Jim, what can I say...you are an amazing person that has done so much for so many. Thank you so much! Most of us don't know why TM is part of our life, but because of all you have done, things have been better for each of us as we go through this. I can't imagine my life without the support of the this group. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Jenna
----- Original Message ---- From: Jim Lubin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2008 5:15:12 PM Subject: [TMIC] 19 year TM Anniversary On May 17, 1989, I became paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a ventilator to breathe due to Transverse Myelitis. I was 21. I woke up with a pain in my shoulder. Went to work and about 30 mins later the pain got very intense. I suddenly could not stand then stopped breathing. I later found out that my heart stopped and it took awhile for them to stabilize me to even transport me to the hospital a few blocks away. The doctors had no idea what had happened to me. initial thought were possibly a stroke, lyme disease, or Guillain-Barre Syndrome. I was in and out during that time, could not talk, only remember bits. After about 2 weeks I had a MRI and was given the diagnoses of Acute Transverse Myelitis. I was in ICU until July 31 then transfered to rehab. In rehab I was treated as a person with a spinal cord injury. I had physical therapy which consisted of giving me range of motion and practice driving my sip and puff operated wheelchair. In speech therapy and occupational therapy I learned morse code to access the computer. I practiced typing and played tetris and chess. In October, I was able to leave the hospital for the first time and went to see the Batman movie. I started going to movies about once a week. The nurses always tried to get the other patients to go out when I went because I was the only vent dependent high level quadriplegic and enjoyed going out. Others were paraplegics, having problems dealing with their condition. I was in rehab until January 31st. I've been paralyzed most of my life. Wow how time flies. ---- Jim Lubin [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://makoa.org/jim disAbility Resources: http://www.makoa.org
