Ryota, Really sorry you have had a doctor like the last one. My neurologist knew TM, but, of course, could give me no encouragement as to how bad it would end up. That was the hard part for me. Encouragement came from family, friends, and physical therapists. Once the damage is done, the only thing left to do is build up as much muscle and strength to work your legs as well as possible. It takes time and determination to keep strengthening the legs, but therapy can do wonders – as well as workouts at home.
As to mind-over-matter, TM is a very physical problem. If you want to use that phrase, you can say it is mind-over-matter in working out and gaining strength. Remember, it will only go so far, then TM stops you. But improvement shows up even up to the 5th year of TM (I know that for sure) and I bet even further. I am counting on it. As to personality changes, I know I been more patient with people and situations. At first my self-esteem was affected. I felt less than. People stared at me using a cane or wheelchair. I was always nervous about my bladder deciding to challenge me. But, as time passed, I have noticed the many kindnesses of people holding doors open for me, stepping out of my way, always smiling at me as if to encourage me to keep on walking. As for my social life, I wanted to stay at home where I was most comfortable. But, my husband and friends looked at it differently. They insisted I go out with them and, after a while, I started relaxing about going out. I am not completely relaxed at this point, but I have come a long way and am grateful to my family and friends for not giving up on me. TM leaves you with a lot to deal with, but at least we are here and it was not fatal. Janice From: Ryota Nishino Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2011 2:33 AM To: tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: [TMIC] How to 'educate' medical professionals about TM and a few related questions Hi there, The last few emails from Janet et al seem to suggest the importance of educating your main doctor. They may be idiots to some. But they have the power to give you the meds you need. When I developed TM in New Zealand, I had good doctors there. Coming to Fiji (got a new job) I recently went to the one the locals recommended as the best-in-town. I saw this doctor to seek advice on a few matters. a) sleep disorder due to suspected flashback of Christchurch earthquake and b) my legs are feeling weaker. I was hoping to get a referral to specialists at the hospital. The doctor knew TM but he said it would heal on its own accord, and told me that I was becoming too sensitive and drawing my own attention inwards. He suggested I cultivate in social life and I was hypochondriac. He might have a point. But I am not sure if he can be the judge of my personality. I kind of shrugged his comment off, but deep inside I was bleeding and angry. Yes, changing to another doctor is an option. But it's useful to have someone remind me of my character flaws; illness can have a didactic aspect. But surely there would be doctors who can put the same point across in harmless ways. So here my questions to fellow TM fighters: 1) How best can one educate your doctor about TM? 2) Is TM a more of a mind-over-matter illness? 3) Has TM changed your personality, self-esteem and social life? Awaiting your responses, Cheers, Ryota
