Naomi,
I will certainly pray for you. I'm so glad you have someone else to assist
you when necessary. I've so afraid my husband is going to get burned out,
because he treats me so, so good, but I just have to hope he doesn't. Natalie
M.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Natalie,
I was diagnosed with TM about a week after I had flulike symptoms. I was out
of state, attending a wedding reception, when I felt a very sharp pain in my
neck and left arm. I immediately told my husband I need to go to the hospital.
By the time we made it to the elevator, my legs gave out, and I slumped to the
floor, unable to breathe. I was at the hospital in less than 20 minutes. By
the time I got there, I could only move my left foot. I was in intensive care
on a ventilator. The neurologist at that hospital diagnosed me with
Guillain-Barré syndrome. The other doctors were not in agreement with him.
They said I did not have all the symptoms.
Six days later, I was flown back to Michigan where I continue to stay in
intensive care . After more MRIs and spinal tap, I was diagnosed with
Transverse Myelitis, two days after I got there. I received five sessions of
plasmapheresis, after which I got back movement of my left leg and partial
movement of my left arm. My right side is still totally paralyzed. I have all
the other wacky symptoms such as unable to detect sharp from dull. I can't tell
how hot things are but cold is painful. I have nerve pain in my legs, feet,
arms and hands. I have numerous other symptoms such as banding, loss of
bladder control, etc. I am classified as a C4 quadriplegic.
I have a family member that acts as my caregiver, along with my husband. I
have to have someone with me 24 hour a day. My insurance doesn't cover the
cost of a caregiver. It is a constant battle trying to get the things that I
need. Yes, I am in a wheelchair.
I think it's amazing that the young lady was able to live on her own. If I
just had to use of my hands, I can live on my own as well. I know she is truly
an inspiration. There aren't very many quadriplegics who are able to live on
their own. I go on the quadriplegic-paraplegic message board also, because I
can identify more with the quads than with the TM board members. There are
many TMer's who are quadriplegics. I am still trying to get more therapy and
hopes that that will help me some. Pray for me.
Naomi
C-4 quad since July 2, 2005
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