We are fighters. Stress always aggravates my symptoms. You don't have
to disclose everything at once if you symptoms are stagnant. My
neurologist told me, "Status quo is good. Anytime you aren't going
backward, going forward is easier." Simply disclosing that you had an
illness that left me with resuduals that you're still fighting will give
you time to decide where you want to be in your career field. It is
possible the Ivory Tower will become a lesser goal as you want to push
away from that stressful lifestyle. Some doctors do give up. They
don't understand TM and won't or don't have the tme to learn about it.
A doctor or neurologist who understands MS is an option. They can help
with your current symptoms and be happy with you that you status is
stagnant and not progressive as with many MS patients.
I was too sick after TM struck to return to my 35 year career in
banking. I cared deeply for about a year. Once that year was over and
there was no hope of returning to that terribly stressful job I breathed
a sigh of relief and went on with my life. Of course, it is easier for
those of us with the career behind us than for you whom are struck
younger in age and had all of you aspirations ahead of you.
Patti - Michigan, USA
On Tue, Dec 6, 2011 at 12:27 PM, Ryota Nishino wrote:
To fellow myelitis fighters,
I stumbled upon your website and signed up for email list
immediately. Does anyone know of someone with transverse
myelitis in Fiji and a good neurolosist? I have had t/m since 5
Oct last year, just a few weeks before I turned 34. I relocated
from Christchurch in New Zealand to Fiji in June as I got a new
job. The sun did some good as area of numbness was reduced
within a few days of arrival in Fiji. But the conditions have
been stagnant. But I feel that I need to consult a local GP with
the view to seek further treatment in Australia or in NZ.
At the onset I was not sure what it was and hope that it would
go away. I waited for a month and decided it was time to seek
medical treatment. Then I went through MRI scan in Dec 2010 in
Christchurch, and lumbar puncture in April an Auckland this
year. (The February earthquake in Christchurch caused a havoc in
the local medical system.) The results confirmed lesions in my
spine and slight abnormality in my white blood cell. The
neurologists thought of my conditions as moderate and did not
think that it would deteriorate. They suggested 'wait and see'
as the first option as diagnosis was too late for steroid
intervention, and hoping for natural recovery. On one hand I am
pleased that I did not end up taking medications and risk side
effects. But I wonder if my doctors simply gave up.
My mobility is compromised: weakness in legs, but not as bad as
other people with t/m. I can ride my bike and swim. Legs twitch
spontaneously, especially when I relax. Walking is possible but
with robot-like swagger, but difficult and slow. Balance is
difficult. Bladder and bowel dysfunctions add to my angst. My
hands seize up on contact with heat. Sleep is rather disrupted,
although this has been a problem since the first earthquake in
Christchurch, September last year. I used to be very active:
cycling, swimming, gym, running, etc. Weight gain is a concern.
One thing that worries me is what to do with my 'career
aspirations' in the ivory tower - a very competitive and
ruthless field. It can be stressful and may aggrevate my
conditions. Should I change tack? (I am 35 y/o, male, single, no
family support) When applying for new jobs should I declare
myself as having disabilities? My previous GP in New Zealand did
not think that my conditions are not too severe to carry out
duties as a lecturer (my job) and need not make such
declaration. At times I feel as if I need to 'come out', but I
feel as if I am making myself a less attractive job candidate.
I contacted reps of the t/m support group in New Zealand and
Australia and asked for some names in Fiji. But I thought it
best to cast my net wider.
Anyways, I would appreciate your responses.
Ryota Nishino
write2ry...@gmail.com
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