Jude, The first time that I found myself paralyzed, the ER physician *decided* (After doing an MRI but not high enough.) that I had hysterical paralysis, or a conversion disorder brought on by overwork. I can remember lying there and thinking: *Hmmmm, I guess that I am crazy. But how could one be so overwrought by work, that they would soil and urinate in their pants? Oh well, he's the doctor so he MUST know.* Of course, I continued to get worse and eventually got my NMO diagnosis. Still, the pain and humiliation that I experienced at the inital ER has never gone away. Today still, I am shocked by peoples insensitivity and their almost rabid desire to jump to conclusions. Whenever I am having a bad day, my spasticity acts up, leaving me with a very stiff unbendable right side. Yes, I DO walk like a drunk on occasion, but why are strangers so eager to jump to conclusions and assume that I am (Either a drunk or mentally deficient.), whenever they don't know me, or my circumstances? And no, I will never forget lying on that floor in the local Walmart. You're right, people are generally insensitive to our inner pain.
I love you. Don't forget to mail. Grace > ------------------------------ > > >
