Patti & Carol. My case is also very similar to the two of you. woke up with a numb arm and within 36 hrs., was paralyzed in the ER, given massive steroids for four days and spent a month at a re-hab facility in aggressive physical and occupational therapy learning to walk and use my hands again. I went from using a cane (and wheelchair or scooter when needed), to hiking sticks, to now only a cane when on long walks (like the mall) or wearing a light-weight "TrueLife" brace on my left leg to help with my balance - it prevents tripping due to a "drop foot" condition. I also wear a compression stocking with the brace to help keep my left ankle from swelling.
My question to you is, are either of you on any pain or nerve medication? I don't seem to get the pins and needles sensation or hot/cold feeling unless I am at the very end of my medication cycle (I take Hydrocodone and Gabapentin every 6 hrs.). I've taken to wearing one pair of regular socks and adding a pair of "ankle" socks on top which keeps my feet feeling relatively normal. Maybe I have just adapted to the feeling after nearly six years with TM. Actually my knees bother me more than my feet. I get "twinges" at times and if I torque my body in any way or have to climb my stairs too many times a day, they get really painful. Given the extremes that many TM'rs suffer, I too feel very fortunate my condition is no worse than it is. If this is what I deal with for the rest of my life, then so be it - I can do it. My only wish is that they find either some way to prevent it or at least some way to treat it effectively for all so no one ever has to suffer - especially the children! It's hard for anyone, but my heart goes out to the little ones! Bless you all, Betty (in Northern California) _____ From: pat cooley [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 06, 2012 10:57 AM To: Carol E Cc: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re: [TMIC] Extent of your TM? Pins and Needles Carol your story sounds just like mine. I too now get around the house without cane/walker but I do use a cane when I gol out. I am able to walk around most stores hangingj on to the cart but if I go to stores where I have to do a lot of walking I take my electric scooter and then I can power shop with the best of them. I still have the pins & needles and the burning/freezing in my feet and up to my knees. I know this is the way it will always be since it has been almost 4 yrs, but I see that I am not suffering as much as so many of us TMers. Patti in Wisconsin On Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 5:27 PM, Carol E <[email protected]> wrote: Jim, June 2005, I went to bed with severe pins and needles feeling in my right leg. When I woke up, it was as limp as a noodle. I was admitted through the ER and received IV steroids, I think it was 9 hours. During my 5 week stay in the hospital, I received intensive PT. About 3 weeks into my physical therapy, I remember the therapist told me to try to wiggle my toes. I looked her like she was seriously crazy. I tried....and they moved (very little, but they moved). Brought both of us to tears. Before my discharge, I was walking small distances with a walker and I know use a cane. I continued with out patient physical therapy for about 2 months. My power shopping days are over, LOL! but I can walk in, get what I need, and leave. On bad days, I don't even try it. Both legs feel very heavy, but my right leg is worse. I too have pins and needles torture from my toes up to my waist. Carol _____ Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2012 11:55:22 -1000 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: [TMIC] Extent of your TM? Pins and Needles >From the discussion of Pins and Needles it seems that most of you are able to get around and have some use of your legs. I have pins and needles from my feet to my belly and no use of my legs at all. And they weigh a ton. Been like this since day one. Did any of you lose the use of your legs and then get them back? If so, how long did it take and how did you do it? Jim
