Dear Jim.
When I had the attack of TM and was?taken to the hospital, the doctors in the
ER had no idea what had happened to me.? After?I was finally diagnosed by a
Colombian neurologist who was practicing here, my daughter immediately began
researching TM on the Internet and found this wonderful and informative site.?
Through this site she found out about Dr. Kerr and got me an appointment with
him.? I began feeling more confident after I met him and his staff.? After
seven years I can walk short distances, but my hands are still paralyzed.? I
would never have met all these wonderful people here had you not started?the
TMIC web site? I look forward to reading the posts every day.? Thank you for
all the hard work you do!? You are a class act!
With heartfelt thanks,
Priscilla in TN
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Lubin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sat, 17 May 2008 5:15 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
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