Newly diagnosed with TM
BEELIEVER2(AT)aol.com
Sun, 1 Nov 1998 20:47:23 EST
I was recently diagnosed with TM following an "episode" where I had clonus and
spasming in my left leg, followed by weakness. I walked into the ER,
unassisted. Following a CT Scan, (4) MRI's, angiogram, cardiac stress test,
spinal tap and pulmonary function test, I was diagnosed with TM. I was put on
3 days of steroids, 1000 cc''s by IV drip. I had several allergic reactions
to medications , which slowed my progress. I spent 10 days in an acute care
hospital and was transfered by ambulance to a rehab facility for 2 1/2 weeks,
where I received PT, OT, Rec Therapy and Clinical psychology follow-up. I
feel that I am one of the fortunate ones, as I am now ambulating short
distances (70 feet) with crutches, albeit very slowly. I use a chair in the
house for Energy Conservation and to access the kitchen. Fatigue, weakness
and sensory changes in my legs, L>R, are my primary challenges at present. My
legs feel as though they are freezing from the inside out, and when I walk I
feel as though I am walking on sponges. The only medicine I have found that
helps is Neurontin and Baclofen. I also have chest pain that pierces through
my back from the center of my shoulder blades. I want to get off medication
(vicodin), but I have not yet been able to find anything that works. Any
suggeestions? I am currently recieving home health PT and OT, and when the
fatigue becomes less troublesome I hope to go to out-patient PT. I am
interested in knowing if there are any other health professionals out there
with TM that were successfully able to return to manual work. I am a Physical
Therapist by trade and I am quite concerned over my ability to perform my
previous occupation at a level that would be acceptable to my co-workers and
my employer. Any input would be greatly appreciated.- LZ