> ----------
> From: Doc[SMTP:doc09(AT)sprintmail.com]
> Sent: Monday, November 09, 1998 6:54 PM
> To: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com
> Subject: ANNIVERSARY !!
>
> Hello all:
>
> Well, 17 years and a few hours ago I was sitting at my desk at the
> University of Cincinnati. I had left the University of Nebraska the
> previous December and at the local level things were O.K. On a
> national level I was still very active in the rehabilitation
> profession. Anyway, as I sat there I noticed that both feet were
> tingling. I looked down and found that I had my feet wrapped around
> the base of my chair. I brushed it off, finished my appointments and
> went home. That evening, I noticed that my left leg was numb up to
> my knee. When I went to bed I noticed that the numbness was just
> above my knee. The next morning I felt some numbness in the rectal
> area and a sore spot at the left scapula. That afternoon all
> went......long story posted elsewhere but I will say that I did
> experience improvements for 18 months.
>
> Today, I have had no exacerbation's. I still have marginal control
> of my bowels and bladder and I have a fair amount of spasticity.
> My most significant problem is a central pain syndrome at T4, the
> point of my compression. I have a band and the pain is constant
> (somebody called it punishment by the bra god..which I guess means
> that I'm supposed to know what it feels like to have a bra fit too
> tight ( : - ( ). I take a lot of pain medication and have tried
> acupuncture, massage and magnets and none of them provided me with
> much relief. I do know others that got relief from all three. Until
> two years ago I was walking and my Neuro said that the main reasons I
> walked was because I wanted to. For other reasons than TM, I lost
> both legs, one above and one below the knee in 1996. So like many of
> you with lupus and other ailments, I have the pleasure (yaga) of a
> secondary problem.
>
> I had better stop now or it will begin to start sounding like I'm
> having a pity party for myself. I can say that all of it has made
> me a stronger person. For the newbies in particular I would say,
> keep your faith in yourself and those around you. Keep a positive
> attitude and don't forget to do those exercises. If you don't use
> it you will loose it and I do mean ALL body parts both above and
> below the neck.
>
> I have been with the group since early 1997 and cherish the support
> and input from the group. I have had my picture posted on the tmic
> home page and really wish more people would do it. My wheelchair and
> I will be in Seattle next August and I look forward to meeting you all.
>
> Take care.
>
> Doc
>
>