With TM, though, I DO have a problem with high temperatures because I don't
sweat in any parts of my body below T5. I was told to be extremely careful
and limit exertion outdoors in hot weather. I turn beet red in the face
and start sweating profusely in my head, neck, shoulders, and arms. (I
don't have a problem with symptoms being exacerbated by a hot shower or
bath, though.)
Do other people not sweat? Any tips on dealing with it? How about a
return of the ability to sweat?
Note to Nicole (I think): You mentioned back and neck pain at work. Do
you sit a lot? If so, I highly recommend a slanted foot rest. It helps
correctly position the spine, particularly in the lower back. I have
found, however, that my lower back doesn't feel that kind of pain since TM,
and the pain makes itself felt higher up if I don't use a slanted foot
rest. Sitting without a slanted foot rest curves the lower back too much.
The pain can continue past working hours if you've stressed your back a lot
during the day! It might be worth trying, especially since it doesn't have
any side effects. Rubbermaid and some office supply companies make these
because this problem is common in folks with desk jobs. The amount of
slant is adjustable, and some of the foot rests are very fancy, but the
cheapest works as well as the most expensive.
Also, Nicole, I wouldn't worry because you made a rapid recovery. It
sounds like your symptoms weren't as severe as other folks had, especially
if you weren't hospitalized, so your nerves didn't have as much healing to
do. I have recovered a lot, but I started from a place where I couldn't
walk and had no intestine and bladder function, so I had further to go.
I'm really into alternative medicine. The best I know of for nervous
system problems is Chinese--acupuncture, herbology, chi gong, etc. In your
place, worried about MS, I would find the best acupuncturist in the
Austin/San Antonio area and go regularly. Acupuncturists do specialize
somewhat, so if you can find someone specifically for central nervous
system problems, so much the better. In any case, you should make sure the
person has had extensive training (preferably in China) and experience--not
six months in Maryland.
I would also start doing chi gong, preferably, or tai chi to bring the
immune system to tip-top shape to head off further symptoms. Again, you
should study under an experienced master because not all exercises are
suited for everyone, particularly people with particular medical problems.
Aurore
ableck(AT)nas.edu