Hi Karen,
Your symptoms sound very typical. I too have a mild case. I often found that the pain preceded a certain degree of recovery, so I didn't mind it. It's not that way for everyone, however.
I'd like to repeat the advice you've gotten from other people already. I found physical therapy to be extremely helpful. I don't think that it helps you to heal, but it does keep you active and teaches you how to use your limbs without causing damage. Another important aspect of physical therapy, for me, was that it gave me something to do. It got me out of the house and gave me a reason to get dressed.
There does not appear to be a magic pill to help you heal. But from my research I came up with a couple of things that "couldn't hurt." Somewhere out there I read that potassium may be helpful, so I eat a banana every day. Vitamin B12 may have some effect on myelin production, so I pop a pill every day. I also read that sulfur may be beneficial so I stepped up my cauliflower consumption. None of these seemed extreme.
Since TM affects all of us in different ways, it is difficult to say what is typical or what you should expect. For instance, unlike most folks, I am most severely affected in my hands. Although it's been 15 months since I was hit with TM, I continue to make progress. However, the rate of recovery is maddeningly slow.
Good luck. You will want to keep monitoring this group. It really helps to know what's going on and that you're not the only one.
Take care,
Rick
From: "Karen Doyle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <tmic-list@eskimo.com>
Subject: [TMIC] Newly Diagnosed/Mild case
Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2005 11:50:13 -0500
I am newly diagnosed with TM; had the typical girdling symptom at onset. Received Solumedrol/prednisone course. Two months out, I have constant myelopathy (burning, painful skin tenderness) in both thighs and intermittent symptoms aggravated by sitting: I get substantial pain across my lower lumbar area and down my legs and my legs get extremely heavy. My gait is somewhat compromised when these symptoms present. I am also more fatigued than pre-TM Are these common TM complaints?
I am thankful that these are my only residual symptoms but I am hoping for more improvement. But I am wondering if theres anything I can do to HELP them improve like supplements (omega-3 fish oil, Neurosol) or exercise???
I would appreciate any thoughts
Karen
