To Barbara: even though I have what is considered a mild form of TM, (I
never experienced total paralysis, just a gradual numbing of my right leg
and then my left side of my head and left arm) I too experienced those
"jolts" in my head. They lasted for about 2 months off and on, lessening
with time. I too don't especially like to take medication so I just popped
alot of Advil. That seemed to be the lowest time for me mentally and I
became very depressed. I began seeing a therapist and she recommended
several books that I found helpful. They are:
"Minding the Body, Mending the Mind" by Joan Borysenko and "The Relaxation
Response" by Herbert Benson, M.D. It seemed that when I felt that I had
some control over this thing I started to feel much better. I have also
been going to acupuncture for four months and feel that this has helped.
Coincidently, I was diagnosed with a B12 defiencency and with this
corrected I have had alot more energy.
I too have wondered about a relationship to blood sugar, the shakiness and
giving out of my legs about four months after my numbness started seemed
very much like low blood sugar, however, both my primary and neuro said
probably not. I also wonder about the hormone relationship. Were any other
females premenopausal when they were first affected?
The important thing is to try to keep a positive attitude. Negative
thoughts and stress seem to make the symptoms worse. I have heard this
repeated over and over on this list. So, keep your chin up, and good
luck...
Barb
P.S. My whole episode with TM started a year ago right now. I now only
have slight numbness is my right toes and left fingertips and I am hopeful
that those will go away with time. But even if they don't I can live with
the very minor inconvenience and if it turns into MS, so be it, I'll deal
with that when it happens!