My sympathy to you and your family--especially your father. Maybe my story
will help your mother.
Three years ago my husband died in October, after being an invalid for five
years.
Three months later I went to bed with leg and back pains. I had a rough
night, and shortly after midnight I tried to get up to get a glass of water to
take with my pain pill.
When I tried to get out of bed, I realized my legs were paralyzed. I called
my daughter, who took me to the emergency hospital. I was there five days,
while they took many MRI's, but could not diagnose my problem for sure. I was
then sent to a Rehabilitation Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. At the local
clinic, they diagnosed the problem as TM, with little hope of recovery. They
told me I would never walk again.
True to their prediction, I am paralyzed from T8, with all the bladder &
bowel problems associated with the disease.
Knowing the situation, I thought I have two choices: I can go to a nursing
home, or I can decide to do the best possible with what I have left. Since I
was living alone, I knew that I had to do all that I could to recover.
Rehabilitation was rough, but I am so thankful for the opportunity it gave me.
I was taught all the things necessary for me to return home and live alone.
After a few weeks, I was ready to try driving. I purchased a used van,
practiced using hand controls, took the DVM driving test, and have been
driving for two and a half years. This has given me the independence I so
love.
I did not ask, "Why me?" I really thought, "Why not me?" I had enjoyed
excellent health for 72 years. I have a very supportive family---three
daughters living within minutes of my home, and a son an hour away. All of
them have been so solicitous of my welfare, and so helpful. I know I have
many blessings that others may not have. I truly still enjoy life, and I have
returned to almost all of my former activities. I play bridge 2 or 3 times a
week, volunteer in a thrift shop for charity, entertain (with limitations),
and I find my friends very supportive.
I have had some health problems (two major back surgeries caused by TM), but I
consider myself a very lucky lady, who will be 76 next month.
Please encourage your mother to appreciate what she has---a supportive family,
her relative youth, etc.
My best wishes to you, your mother, and your family. Eileen