Transverse Myelitis does not affect the brain. I would think that IF you can handle whatever stress is involved, you could handle the job. Physical therapy is a real benefit to most all of us. This can build up a lot of strength in your legs, etc. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing and what help you are getting. Janice
From: Ryota Nishino Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 11:27 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [TMIC] New to T/M mail list To fellow myelitis fighters, I stumbled upon your website and signed up for email list immediately. Does anyone know of someone with transverse myelitis in Fiji and a good neurolosist? I have had t/m since 5 Oct last year, just a few weeks before I turned 34. I relocated from Christchurch in New Zealand to Fiji in June as I got a new job. The sun did some good as area of numbness was reduced within a few days of arrival in Fiji. But the conditions have been stagnant. But I feel that I need to consult a local GP with the view to seek further treatment in Australia or in NZ. At the onset I was not sure what it was and hope that it would go away. I waited for a month and decided it was time to seek medical treatment. Then I went through MRI scan in Dec 2010 in Christchurch, and lumbar puncture in April an Auckland this year. (The February earthquake in Christchurch caused a havoc in the local medical system.) The results confirmed lesions in my spine and slight abnormality in my white blood cell. The neurologists thought of my conditions as moderate and did not think that it would deteriorate. They suggested 'wait and see' as the first option as diagnosis was too late for steroid intervention, and hoping for natural recovery. On one hand I am pleased that I did not end up taking medications and risk side effects. But I wonder if my doctors simply gave up. My mobility is compromised: weakness in legs, but not as bad as other people with t/m. I can ride my bike and swim. Legs twitch spontaneously, especially when I relax. Walking is possible but with robot-like swagger, but difficult and slow. Balance is difficult. Bladder and bowel dysfunctions add to my angst. My hands seize up on contact with heat. Sleep is rather disrupted, although this has been a problem since the first earthquake in Christchurch, September last year. I used to be very active: cycling, swimming, gym, running, etc. Weight gain is a concern. One thing that worries me is what to do with my 'career aspirations' in the ivory tower - a very competitive and ruthless field. It can be stressful and may aggrevate my conditions. Should I change tack? (I am 35 y/o, male, single, no family support) When applying for new jobs should I declare myself as having disabilities? My previous GP in New Zealand did not think that my conditions are not too severe to carry out duties as a lecturer (my job) and need not make such declaration. At times I feel as if I need to 'come out', but I feel as if I am making myself a less attractive job candidate. I contacted reps of the t/m support group in New Zealand and Australia and asked for some names in Fiji. But I thought it best to cast my net wider. Anyways, I would appreciate your responses. Ryota Nishino [email protected]
