My name is Barb, and I just joined the TMIC. I contracted TM on April
12,1998. At 10:30am my left leg went to sleep and things progressed until I
took my last independent steps walking to the car to go to the emergency room
at 5:00pm.
I spent 2 wks. in an acute care facility. There I underwent 2 courses of
steroids, and numerous MRI's. I left the hospital, and spent the next 10
weeks in various rehab facilities. By that time I was numb from the waist
down, unable to walk, and incontinent. I never had the severe pain that some
people talk about, but I have very bad muscle spasms that disturb my sleep and
generally drive me crazy. Baclofen and Neurontin help somewhat. My
involvement is somewhere between T8 and T12.
At this point I have regained some movement, but my sensation and
proprioception are very poor. My bowel control is better, but I still have an
indwelling catheter. I spend most of my time in a wheelchair, but I can do
transfers with walker. I'm still going to physical therapy, but the insurance
company is about to cut me off.
I miss my work. I was an Operating Room Tech. I now work 4 hrs. a day in
Telecommunications. I'm interested in hearing about any and all types of
treatment that people have found helpful. I would also like to know if
recovery continues, or does it level off at a certain point. When I talk to
the doctors, I get the feeling that I know more about this condition than they
do...pretty scary!
I'm glad to have found this group, and I look forward to corresponding with
you all.
Sincerely,
Barb (Bfjwheels)