I am 29 years old and was diagnosed with Tranverse Myelitis
eight weeks ago.
Just a few days after I began to experience unusual symptoms
(aching and numbness from waist down), I lost the ability to
urinate on my own. After being seen by scores of doctors, a
neurologist finally diagnosed me with TM and immediately
admitted me to the hospital for intravenous steroid
treatments. Fortunately, I have regained the ability to
empty my bladder on my own. However, the other symptoms
continue to persist.
In fact, I have recently experienced tremors in my hands,
shortness of breath and extreme sensitivity of my teeth to
cold or sugary foods/drinks. My internist thinks these
symptoms might be side effects of the steroid treatments (I
continued to take oral Prednisone for nearly five weeks
after the initial I.V. treatments). My neurologist
attributes the symptoms to anxiety (I disagree!)
Has anyone else had a similar experience? This is such a
frustrating disease with many unknowns -- It would bring me
comfort to talk to others who have been through this, too!