Re: Newly diagnosed with TM

Errol White (eamjwhite(AT)bigpond.com)
Tue, 3 Nov 1998 20:49:22 -0800

I would like re-inforce what Jim has already stated. You have to be very
strongly focused especially when walking. I not only have to focus on
where the feet place, but be very aware of my knees, so as they don't flick
hard back. Constant flicking back of the knees can cause much damage and
could require dreaded surgery and this is to be avoided at all costs. I
also suffer severe foot drop in my right foot so I wear a AFO brace from
just below the knee to the foot, specially made to fit, and it only hinges
the foot up. The dual effect and result is it keeps the foot from dropping
and helps keep the knee just slightly bent to avoid flick back and help
rebuild and strengthen knee muscles. Hope this is of assistance. Don't
hesitate to ask questions any time as one of us may have just the answer to
help you.

Kind Regards from Errol, Narangba, Queensland Australia.
-----Original Message-----
From: BEELIEVER2(AT)aol.com <BEELIEVER2(AT)aol.com>
To: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com <tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com>
Date: Sunday, 01 November, 1998 4:48 PM
Subject: Newly diagnosed with TM

>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
>