Re: Is It Plateau???

Koliver (AT)tstar.net (Edwino(AT)webtv.net)
Wed, 23 Dec 1998 17:42:40 -0600 (CST)

Hi Connie & Alan,
Keep your courage up and accept every change as an improvement.
Above all don't give up now. Tm is not a sudden healer and many things
about it may never get better. For instance the bladder and bowels may
not come back. It has been 18 yrs for me and I am still completely
dependent on self cathetering and laxatives every 2nd or 3rd day. I use
Dulcolax, it is the least griping. I have it pretty well worked out for
most activities. This can be very inconvenient. I have to use crutches
or three wheeled walker, but there is always something to be thankful
for. I have started to get in the swimming pool at least twice a week.
Two months ago I had a very difficult time to just get in or out of the
pool. In the water I can move with a greater freedom than when I out.
Yesterday I swam 20 lengths of the pool with four foot plastic foam
tube under my arms and accross my chest. it helps to keep my face out of
the water. It will hold me up if I need it. If you can find a place to
swim that will be some of the best therapy you can find. The pt gave up
on me about 5 months in to this. You have decide what you want to do ,
it's all up to you. The greatest help I found was in prayer and trust in
God.

Ken in ice bound Tx.