I also identify more with the spinal cord injury quadriplegic. It was Transverse Myelitis that caused me to became a ventilator dependent quadriplegic, when I was in the hospital I was treated just as the other quadriplegic who had broken their necks in a trauma. Since 2/3 of people diagnosed with TM have some sort of recovery I don't identify much with most people with TM, other than that is what caused my quadriplegia. In my daily life, the only thing I can do for my self is use the computer and operate my wheelchair. I need someone to feed me, dress me, turn me in bed, transfer me to my wheelchair, drain my bladder, and do my bowel program. I can not be left completely alone for more than a few minutes in case I need my lungs suctioned or the ventilator stops working (which has happened 3 times in the past 20 years). Most people with TM are for the most part self-sufficient and don't have the same issues to deal with.
Naomi,
Years ago when I saw people on the tm list asking about uti's I suggested they check out the quad-list since the topic was discussed quite often. Someone on the quad list complained about these people who had TM being on that list says, "they don't belong here, they are still walking, what do they have to complain about." I had to explain to that person that I didn't break my neck but became a quadriplegic due to TM and that TM is an injury to the spinal cord so all the same problems occur depending on the level of the spinal cord affected. That person wrote back that he had no idea and that he had more to learn.
At 10:03 AM 6/17/2009, ladyno...@aol.com wrote:
Jude,
First of all, I never said I PREFER the paraplegic/quadriplegic site. I said I IDENTIFY more. I feel as though I offended you by saying this. There are issues and concerns of being a quad they are not addressed in the TM site and I would imagine it's because most people on this site are not quadriplegics. I go where I can find the information that helps me. If I did not want to be on this site, I could simply delete it from my contacts. There is nothing holding me back. I have asked questions on here regarding autonomic dysflexia, only to have no one respond. Because I later found out that it's a medical condition for quadriplegics, so I went to the paraplegic/quadriplegic site to get the answers I needed. I'm sure Jim uses these sites, HE CREATED THEM! Where is his hostility?? He knew that there would be a need for additional information, and that's all it is, is additional information.
I have been a member of this site, since I came home from the hospital in 2006, but I am always looking for any and all information that could be of help to me (as I'm sure all of us would be). There are people that use this site that are also members on the Yahoo Transverse Myelitis site. Should they just pick one or the other.
I have met many people through this site, one who has become my best friend who has TM. I would not trade that for anything, but your e-mail makes me feel as though I am unwelcomed or a traitor of sorts. This brings me to tears. As I have poured my heart out on this site (reluctant to make my personal problems public), but felt comfortable enough to share with others who are, also suffering with relationship problems, pain and depression. That won't happen again.
-----Original Message-----
From: heyjude48...@aol.com
To: ladyno...@aol.com
Sent: Wed, Jun 17, 2009 4:26 am
Subject: Re: [TMIC] Transverse Myelitis Network
Then what is holding you back? Why don't you simply quit this site and use the other one that you say you prefer? What's the big deal?
Jude
In a message dated 6/15/2009 2:11:29 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ladyno...@aol.com writes:
- I am also a member of the paraplegic/quadriplegic website that Jim has started. Although I have TM, which left me a quadriplegic, I identify more with the members of the paraplegic quadriplegic site then with the members of the TM site.
- Naomi
- C-4 Quadriplegic, since July 2, 2005
- Due to Transverse Myelitis
Jim Lubin
jlu...@eskimo.com
http://makoa.org/jim
disAbility Resources: http://www.makoa.org
