Hello Again Janice:
I live in S.E. Wisconsin in a small town east of Madison, WI. I am 70 yrs old, one of the senior citizens and was 69 when I got sick. My story started last June. Believe it or not, but I got sick on our wedding anniversary. We were to celebrate our 45th. The day before, on a Saturday, I noticed when I got up that morning that my balance was very unsteady. I was babysitting for my 2 beautiful granddaughters and didn't think much about it. After their Dad picked them up, I thought I was coming down with UTI, so I went to our local Urgent Care Clinic. They said I did indeed have a UTI and gave me a script. I mentioned to them about my balance problem and the fact that my legs felt as though they were full, not exactly painful. They didn't make anything about it. I took the meds that day, and the next morning, Sunday, I felt so much better. We were going out to dinner with friends to celebrate our anniversary. Had breakfast, and went into the shower. I noticed when I was lifting my leg to get into the tub, I had to help my right leg as I couldn't lift it. After my shower, as I was getting dressed my legs just gave out and I landed on the floor. My husband was out cutting the grass and I knew he wouldn't hear me call. I was able to crawl to my cell phone. My youngest daughter and her family live just down the street so I called my daughter Lisa. She came over right away. I told her to call 9-1-1 and was more concerned that I was not completely dressed. She helped me get on a nightgown so I was at least covered. The EMT's arrived in minutes and was transported to our local hospital. They diagnosed TM right away after a spinal tap and MRI. They put be on steroids immediately and admitted me. I was not able to move my legs at all. In fact, if they fell off the bed I had to call a nurse to come and pick them up. Of course, like most of us, I have complete incontinence. After 6 days, they transferred to a larger hospital that had complete Physical Therapy. They worked me pretty hard for the next 4 weeks. I was able to walk with a walker when I left the hospital. I do not have complete feeling in my feet so I cannot balance properly so I can't stand alone. I experience burning in my legs and feet. The burning feels as though my feet are in ice water so they always bother me. I am lucky that I don't have the constant pain or muscle spasms. At this point, I don't know how much more I will improve. I take it one day at a time. I have been able to go back to work part-time (just 2 afternoons a week) with my walker. I am a pretty tired puppy when I get home, but it feels good to be out with people. Plus I get a lot of exercise which is good too. I do get depressed at times. In the beginning, I spent a lot of time crying in the shower so no one could hear me. I am sure that is natural for all of us. I know I am lucky to have a husband that is so good about all the new responsibilities he has. Also, my 2 daughters are so helpful. As I said my youngest lives just down the street, and my oldest lives about 30 minutes away. Her job requires her to do a lot of international travel, so she does what she can which is appreciated. I hope with the new stem cell policy we will find some type of a cure for all of us suffering from nerve and spinal cord problems. I think the part that I hate the most is the bladder and bowel problems we all have. I don't have to self cath, but do have to wear absorbent pads all the time. I guess this is enough about me. I hope we hear more stories from the rest of us. Take care all. Patti in Wisconsin
