Hi, Mark, Some years ago there was an informal study done of people in the Transverse Myelitis Association, and about 1/3 of the respondents had no visible lesion on the spine. I was one of those. I believe my spinal fluid came back clear as well. My dr. said I was diagnosed based on my symptoms adn the ruling out opf other things, like MS, lupus, etc. Barbara H. _http://barbarah.wordpress.com/_ (http://barbarah.wordpress.com/) In a message dated 3/3/2007 12:13:04 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Refresher: I was diagnosed with TM from the head of Neurology at Temple Hospital in Philadelphia at the end of Oct. 2006. I believe he felt it was TM through process of elimination. All of the doctors there at first felt it was an AVM. But after two angeograms the AVM was never found, therefore TM. PS: My MRI and spinal tap did not show TM!! On January 31st I had an appointment with Dr. Greenburg at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. As of today I do not think he believes that I have TM. He too thinks I have an AVM and that the doctors at Temple missed something. Since Jan. 31st his team, Neurology, Radiology, Neuro-surgery, etc. are still reviewing my films and CDs. I was supposed to hear from Dr. Greenburg last week. Nothing yet. But I am being patient. My symptoms are still the numbness from the waist down to my toes. Paying special attention to my feet, thighs and butt. The worst is the inability to urinate on my own. I have not gone on my own since Sept. 21st when I entered the hospital for a 6 week stay. Now I am cathing 4-5 times a day. I am not in any pain other than the bottoms of my feet and my but when I sit on a hard surface too long. I work out in my basement at least five times a week. I am stronger but not better! I don't think my friends understand that. They see that I can walk now with a cane. Sometimes without the cane. (Short distances). They look at me and say I look great and it is hard for me to make them understand that I am numb from the waist down 24/7. And I am tired of explaining it! I hope Dr. Greenburg calls soon with some answers. Not knowing is difficult. Everyone take care and keep fighting!! Mark Marlton, New Jersey <BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.
