> ----------
> From: STEVEN MARCOLINI[SMTP:jaider(AT)erols.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 1998 6:05 PM
> To: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com
> Subject: first timer
>
> 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
>
>