Barb - my lesion is also at T-10 according to my neuro. On my last MRI, he said the nerves have healed and are not swollen, but the protective coating has been destroyed and that is was causing the problems. He also confirms the TM diagnosis. I am able to walk in the house without any aids, but I cannot stand alone for anymore than a few seconds. When I am moving I am o.k. but when I stop I have to have something to hold on to. My family said I waddle like a duck when walking but at least I can get where I want to go.
I used to use the walker with a wheels and a seat while cooking, but I don't have to do that anymore. I am pooped after. I also use a walker when I am out and about. I need the security of having something to hold on it. I also have an electric cart so I can get around to various functions, but don't use it much during the winter. I use it when going to things like the State Fair, etc. It is always so nice when we can compare symptoms and problems. It shows we are not alone in this. Take care and don't give up! Patti - Wisconsin From: Barbara Alma [mailto:balmat...@aol.com] Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 6:20 AM To: rj_ran...@yahoo.com; tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [TMIC] TM and Pilates Hi Randy, Yes, I have residuals. I can walk, but not well without aids. When I do, I use up so much of my energy that I cannot function much after doing just a very small amount, so it's just not worth it. Around the house I use a walker with wheels for household chores like laundry and while doing my cooking prep at the kitchen table, etc. I can't walk and carry hardly anything unless it's like from one counter to another in the kitchen or if there isn't any weight to it. It just doesn't work for me. Like can't walk and chew gum, you know? It's just easier than using a cane or crutch and then going back and forth with just one thing at a time. I can load it up and carry a bunch of stuff at once. But, I really give myself a workout just trying to cook at the stove. That's a real challenge for me to stand at the stove for very long and I really miss spending more time cooking. My daughter in-law says when I start to look like a cowgirl, that's when you know that I'm in trouble and looking like I'm in danger of overdoing it. So, I do as much as I can sitting. Hugs, Barbara A in Auburn CA -----Original Message----- From: rj_ran...@yahoo.com To: Barbara Alma <balmat...@aol.com>; tmic-list@eskimo.com Sent: Sat, Feb 13, 2010 9:51 pm Subject: Re: [TMIC] TM and Pilates Barbara you helped restore some of my sanity. Do you still have residual problems? My same neuro suggested that it have been auto immunine disorder. I didn't know if he was suggesting a virus and when I asked I think that he might have thought that I just don't have enough background knowledge to understand. I know that I have been checked for a lot of pathogens and each time it was always negative. I did get eatten up by mosqiutoes in the deep woods of a national forrest 2 weeks before the tm experience set in. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry _____ From: Barbara Alma <balmat...@aol.com> Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:39:33 -0500 To: <rj_ran...@yahoo.com>; <tmic-list@eskimo.com> Subject: Re: [TMIC] TM and Pilates Hi Randy and all TMIC, I am another one who was originally told that I had TM and am now being told that I don't, and that's by the same doctor and another as well. I've never been talked to about MS though. I had only one attack, was paralyzed from waist to toes within 15 minutes, at lesion T8-10. I even went to 2 different hospitals, as I wanted a second opinion, both with a TM diagnosis. After about 3 yrs I was told by my first Neuro, who became my treating Neuro that I didn't have TM. He didn't know what caused the paralysis and no other information as to why. Not a spinal infarction or stroke, or anything else. I had trouble with my disability claim and he was the cause so I changed Neuro's a few of years later and she had MRI's done and told me the same thing. MRI's have come a long way and the lesion is not there any longer and they can't see any cause, like a bleed or anything. She looked for evidence of a bleed because she wanted to rule out the possibility of it happening again and couldn't find it. So guys, since I've had 2 Neuro's both tell me that I don't have TM, I really don't care. I'm sticking with it, and you are just stuck with me. I'm happy here, I get the support that I need, I give it when I can, and I'm not going anywhere. I really don't know what caused my problems, and I really don't care at this point. It is what it is. I've had this crap for over 10 years and it's not going away. I had TM symptoms and that's where I started, so I'm sticking with it. Hugs, Barbara A in Auburn CA -----Original Message----- From: rj_ran...@yahoo.com To: Grace M. <grace...@gmail.com> Cc: Janice Nichols <jan...@centurytel.net>; tmic-list@eskimo.com Sent: Sat, Feb 13, 2010 1:18 pm Subject: Re: [TMIC] TM and Pilates Janice its ok. I've actually been wondering if I should stay. I feel very awkward these days. I've been told more than once that I had all the "textbook" signs for ms and I did loose my left foot followed by my right leg then my bladder was told I had tm and went through the most unbelievable facial pain. Had several doc all with different ideas and one that got me on my feet and another that got me in pt and walking again I've been hospitalized 4 times and now suddenly I am told that I don't have ms and show no signs of tm. I pray to God nothing comes back. I spent an entire summer pushing myself on a tread mill trying to rebuild my strenght but that was after the years of trying to cross my legs and do odd excercises on the bed floor and chair that the pt taught me. It sure has been a mentally brain warping experience. Tx grace for calling me fam. This is a great group of people and have helped me get through a lot of challenges as well as put up with my venting from time to time. I think we all have to vent. ------Original Message------ From: Grace M. To: rj_ran...@yahoo.com Cc: Janice Nichols Cc: tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [TMIC] TM and Pilates Sent: Feb 13, 2010 2:26 PM Randy, You're like family here at the site and have a lot of good input to offer. I think that you and I came around the same time. Janice, we don't have to currently be ill in order to participate here. ALL are welcome. It's not an exclusive club. Respectfully, Grace Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
