I have transverse myelitis but it doesn't have me. ❤️

My story begins in 2010 ,my autoimmune system decided to go on vacation. I got one thing after another. First interstitial cystitis, then tumors in my uterus, then adenomyosis to start. All painful and frustrating. So I ended up with bladder surgery, then a hysterectomy which obviously helped my uterus problems thank God. Then I was still struggling with my IC. Going and getting heparin instillation several times a week directly in my bladder to control the pain. So once TM decides to join the party, my not being able to pee was blamed on my IC. I had a foley on and off. I had horrible back and ankle pain then they had me cath myself. Finally my urologist felt it was more and sent me for a MRI and that's when they found my lesions. I went to university of Penn and they diagnosed me and I spent 8 days not hardly able to walk, the pain in my legs and ankles and back was almost unbearable. I received 5 bags of steroids and other meds. Then 6 months later I returned for another 7 days in horrible pain where I just screamed out. All the morphine did was confuse me. The gabapentin was my greatest. It really helped. I lost my job working with kids. Had to stop working with kids at my church. Couldn't be their chaperone. I had to learn a new way to live be useful. Then I realized I am worthy I am valued. I have wonderful friends and kids. The other thing I learned was that even though TM sucks, I still love my life, I still have my life. Maybe different then it was but thank God I am still here. I have good days and bad days. I am always grateful. I mostly have my IC under control and I learned how to manage and learn my limitations of TM. Praying for you all