under tremendous job-related stress. I
acquired TM in Feb/March, 1991.
I had not heard of recurrent TM until becoming a member of this list.
My neurologist told me that TM was a 1-shot deal.
Bob Spielman
> Date: Wed, 22 Jan 97 10:33:31 EDT
> From: "John Pesec" <pesec_john(AT)keithley.com>
> To: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com
> Subject: Re: New and Confused
> Reply-to: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com
> To Ed K.,
>
> My understanding is every case of TM is different. The
> majority are one shot occurrences, thought to be caused by
> the immune system responding to some "event" like stress,
> trauma, or viral infection. When TM becomes recurrent, it is
> then very similar to MS, but if the lesions remains in the
> same place in the spine, and certain other tests are false,
> the diagnose can be recurrent TM.
>
> Recurrent TM can become MS. I do not know of a definitive
> study that sites the likelihood of this. Some neurologists
> say that it is an eventuality in every case, and it is just
> a matter of time.
>
> As for your many strange symptoms, please remember that your
> body is going through tremendous change, and it takes time
> to adjust to different neurological function. In addition,
> you may be taking many medicines that have unpredictable
> side effects. Also, depression and anxiety can also have
> physical symptoms.
>
> John P.
>
>
> ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
> Subject: New and Confused
> Author: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com at SMTPLINK-ISD
> Date: 1/21/97 11:09 PM
>
>
> Hi Folks.
>
> I have been severely depressed about my diagnosis of TM (4th of July this
> year), and have been struggling to pull out of it. I'm new to this group, but
> over the last few days worth of postings, I've drawn strength from seeing how
> other people are affected. I guess that's what a support group is for.
> However, after reading many of these postings, I am now really confused (and
> somewhat worried).
>
> My neuro says its "definitely" TM, and that it was a one-shot occurrence -
> whatever damage I suffered may or may not get better, but won't get worse.
> If any other symptoms arise, then its likely MS. So I go on day by day
> trying to convince myself that I'm lucky - I can still walk, though it's
> difficult. But some of you folks are talking about relapses and recurrences
> of TM "episodes", some better, some worse than others. Is there such a thing
> as chronic TM? If so, how is it different than MS?
>
> Also, I haven't seen any reference to symptoms of increased hand tremors,
> general nervousness, irritability (mood swings) and dyslexic symptoms. Any
> lucky people fighting these as well as the standard motor problems?
>
> Thanx for your support. I'll try and do the same for you someday!!!
>
> Ed K.
>
>