At age 48, in Oct of 2006, I was diagnosed with TM (idiopathic) after spending 6 weeks at Temple University Hospital. I had undergone massive testing to rule out everything from MS to West Nile - from a brain tumor to cancer.
While in the hospital I was given injections then intravenously Heparin. After a few weeks I was weaned off of the Heparin and put on Cumadin. Once I was on the Cumadin I was found to be allergic to Heparin and it cause blood clots in my legs. Swelling and additional weakness occurred. I am now only on Cumadin. I completed about 6 weeks of PT and am now doing rehab at home with my own equipment. As far as my symptoms, my legs and feet, especially the right, are swollen. When I left the hospital on November 1, 2006, I was using a walker to get around. Now I am using a cane for out of the house walking and without a cane at home. Since September 21st, when I entered the hospital and was catheterized, I have not urinated on my own. I have self cathed since Oct. 30th 4 times a day. But, I am getting the urge to go more often now but still not going. Maybe the urge is a good sign. When friends and family ask me how I am doing I tell them "stronger not better," if that makes sense. I am now wearing compression stockings up to the knee and I believe it is helping with the swelling of my legs. I have an appointment with Dr. Ben Greenburg at John's Hopkins TM Center on Jan 31st for a consultation. I am not sure if they will say or do anything different from what I was told by Temple Hospital but I feel I need to listen to what they have to say. Keep up the exercise as I am sure it will help with your strength. Take care, Mark Marlton, NJ
