My name is Giles Moriarty and have recently been diagnosed with TM.
It's so nice to find a support group, but it will take time for me to catch up
with all of the info and experience that you have.
I live in London and have had two 'attacks' of TM. First was in November 1996
and now again in March 1997. My symptoms seem quite mild in comparison to some
I have read about in your postings. On the positive side I was diagnosed
within 3 days by a top Nuerosurgeon here in London and treated with steroids
then discharged within 5 days of the attack. Five days from GP (you know them
as MD's) to discharge. As a result of early treatment I was back at work
within 4 weeks. I had another attack a couple of weeks ago, so went back to
the specialist. This time he did not admit me, and gave me no prescription
other than rest. My symptoms are loss of sensation in my right leg and up my
right side, this is much milder than my first attack which virtually paralysed
me from the waist down. I'm trying to take encouragement from the fact that
this new attack is much less severe than the first, the specialist seems to
think that once this subsides I may never have another attack. I have some
questions please help if you can;
1) I feel that stress had a lot to do with the onset of the second attack.
Does anyone else see this in their lives ?
2) My diet up to now has not been good, so no more coca-cola, chocolate, fried
foods etc. Is there any research on dietary links to TM ?
3) Are there any associations for support in London ?
I know this is a lot to ask from a new member but I feel I have been in the
dark about my own problem, suddenly there is a source of support and
information, I am so glad to have found you....
Giles Moriarty