> I have been under the impression that I have had TM since Jan 97 but today my Neuro says he
> thinks it is more likely to be an abnormal blood vessel in my spinal cord! This was looked into
> when I got my original dx but all the tests were clear so they went with the TM idea. Now, after
> several months of improvement I have had a sudden relapse, not to my original state but I'm back to staggering around and having trouble lifting each foot. I have just had another course
> of steroids so that if it is inflammation they can stop it before it starts but a new MRI 2 days ago
> shows no new or increased white patches although the dark patch looks slightly darker! Hence
> the revised opinion. I'm still waiting for the Neuro to consult the Radiographer but am looking
> for answers (as always) and wondering if anyone else has had a mixed dx like this. Also, if it
> is an AVM I gather surgery is the only solution and that of course can make things worse. If
> anyone can relate to my position please do let me know. During the last 6 months I have
> been reading the list and have seen lots of my symptoms being suffered by others but the
> AVM can apparently have similar effects. Anyway, hope someone can solve this one for me -
> Debbie
> England
Debbie:
I was fortunate in that my Dx was made immediately. I found it interesting that an article on TM had appeared in a Neurology Journal in 1981, the year I was dx'd. A few years later I served
as a teaching example to a number of med. students and they all missed the Dx. I've asked a number of MD's to diagnosis me and they typically fail. I've looked at my MRI and an MRI where the
person had MS. You could clearly see the spots on the MS patients and mine looked completely normal. Its been about 11 years since my MRI and maybe I can convince someone to pay for another.
All I can say is hang in there and if I can be of more help..let me know.
Roger
PS. My heart felt condolences to you and the people of England in your loss of a real lady and a true advocate of the handicapped, Lady Diana. May she rest in peace.