EXCELLENT !!!! THOROUGH!!!
YAY CANDY!!!!!
I hadn't seen your reply before i sent mine--- this is very full and generous!
APPLAUSE!
Akua
Help for meds can usually be done with/through the manufactures
patient assistance departments.
For general info with help try these website
http://www.disabilityhelpsite.com/
http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4048063/k.BDDB/Home.htm
For Depression and help with nerve pain, I take Cymbalta. Try these
websites: http://www.cymbalta.com/index.jsp
Lilly is good about help with meds so try -
http://www.lilly.com/responsibility/servingpatients/programs/
Another website for help with meds - http://www.pparx.org/
Some other meds are: Tizanidine (Zanaflex) for muscle spasms;
Hydroco/APAP 7.5-500 Tab for break-thru pain; Tramadol HCL 50mg for
pain, it is a narcotic; Gabapentin is a genetic for Lyrica -
Try
http://www.lyrica.com/index.aspx?source=yahoo&HBX_PK=s_lyrica&HBX_OU=51&o=44962814|221361396|0
and Voltaren Gel for pain in shoulder, arms, elbows, hands and legs.
I also use an Electric Muscle Stimulator (EMS) for pain especially
in my lower back and left neck/shoulder. I did use a TENS which is
constant muscle stimulation but I've found that they EMS is better
because I can program off/on periods of muscle stimulation. The
muscles/nerves seem to like several seconds between the electrical
pulsing. The EMS also delivers the stimul
I've found that heat helps so I have multiple heating devices -
heating pads, seat back covers with massage & heat (Homedic), back
braces with removable gel pads that can be heated in the micro wave
or chilled in refrig/freezer (which I never do because cold is
torture to me). I also have back "packs" that are heated in the
micro wave (I believe they are called Bed Buddy).
For good info on TM try:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/specialty_areas/transverse_myelitis/conditions/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/transverse-myelitis/DS00854
http://www.answers.com/topic/transverse-myelitis
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/transversemyelitis/detail_transversemyelitis.htm
For info on SSD and SSDI help and info:
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/
http://www.disabilityclaimssolutions.com/newsletters.html
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Disinissues/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employee_Retirement_Income_Security_Act
http://www.ddbchicago.com/Quick%20links/federal-disability-laws.html
http://www.lectlaw.com/tgvb.htm
http://erisa.petti-legal.com/
http://www.lectlaw.com/files/gvb07.htm
http://www.govbenefits.gov/
TM is a "cousin" of MS so much of the info regarding MS will apply to TM
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/General-Principles-of-Treating-Neuropathic-Nerve-Pain/show/452?cid=36
I hope some of the info I've covered will help you. To help explain
to your family and friends how TM affects you, read and explain by
the Spoon Theory -
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf
I'm sorry that it's taken over 2 hours for me to write this - even
simple things take 3 to 5 times longer than normal.
Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly!
Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably .
And never regret anything that made you smile.
Prayers and thoughts for you and yours,
Candy K.
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