Re: [TMIC] Lesion at C5

[L T CHERPESKI]

Hi Sharon Your doc is right - Sjogrens does not always show up in blood tests. Sometimes they will do a lip biopsy, but to be honest, that isn't always accurate either. My symptoms all began in 1987, but I couldn't figure out what to say to my doctor - my first symptoms were in both ankles - the pain was so deep inside both of my ankles I wanted to have them cut off and replace them with artificial ones - and I'm not kidding. Very hard to walk. At the same time my eyes were extremely dry, I could never get enough water to drink and I also had some Central Nervous System involvement. Very much like some of the TM symptoms, but not as extreme. If you google Sjogrens Syndrome there is a wealth of info. It involves the glands not working - inflammation throughout the body which can attack joints &/or organs - and now of course have learned it can also go for the spinal cord, thus TM. If you look on the Sjogrens site they also mention a Shirmer (sp?) test strip to see exactly how dry your eyes are. You said you have had extremely dry eyes since you were 25 - have you had other symptoms as well - joint pain, swollen glands, cracked lips - the list goes on. I look forward to hearing from you Take care Linda (Eagle,ID)     ----- Original Message ----- From: Sharon Marsden To: L T CHERPESKI ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: TM List Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 12:36 PM Subject: Re: [TMIC] Lesion at C5 I'm interested in the Sjogrens.  How was it diagnosed?   I had blood work several months ago and it was negative.  I have developed extremely dry mouth.  I've had severely dry eyes since I was 25.  My doc said Sjogrens doesn't always show up on the blood tests. Sharon   Sharon --from Arizona TM 1997 to MS 1998 It's not easy taking my problems one at a time when they refuse to get in line.  ~Ashleigh Brilliant http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MSersLife/ ----- Original Message ---- From: L T CHERPESKI <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: TM List <TMIC-list@eskimo.com> Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 10:39:32 PM Subject: Re: [TMIC] Lesion at C5 Hi Michelle and Patti, And Heather - what a great memory you have!  I actually did live in Bothell for 28 years, until the middle of May of this year we moved to Eagle, Idaho (outside of Boise) Most of our family is here. I was forced (due to TM) to retire from my job of 31 years insuring show horses. Now my husband is retired also.   Welcome Michelle - I am very sorry to hear you are having such a hard time right now. It always amazes me that we can have lesions in the same areas and yet have such different symptoms. I have not had problems with my arms or hands - except when my Sjogrens rears its ugly head and then all of my joints hurt. And I certainly have not had a swollen tongue and facial paralysis. I have however had severe shooting pains from my lesions C4-6 up the right side of my head and even over the head clear to my forehead. Docs have no clue - except possibly a nerve in the lesion????? 4+ years and have never had any of this. Very painful, and still no answers.   Michelle - I hope you have or are going to check with your doc regarding your symptoms. And yes Patti is right on - TM does bring us to a life of reality. I have been reflecting lately - for me, not necessarily a good thing - my life has changed so drastically. I just have to keep telling myself - chin up, it could be worse. ( By the way, what part of Bothell do you live in? I loved it there.)   God Bless you and all of our fellow TMers hugs Linda (now Eagle, ID) ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: tmic-list-at-eskimo.com Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 12:47 PM Subject: [TMIC] Lesion at C5 Hi Michelle Please forgive us for getting on the print and type tangent.  It seems we get off track when the group is quiet and no one is discussing an urgent TM need. I understand your frustration with the numbness in your hands because my lesion at C4-C6 causes me the same problems.  I type with my thumbs and index fingers, my typing is horrid and it takes me forever to type a post.  Two weeks before TM struck I googled MS because I kept dropping things and I knew it could be a symptom of MS. I read that MS usually strikes before age 50 and since I was 53 I hit the exit button and breathed a sigh of relief!  Duh!  I can never go back to being that nieve' again - TM brings us to a life of reality doesn't it. It's good to learn that your MRI didn't show any brain lesions.  It sounds like something might be going on (swollen tongue and facial paralysis), but maybe the future MS drugs will stop future lesions. Heather was right about Linda having lived in Bothel Wa, but she moved to another state a few months ago.  God bless you Patti  -  Michigan (and I pray that he heals me and all of you out there)