Subj:	Diagnosed in August 1998- Also have scoliosis
Date:	11/18/98 1:52:45 PM EST
From:	SCU04(AT)aol.com
To:	tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com

Hello to All - my name is Shelia.  

I came down with this illness in August 1998 while I was taking a shower
getting ready to go to work.  It felt as though someone was pushing me down by
the shoulders as hard as they could and I had tingling in both arms all the
way down to the fingertips on both hands.  Over the next 24 hours, my left arm
was paralyzed, I had the tight band around my waist as many people describe
with frequent urination and bowel problems, my left eyelid would only open
halfway, but my vision did not seem to be affected.  My legs were also
affected- I could still walk, but with a horrible limp (that's the best
description I can think of).  My first trip to the ER resulted in me being
sent home with Naproxen and some kind of pain killer and to follow up with my
regular doctor. My send trip, which was later that night resulted in the ER
doctor referring me for an MRI the next day.  My insurance company denied the
MRI the next day because my PCP did not order it.  The ER doc also had wanted
to admit me that night, but my PCP would not approve.  Well, I eventually saw
my PCP who took one look at me and referred me to a neuro.  The neuro admitted
me on an emergency basis.  I had 2 MRI's, spinal tap and blood work.  He
started me on steroids and then changed me over the Solumedrol for 3 days and
sent me home with a 21 day supply of Medrol to take in decreasing doses.  I
was out of work for 3 weeks and then went back to work half days for a month
and then full time.  My spine is affected in the neck area.  Before any of
this happened, the only symptom I had was the left side of my neck and top of
my left shoulders ached - I thought I had bursistis.  

I do have a question- I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child and had a
spinal fusion.  I was wondering if anyone else has a history of this who also
has been diagnosed with TM.  My neuro said it did not have anything to do with
my TM.  Too much of a coincidence for me though. 

Since August, I have improved about  90%.  I can walk normally and can do most
things.  My symptoms that I have at present are:  burning sensations in my
right hand and arm, bottom of right foot and the back of my calf on the right
leg.  My left hand has some numbness in the fingertips.  I too, seem to be
affected by the cold air.  It seems as though it makes the burning sensation
worse.  The cold air also makes my hand stiff.  My back has numbness on the
right side and all the way down my leg.  Although it seems as though my leg
has more numbness on the outside part of the leg as does my hand.  I have
gained back some feeling in the palm of the right hand to feel cold and hot
sensations.  My back and leg have not regained that though.  The burning
sensation is the worst when I am fatigued.  I do not take any medications at
this time.  I keep a positive attitude and have faith in Jesus Christ and
concentrate on how blessed I am with the recovery I have made so far. 
 
When my neuro told me what I had, I had never heard of the disease.  He told
me it was not rare but not common either.  He has also told me that the
numbness will be the last symptom to leave - it could take 1 or 2 years and
even after that, when I am fatigued I could still have symptoms.  He has
suggested that I walk a mile a day, but no strenuous exercise.

I have learned alot by reading what others have posted.  I am very very glad I
found this website.  I think doctors need to be more educated about this
disease.

Shelia