Re: New Member
Jo Ellen Finkelstein (ghellen(AT)ninenet.com)
Sat, 16 Jan 1999 22:53:50 -0600
Bfjwheels(AT)aol.com wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone
>
> 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)Hey Barb, Joellen here. You got a feeling???!!! Trust me dear it's more
than a feeling it's the truth. Most Doc'a know zip about this and
trying to tell them can sometimes run you up against the proverbial
"brick wall"! The old "Tin-God" syndrome! I had to educate residents,
interns, DRs, nurses, insurance people etc. etc. etc. I really like the
ones who came in and said "hop into this wheelchair so I can take you
for.....test" yeesh! Joellen