Transverse Myelitis

[baxter27]

I have recently been diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis Post Viral. I have (in the recent past) had several vascular test done also.  The MRI came back negative but I have had this problem for several months now. It did somewhat go away for a couple of months but came back real hard the past 4 months. I have a very deep ache along with sometimes sharp pains only in my legs from the waist down. At times my legs feel very heavy and recently it is difficult to hold my arms up past chest level for any length of time. My arms and legs seem to be very weak. The neurologist said there is nothing he can give me he can only redo the MRI in three months. He claims it will go away. Any suggestions?? He told me this only last 6-8 weeks but it has been almost a year now that this has been coming and going.  Thanks for your help and suggestions. Baxter

[ves2954]

I have had TM for 8 yrs now.  I was scanned, punctured, steroided and now am taking Lyrica 3x's a day.  My right leg is numb to the degree that I sometimes cannot feel.  TM has affected my bowels and urinary tract. I get spasms in my right foot.And if I sit too long, I am in great pain.  I go to a neurologist.  But, I still do not know if he has ever treated another case.  I live in Los Angeles, CA I will be 80 in July and have resigned myself to this and I too am thankful that I am not wheelchair bound or that my lungs have been affected.  Hang in and accept. Do the best you can. It is difficult to live with but we have no choice.

[hel7ols]

Hi,
My husband was diagnosed with TM and that was determined by a MRI with contrast and a lumbar puncture of the spine. Was yours done with contrast?  My husband was also put on liquid steriods to reduce the swelling in his spinal cord as this what is affected.  His was from C7 to T2 of the spinal cord.  TM attacks the myelin sheath lining of the spinal cord which causes the weakness.  Depending which area of spine is affected determines what areas of the body is weak.  You should see a a neurologist who specializes in TM if at all possible or MS.  TM is in autoimmune illness and there is no cure.  My husband has a lot of complications from TM.  We are very blessed he is not wheel chair bound as most TM patients are.  He is handicapped with many limitations and this will be with him the rest of his life.  Only one third have a complete recovery and if none is seen after 18 months to 2 years, you will not change much at all.  Just keeping looking for a doctor who is willing to treat you and get physical therapy!  Most doctors do not know much about this illness as it is very rare.

[JustBecause1903]

Hi,

How did they diagnose TM with a negative MRI ?
Ask for Gabapentin I've just been given this after being told there was nothing they could give me ~ they just don't like paying for it!

Good Luck a fellow TM'r