Natalie said 'I was wondering what type of affect you have on your body in T6-T8? Numbness, pain? Are you able to walk. I've always wondered when folks get TM in 2 or 3 levels of the spine how it is. If you don't mind, I'm just trying to educate myself on TM. I have it from T12 down and in a w/c. Did you have Rehab in your state?' Natalie, I never thought of this as being '2 levels' b/c they said 'between T6 and T8'. But what do I know? :) The paralysis was only from below my right rib cage, down. On the left, I wasn't paralyzed, only numb skin. My skin is still numb in many places on the left side. On the right, I was able to wiggle a little muscle in my knee about the 3rd day so they sent in the PT's, and improved from then on. The only 'rehab' I had was in the hospital, where I stayed 2 weeks after being diagnosed. I could walk with a walker when I left the hospital, but it was REALLY SCARY! I only did what they made me do - like they couldn't understand how hard it is to put weight on my right foot when I couldn't even FEEL my right foot! But now I can walk fairly well - even without a cane, though not too fast or for too long. Feeling and balance and (most of all!) endurance vary from day to day, week to week. Even during the day, I might feel close to normal in the morning but feel like I can barely move or think at night! But at least I can walk. I gave up my wheel chair after 6 months, but really only used it for going places (and to hang my shopping bags from!) - never used it in the house after I came home. As for pain, I had none at first since I was numb, but as feeling slowly returns, I feel more and more pain - but seldom bad enough to take meds, other than 1 or 2 8-hour Tylenol so I can sleep. So I know I'm lucky - but I still understand the frustration of not being able to function normally - especially since I haven't been able to return to work yet! Best of luck to you in your healing,Sally
