My name is John Rybiski. I was struck with transverse myelitis mid-June
1998. I suffered greatly from impaired mobility on the left hand side of
my body. For two weeks I could barely walk, could not not raise my left
hand and suffered from weak urinary and bowel function. My doctor
initially thought that I had suffered a stroke. After two MRI's, a
carotid doppler scan and lots of blood work, I was diagnosed with TM.
I'm sure that most of you reading this have a similar story. I must say
that after reading several of other members letters, I was thankfully
lightly touched with this disease.
ANYWAY,
After hearing from my doctor, "take lots of Tylenol to keep the swelling
down", I sought the services of an excellent accupuncturist. She saw me
once a week and put me on a strict diet and herb regimen. This was not
easy, but I obtained considerable relief and am now almost fully
recovered.
Briefly, the diet is strictly vegetarian, no meat of any kind (I mean
not only beef, but no chicken or fish of any kind as well). No eggs, no
egg whites, no gelatin. Milk products are ok in very small amounts. In
other words, a very clean diet of primarily of fruits and vegetables
with very little bread or cheese. The idea being to cut down greatly the
amount of phlegm and mucuous in the body. So, for me, no pizza or ice
cream! Think of eating a Snickers candy bar and how much instant phlegm
it produces - that is what you are trying to cut back on. This ties in
to the theory that mucuous acts as a transport and nourishment for
parasites, bacteria and viruses in the body - the TM virus in my case.
Also, leave out caffiene and greatly reduce sexual activity, these
strain the nerve pathways that we are trying to heal. Oh yeah, you have
to cut out stress as much as possible as well.
The herb regimen consisted of a mixture of specific Chinese herbs that
included astragalus that are boiled and strained to the tune of a quart
and a half a day! This dose has to be ingested throughout the course of
the day without fail. I must say that I never tasted anything more
disgusting in my life! BUT, relief was quick! I had to do this for a
month. The herbs also lowered the phlegm level and boosted my immune
system. Raw herbs prepared in this manner are very powerful.
So, thats my experience. If you think that you could benefit from such
treatment, I would suggest seeking out an experienced, qualified and
certified accupuncturist who also possesses extensive Chinese herb
knowledge. Like I said, this was not an easy regimen to follow, but the
benefits in my case were worth the effort. I only pass on this info
because of my personal results. Whoever you are, if you are suffering
from TM you have my greatest sympathy, and maybe this info can speed
your recovery and bring you some relief.
Regards,
John Rybiski