first timer
STEVEN MARCOLINI (jaider(AT)erols.com)
Wed, 4 Nov 1998 20:05:21 -0600
This is my first submission, so I hope I'm soing it right. I recieved a
diagnosis of transverse myelitis on 10/12/98. In september, my feet started
to get numb, and by two days, the numbness(pins and needles) had moved up to
my waist. My primary sent me to a neurologist, who then put me through all
the tests - MRI, evoked potentials, lumbar puncture, etc. He told me when
my MRI came back, that it showed an area at t-3/4 and he would suspect MS,
but needed to rule out other fun stuff (tumor, syphillis, etc.). This was
quite a blow, as you all know. My symptoms are relatively mild, with no
motor weakness, so I feel lucky in a way. Since my brain MRI and evoked
potentials were negative, and this is my first onset, he says at this time
they will call it TM.
The things I am confused about are, there seemed to be no way my doctor
could tell me for certain if this is TM or MS (even though he did give me a
diagnosis). Could anyone explain it to me better? Also, I have a 6 month
old daughter and was hoping to have one more child. Has anyone heard about
pregnancy effects on TM? My Doc says it is uncertain whether women improve
after pregnancy or go on to MS. Any help appreciated. Best wishes, Jaid