- Transverse myelitis
- Interviews
Les's interview
How did all start?
Pain in C spine, numbness to legs, feet, right arm, hand. Sensory changes waist down
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
4 years for "probable TM" 5 yrs for MS diagnosis
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Multiple Neurologist, Physiatrist (which was the best), opthamoligist, Neuro Ophthalmologist, Primary Carec doctors x3, PT, OT,
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Therapy. Baclofen pump for severe spasticity.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Learning how to be a disabled person. Getting use to the different me.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I am fortunate to have a supportive family and friends. I am blessed to have a caring husband who has picked up the pieces of my broken life and supported me 100%.
What things have you stopped doing?
Driving. Although this is temporary as I have improved some and if no further I will work at getting hand controls.
What do you think about the future?
Scary at first but doing all I can to have the most independence possible!
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Seriously? Every year prior to 2015.. I hiked, worked, competed in equestion sports, artwork, and just all around loving life. I will say that my life isn't worse, just different. I am blessed every day knowing God, family, and friends are with me. I can't let depression overcome me and allow these diseases to define me. Yes, I do miss my prior life, work, energy, and independence but I am learning to live each day today to the fullest.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Continue to work, draw and paint. I always put my artwork on a back burner for when I retire. Now I can barely sign a check due to poor coordination and weakness to my dominant hand.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life may not be what I had expected but it's still my life.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Expect to be given answers. Don't expect anything less. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
