transverse myelitis
Michele Rowe (rowe4(AT)penn.com)
Mon, 25 Jan 1999 12:14:12 -0800
I'm doing OK most of the time. I originally was diagnosed in 1996 then I
had a small flare up in Sept. of 1998 then in Dec. of 1998 I had another
flare up, more severe I would say. But between Sept. and Dec. I had major
trouble with my gall bladder and had to have it removed by laser. I was
very sick. Threw up for 3 weeks(2 before having the gall bladder removed
and about 1 week after) and I had the hiccups for 8 days. Lost 15 pounds.
My neurologist believes this is what triggered my on set of transverse
myelytis. So on Dec. 15 I started my 5 days of iv solumedrol and then a
tapering of the steroids until Jan. 9. Now I am on tegretol, twice a day
and clonopin at bedtime and zantac in the morning. I believe I am making
progress but it is so slow, it's frustrating. My right hand is working
better but not right yet. My skin sensitivity is terrible. It is by my
waist on the right side and everything hurts it. My band is tight now
which before had practically gone away. My myelitis affects both arms and
both legs. I made almost a complete recovery the first time and I was
paralyzed on the right side and I wasn't nearly as bad this time. It's
just so upsetting, especially to have happened around the holidays. I
haven't worked since Dec. 15 and I am a secretary for a school district.
My hair also falls out. Not completely and other people can't seem to tell
it but it's upsetting to me. This puzzles my dr. I have an appt. on Fri.
Jan 15, for an MRI and to see my neurologist. I travel 3 hours for this
appt. so I'm hoping our weather is fit. I live in a rural area and I
travel to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. I am praying for a
good report. Thanks for listening. Your response would be appreciated.Dr.
appt. got cancelled because of bad weather. I am going on Jan. 28.
Sincerely,
Michele Rowe
rowe4(AT)penn.com