Thank you!

Gail Lara (gail(AT)loop.com)
Wed, 20 Jan 1999 21:04:57 -0800

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Hello,
 
I sent my very first letter to your community on Monday night, and the feedback that I have received has been enormous, and so comforting. I believe that I have been able to individually reply to everyone, but just in case I accidentally left somebody out, I thought I would send one to the List.
 
It really does feel good to hear from people in the same boat. It is nice to hear from other's who like me, are very close to someone with TM, as well as being able to hear from other people who have it and who ARE NOT DEPRESSED!
 
My Mother's symptoms started in 1994, but they didn't get severe until the end of 1997. She is pretty much numb from the neck down, but is able to get around with a walker (slowly and painfully). She has the tight "girdle" feeling around her trunk, and is losing her bladder and bowel functions.
 
She is convinced that there is no turning back. I would love to be able to share more stories with her (like Lynn Rose's) of people who couldn't walk or were near paralyzed and have gained back some of their functions. Would I be best directed to go to the archives, that I've heard some references too?
 
I have forwarded most of your responses to my Father, who is finding a great deal of comfort as well.  We are working on a plan.
 
Thank you everybody!

Gail

J