Hi,.....I've been wondering if anyone else experienced swelling in their
affected limbs? In 1981 I had my attack of TM, [that's what the doctors
are calling it now] I was left with residual swelling in my right hand.
We tried extensive PT to try and bring it back to normal, as well as my
legs, which did respond well, and I was able to walk out of the hospital
after 10 days. I was given a "possible" dx of MS. For the next 10 years
I lead a pretty active life, playing tennis, walking, teaching school,
and raising my family. I had "episodes" of down time, and a couple times
lost my walking, but it always came back. My r. arm and hand never has
returned to full usage. The swelling has been continual, but in the
beginning years I could still write, and I forced myself to use it as
much as possible. Sometimes then it felt like a nerve was being
pinched, and the numbness and swelling would increase, and ache. It has
now pretty much quit on me, and I only use it to assist my left
hand/arm. It's still swollen, and numb. I have to concentrate pretty
intense to hold on to anything. [but, I don't want to give up using it
altogether]
From 1991 until now my right leg developed problems. I don't know if
this was precipitated by "another" attack of TM, or what? [I'm in the
middle of more tests to rule out MS] I was given a dx of MS in '94, but
I was never satisfied with it. There was always some nagging thoughts
about, how could it be MS if I only have 1 lesion?
Now, since my legs are affected, my right foot has developed a drop, and
a permanent contracture. This last year, it also has developed alot of
swelling. I contributed this to my monthly cycle [sorry, guys :)].
During this time EVERY symptom I have is intensified.
I've never had double vision, but I do have a hard time following fast
movements. I am constantly asking my husband to slowwww down when he is
going below the speed limit. Going around corners just about kills me, I
feel so off balance.
I also have a tremendous amount of whole body pain, but we're trying to
decide if that's caused by fibromyalgia, or TM.
I'm being seen by an MS expert at Oregon Health Science University, and
she is leaning more towards the TM, than the MS because of having only 1
lesion. I've had another MRI of my brain last week, and I go for Evoked
Potentials Thurs.
There's always been these weird little symptoms that come and go, that
no ones been able to explain to me. Could someone explain to me what
"tone" means? Is it the same as a muscle spasm, or contraction.
I know this is a long letter, I hope you all don't mind? [easier than
writing a dozen] :)
Smiles from Jackie/Vancouver, Wa.
p/s humid heat causes my arms/legs to turn to jelly, and fatigue is
pretty intense. I can go in a hot-tub just for a little while, 10 mins.
max. [95-98 degrees]