Jim,I want to add my thanks for all you have done and continue to do for all of us on the list. I also appreciate your knowledgeable input regarding many matters discussed here on the list. Thanks again! Trudy Ogilvie
On Sat, May 17, 2008 at 5:15 PM, Jim Lubin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > 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 > > > >
