Hi All
I was working at the local Health Food store in 2004, as a Nutritional Consultant. My legs had been "asleep" for awhile - I had gone to the Chiro and the Massage Therapist in case I had a muscle knot somewhere. Nothing. I continued to lose feeling over the course of several weeks, and my legs just hurt. It felt like there were clamps around my knees. It wasn't until a really good looking young man made a pass at my by touching my "butt" and awaiting a response, that I realized something was dreadfully wrong. By this time I could hardly walk, there was a horrible band around my chest and I was admitted to hospital. An MRI showed a lesion at T 4-5 and I was treated for MS. I fought that decision, and finally two years later after a spinal tap I was diagnosed with TM. In the two years it took for a diagnosis, I fought hard every day to walk, to work, to look after my family (I am a single mom). In September of 2008 a neurologist said that that was it. No point in fighting anymore, as I wasn't going to get better. The damage is done. That sent me into a tailspin, as all I had known was to fight this thing. I do have good mobility. The cold weather sets my legs off. I have a problem with their temperature. Imagine, a heating pad in the summer! I am managed by lyrica, effexor, oxycodone, and flexeril when I need it. On really bad days, when nothing helps, my Dr. lets me have a Demerol shot to help with the pain. I have had lidocaine infusions, they did not help. I am currently off on medical leave, just to rest up and get "it" together. I have applied for CPP disability. I am back to fighting, but not as hard. It is more like managing now. I am not sure I will ever be able to manage working full time any more. I just get too tired. I "lurk" in the background. I appreciate so much all the comments that are made: like the accidental passing of gas - that was a relief, I thought I was really out of it when that happened, so I was glad to know it is part and parcel. Like the bladder issues. Like the medication issues, the depression, the suicidal thoughts. Although I do not contribute very often, I want you all to know that I truly appreciate everything that is said on here. And thank you to all of you for sharing. Janet Dunn
