Wow, what a surprise to learn someone with TM lives so close to me. I was
sorry to learn about your contracting TM in July 1998, but quite happy that
you have come so far in your recovery. I can still remember "my"
anger/frustration/fear even though it was July 1989 when I contracted TM. I
would love to meet with you sometime, if this would be possible? Needless to
say, I'm sure we have some "interesting" stories to share with each other.
Two days ago I sent in my registration deposit for the 1st Symposium in
Seattle, Washington in August. This will be a tough trip for me to make, but
I NEED to make it. There are so many things I still don't know about TM and,
unfortunately, most doctors are only briefly familiar with our disease.
Hopefully, this conference will enlighten me and help to inform my doctors as
well.
I have been going to the Univ. of PA Pain Clinic in Philadelphia now for
almost 2-1/2 years. When I was first sent to the program, I felt annoyed
that my primary care doctor was reluctant to give me the medication I needed.
However, after six months I came to realize that the program was the best
thing for me. The doctors truly understand my concerns and LISTEN--actually
LISTEN with both ears. It hasn't always been a smooth ride there, as
basically I feel like a guinea pig--a lot of trial and error. But they
haven't given up and neither have I. The end result has been pain I can
"mostly" tolerate and live with.
Thanks for contacting me. I'll look forward to hearing from you again.
PatS.
(West Chester, PA)