Question:
Well my sister has a tentative diagnosis for her neurological problems Transverse Myelitis. She is lucky for some folks this results in permanent paralysis. It is an auto immune disorder and is sometimes associated with Lupus and other auto-immune diseases, so Janers was correct when she said some Lupus patients were initially thought to have MS. Usually this is a one time event, and the recover after 3 months indicates how well you will do. Some folks never fully recover and remain with partial or complete paralysis others make a good recovery. The first attack can lead to MS. So only time will tell how she does. Currently she can’t hold a pencil in her left hand. Neurologist is waiting for a few more tests before they make a decision on treatment. This is an uncommon disorder. So another auto-immune disorder in the family, surprise surprise. — MZ — website: http://members.home.net/mzuschlag
Response:
Not sure if that is good news or bad news. I guess it is not good news, but can become so, if she recovers from this initial attack? Regardless, offering up prayers for the best possible outcome. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. We’re all in this together." Red Green
Response:
says… Not sure if that is good news or bad news. I guess it is not good news, but can become so, if she recovers from this initial attack? Regardless, offering up prayers for the best possible outcome. Char
So far she has been lucky its sounds like this is a mild case. Mnay people become completely paralyzed from it. From the National Institute of Health: Recovery from transverse myelitis usually begins within 2 to 12 weeks of the onset of symptoms and may continue for up to 2 years. However, if there is no improvement within the first 3 to 6 months, significant recovery is unlikely. About one-third of people affected with transverse myelitis experience good or full recovery from their symptoms; they regain the ability to walk normally and experience minimal urinary or bowel effects and paresthesias. Another one-third show only fair recovery and are left with significant deficits such as spastic gait, sensory dysfunction, and prominent urinary urgency or incontinence. The remaining one-third show no recovery at all, remaining wheelchair-bound or bedridden with marked dependence on others for basic functions of daily living. Unfortunately, making predictions about individual cases is difficult. However, research has shown that a rapid onset of symptoms generally results in poorer recovery outcomes. The majority of people with this disorder experience only one episode although in rare cases recurrent or relapsing transverse myelitis does occur. Some patients recover completely, then experience a relapse. Others begin to recover, then suffer worsening of symptoms before recovery continues. In all cases of relapse, physicians will likely investigate possible underlying causes such as MS or systemic lupus erythematosus since most people who experience relapse have an underlying disorder. — website: http://members.home.net/mzuschlag
Response:
I’m glad to hear that your sister finally has a bit of an answer. There is a man in my MS support group here in Orlando who had this as his initial attack. He was given a treatment similar to Prosorba Column but it had a name something like plasmaphoresis. I’m sure I’ve spelled it wrong. But he had a good recovery with this. And that was about 15 years ago and he’s never had another attack since. He has some shaking, very mild and uses a cane to walk. But apparently he was totally paralized and blind after the initial attack so the treatment really helped him. His symptoms now are a lot like my MS symptoms. I’ll keep your sister in my thoughts….I actually need to answer her email. She wrote while I was out of town. Cyberhugs……. DianeW
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well my sister has a tentative diagnosis for her neurological problems Transverse Myelitis. She is lucky for some folks this results in permanent paralysis. It is an auto immune disorder and is sometimes associated with Lupus and other auto-immune diseases, so Janers was correct when she said some Lupus patients were initially thought to have MS. Usually this is a one time event, and the recover after 3 months indicates how well you will do. Some folks never fully recover and remain with partial or complete paralysis others make a good recovery. The first attack can lead to MS. So only time will tell how she does. Currently she can’t hold a pencil in her left hand. Neurologist is waiting for a few more tests before they make a decision on treatment. This is an uncommon disorder. So another auto-immune disorder in the family, surprise surprise. — MZ — website: http://members.home.net/mzuschlag
Response:
I’ll keep your sister in my thoughts….I actually need to answer her email. She wrote while I was out of town.
I encouraged her to e-mail you. It is comforting to talk with people who have been through this. I remember talking with a women with RA when I was first diagnosed, it really helped me to cope. Thanks for taking the time Diane! I will be visiting her in Albuquerque starting Saturday. — MZ — website: http://members.home.net/mzuschlag
Response:
((((((((((((((((Mary)))))))))))))) ((((((((((((((((Mary’s Sister))))))))))))))) We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and hope for a full recovery. Rose
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