Tim I am so "glad" to hear that living with TM does not mean a shortened life - glad in the fact that I don't have to go for that drive in the mountains and missing a curve that has a real steep drop - this is always what I've said I'd do if dx with a life threathening condition.
It's been 35+ years from my colitis experiences and had hoped for another 30+ years. Due to my allergies - which developed during the colitis, I have not been able to take the flu shot. But during 2005 I had several incidents that I feel let up to my contracting TM - an abcess due to the rectumn being removed 30 yrs ago and during that time gaining & losing weight left several pockets that caused the abcess. I had one surgeon suggest that the abcess was in "my head - imgained" because he couldn't find an abcess even though the interalist sent me to the surgeon and had me on antibotics; an interalist that prescribed Fylgal, which I was later told was a devrivative of Pencillin which I'm highly algeric to and had a severe reaction - couldn't breathe and hives all over my body; a surgry that resulted in a botched intabation and getting a nicke in my left vocal cord; CT scans showing an internal "fluid mass" around my uterus and spine which the surgeon was "not concerned about"; a rash on my left arm, for 3 months following the surgery, that the surgeon and interneralist weren't concerned with; an ambulance ride when TM struck that was not stocked with prope! r equipment to start IV, etc., and a gurnery that had to be tied in the ambulance because it wouldn't lock into place - somehow I feel that all of the above let up to my TM - my immune system being shocked and ignored by several "good knowledgable doctors"! I hope to NEVER having another year like 2005. Thank you all for the info and letting me sound off. ----- Original Message ----- From: Kenneth Oliver To: [EMAIL PROTECTED];[EMAIL PROTECTED];[email protected] Sent: 1/23/2007 11:44:43 PM Subject: Re: [TMIC] flu and pneumonia shots Jan. 31 marks 27 yrs with Tm , I spent 9wks in the hospital. I have not had a flu or pneumonia shots since 1980. I have not had the flu or colds for all these years. I was told by my doctor back then not to have them. I am glad he so advised me. By the way I'll be 82 April 1st. Ken in the hill country of Tx. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [email protected] Subject: Re: [TMIC] flu and pneumonia shots Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:56:38 EST I was perfectly healthy until the day I got the flu shot. After I got the shot the nurse handed me the paperwork that comes with the vaccination. When I got home I read it and one of the side effects listed was Transverse Myelitis. I didn't know what the heck that was......until I became paralyzed, was diagnosed and did an internet search. My suggestion? Read the paperwork BEFORE you get the vaccination and then make your decision as to whether or not you want that shot. Flu vaccines contain a full dose of mercury plus brain damaging aluminum. I think it was the mercury that did me in because I have no problem with my brain. Elderly who receive the shot for five years increase their risk of Alzheimers disease 10-fold (1,000 %). I got that paralyzing flu shot ten years ago and haven't had a flu shot since. And.....I haven't had the flu for the past ten years. I boost the heck out of my immune system with vitamins/minerals and it works for me..... also haven't had a cold, pneumonia, bronchiatis, etc. I used to get bronchiatis so bad every winter that I was down in bed for 2-3 weeks. I'm so glad those days are over.....! Don't even get me started on infant vaccines and what they are doing to our children. ~ Lynn
