May 21, 2005. The tingling of both my legs started mid afternoon on Friday, the 20th, my legs completely giving out by 7AM on the 21st and by noon, I was paralyzed from the chest (T4) down.
No one knew what was wrong so I was just left laying on the ambulance gurney and then the ER table until about 11PM when Jack, my husband, insisted that something be done. Finally they made arrangements to fly me to Harborview in Seattle which probably saved my life. There was about 6 neuros waiting for me at the ER door and about the first thing they asked was if I had a living will and would I like to talk to a priest or pastor. They had finally given me something for the horrendous pain so I was in la-la land and said that I was 'fine' (right!) so they rushed me to ICU and gave me high doses of steroids. One week there of every imaginable blood test, XR, MRI's, brain scans, spinal tap, all trying to decide what was going on. After the main neuro ruled everything out, he said he was quite certain in was TM and he actually said he just didn't know anything about it. Two weeks of PTOT in Richland, WA (about 80 miles from where I live) and I know I've never sweat(and I do mean good old sweat!) as much as in those two weeks. Then I was sent home where I was in a wheel chair and only able to transfer with a board and move my legs by picking them up with my hands. I continued PT/OT in Walla Walla (about 40 miles away) for about a year and tried to go back to work (nursing, also in Walla Walla) but just couldn't do the job (as lead nurse). I had to rely on friends/coworkers to come get me which was way out of their way but they insisted, bless their hearts. I finally tackled driving and I sure don't know how I did it but it worked! After a year, I sadly retired. Now I have my own regime and get around pretty good considering where I was...just plain old stubbornness and tenacity!! I still feel like I'm full of wet sand but by golly, that's okay too!! Sorry for getting so wordy. You asked a very simple question and I 'talk' your ear off!! Jeanne -------Original Message------- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 4/25/2008 2:34:34 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [email protected] Subject: Re: [TMIC] WalkAid - Foot drop Jeanne, What was the date of your onset? Yes, it is nice to know that you are all alone with whatever ails you. Naomi C4-incomplete, quadriplegic since July 2005 due to Transverse Myelitis Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos.
