I don't think that my legs have been warm since I was
paralyzed from breast level down. They freeze on the
outside and burn on the inside. I came down with tm
after having pneumonia three weeks prior. I have re-
gained my ability to walk, I have some control over
bladder/bowel functions and have learned to listen to
my body. The docs all told me to do what I could, but
first of all, listen to your body and rest when it tells you
to!! I can do most of anything if I pace myself. If I put
too many demands on my body, it tells me!!
I've learned over the last three years to take what I was
given and make the most of it! Our attitude is all impor-
tant! And laughter is the best medicine! these may be
cliches, but they are applicable to those of us with tm.
We can go through life complaining or we can go on with
a positive attitude and help ourselves. Our attitude makes
others either want to be with us, help us, or to run from us
as fast as they can.
When you need to 'talk about it' talk to us--we understand
what you are talking about! and some of us may have found
a way to cope or compensate for what's happening to you.
Our tm experiences in this group cover many years and there's
always someone who knows what you are talking about! We're
glad you have found us, only sorry that you have to know tm to
look for us. I'll tell you this, this is a great group!!
I think that you will learn to do more things for longer periods of
time as you move away from first getting tm. My hubby would go
with me to the grocery, let me use the cart for balance, and we'd
shop only as long as I could and still be able to 'walk' to the car.
One of my pts early on told me to walk every chance I got, but to
walk only as far as I could, turn, around and return on my own. I
didn't hear him until the first time I attempted to walk in the yard
with my hubby, I walked just a little ways and all of a sudden I
couldn't muster another step--so luckily Frank was able to reach
a lawn chair ere I went to the ground. (Once on the ground, I was
there to stay for I became dead weight and he couldn't get me up)!
I was kinda' like a kid being told hot--until I tried it I didn't under-
stand. It took only one lesson for me to learn and then we began
walking each night, a little further each night and that helped me
with my stamina and also served me to know what my limitations
were. You'll leaarn lots of ways to cope with your new partner, tm,
and then you will be able to share with us what has worked for you.
I've run on...
Welcome, JanH