Hello Naomi, I don't think I've introduced myself, I'm Mark a C5/6 quad from diving. You'd think after being on this list for almost 6 yrs peoples stories would sound the same but they always amaze me and I can tell you're going to do fine in life. Welcome to the Jungle!
Mark Jackson ----- Original Message ----- From: To: [EMAIL PROTECTED];quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: 1/10/2007 5:15:08 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Re: Quad Longevity Hi Stephanie, I saw of posting by you on the quad message board. It caught my eye, because I too, am a C4 -quad due to Transverse Myelitis,1 year post. Here is a little about me and what I've been through. My name is Naomi. I am 50 years old. I was stricken with TM on July 2, 2005. In a matter of minutes, I went from an active, working adult, to a flat on my back, totally paralyzed, terrified patient. I was hundreds of miles away from home at the time that this happened. I had to be flown by med-jet nearly 2 hours to get home. When I awoke in ICU, I was on a ventilator and paralyzed from the neck down. I had the steroid treatment (it drove me crazy ). I also had the plasma exchange, after which I regained movement of my left leg and partial movement of my left arm. I had four months of occupational and physical therapy, while in the hospital. I was discharged into a nursing facility, were I stayed for six months and I had occupational and physical therapy there for five of the six months. I left the nursing facility and went into the hospital to have the Baclofen pump put in, to control my spasticity. The pump has really helped me. I had two months of occupational and physical therapy as an inpatient in the hospital. I was discharged from the hospital to home, a place I hadn't been in over a year. While at home, I received outpatient therapy, at the hospital, for nearly 6 months. After over a year of therapy, I have not progressed much. My right side is still totally paralyzed. I have been plagued with UTI's, dysreflexa, positional vertigo, excruciating nerve pain, and problems with in-home help. Needless to say, I had to give up my job. I was a Technical Instructor, teaching the installation of electrical equipment for our local utility company. I was also attending Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Special Education, Emotionally Impaired. I miss working and going to school, something terrible. I am still working on getting more therapy and trying to gain more movement. I thank God for what I have achieved so far, and know that every day is a blessing. Keep the faith. Naomi
