It is a long road, Mindy, and as the years pass, for some of us, it is slow going. I remember at the two year mark how much hope remained in my heart, soul and mind. The Dr.'s all told me that many persons find improvement and change within the first three years, after the three year mark...it is not likely to see any more improvement. I hoped, I prayed, I remained positive, yet I experienced no improvement in sensation or movement. I remained paralyzed from T3 (right under the breasts), to the tips of my toes. I still felt no sense of touch when someone ran their fingers over my abdomen, thighs, legs feet and toes. And eight years later, nothing has changed. I don't mean to burst anyone's bubble...change can happen. I've read plenty of stories from persons I know and trust completely. I believe that their stories are true. Recovery from being paralyzed to regaining movement is not unheard of... Only not for me. I hope and pray that you are one of the lucky ones, Mindy. Keep exercising those legs, do range of motion movements religiously, several times a day. I was lax at doing my exercises and therefore ruined whatever chance at recovery I might have had. I will never forgive myself. I remain profoundly paralyzed to this day. But it could be worse. I am fortunate to have the use of my arms, hands and fingers. I can move with ease every part of my body above my breasts. I am thankful for every inch of movement and sensation I have. Try to remain positive. Exercise your mind along with your body. Keep up with your friends and affiliations to the best of your ability and the days that you feel like simply staying in bed and not participating are the days when you need to do something more than ever. Get your butt out of that bed. Learn from me, who did not do the things recommended by the docs. To this day, I lay in bed. I read, watch too much television and occasionally have the pleasure of a visit from a friend. But life is not what it was. The old adage, Don't do as I do, do as I say, is perfectly true to this day. Enjoy your new life...it's the only one you have. Love, Jude In a message dated 3/1/2009 11:47:27 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes:
today is my 2 year anniversary of contracting TM. Mindy the Artist **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1218822736x1201267884/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID %3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62)
