I have had TM for 4 1/2
years. I basically woke up one morning and there it was. During
onset it affected everything it seems! I had no feeling from my armpits
down and in my hands. I couldn't feel the pen I was holding so it looked
like I had just learned to write! Had issues walking because I couldn't
feel the bottom of my feet. I can now laugh at how funny I looked
getting around, but at that point I was wondering how in the world I could
handle this for the rest of my life.
The symptoms came on very
quickly which I was grateful for. Within 6 weeks I had hit the
worst. Then they slowly started to dissipate. That took a little
over 1 and 1/2 years before it leveled off. I still do not have all
the feeling in my hands. Writing anything more than a short note is hard
and my writing becomes very sloppy. I have problems doing the clasps on
necklaces and earrings. I used to do a lot of cross stitch and bead work
and I have had to stop that. I end up with more beads on the floor than
on the string!
I get really bad
"tingles" from walking fast or long distances. Running / jogging / speed
walking is something totally out of the question. My energy level is
very low and just cleaning the main floor (400 sq ft) of my apartment is cause
for a rest. So exercise is very difficult as the tingles creep up my
body and make me very nauseous.
I have fought the minor
symptoms that I have had from day one! I had a very bad day when I was
first diagnosed and that changed my attitude. I thought that I could
either feel sorry for myself or fight and do everything I could to carry on as
normal as possible. So I fought.
I have a great outlook on
life that drives a lot of people crazy! They tell me I am way too
positive. I just refuse to be negative as it is a waste of energy.
I have my days, of course. But when I am feeling down I DO NOT let other
people see it.
My doctor is absolutely
fantastic. I see her for a yearly check up as nothing has changed in 2
and 1/2 years. She is always there for me if I have any
questions. I was diagnosed within two weeks. Although my doctor
will not guarantee that MS is not out of the picture, we both understand that
it will always be a waiting game. And that no change is good. What
I laugh at is the amount of doctors and nurses out there that have no clue
what TM is.
I have tried medication
for the tingles but to no avail. I have bee taking vitamin D for
about two months and believe it or not, it seems to have helped a
bit.
I take pride that I only
missed one day of work and pushed forward, refusing to give in to this
"affliction". I still can't call it a disease!
AND . . . I realize on a
daily basis and am happy that I do have a very very mild case compared to
other people. I admire THEIR strength and determination. It makes
my symptoms seem insignificant.
Margaret
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 4:08
AM
Subject: Re: [TMIC] November Birthday
Addition
Thanks for letting us know that you
are out there reading and taking in information. Why don't you
write about your TM experience and let us know something about
you? That way we can share information that might be pertinent
to your dx.
Bless you,
Jude |
