My first initial visit was depressing... Or you could call it a rude awakening. I have only a grip strenth of 65 pounds in my hands, which does not even register on the chart of percentiles. My goal is to next week be at least 10% what a normal 41 year old male should have ( 130 lbs.) grip strength and I have only about 10 lbs. To 13 lbs. pinch strength between my thumb and fingers, which should be in the 30 lb range.
I have many exercises and techniques to work on and I’ll be seeing the therapist twice weekly for how long... I don’t know.
Exercises include balance techniques, strength increasers and sensory techniques. I haven’t picked up my guitar in weeks but she suggested that I might want to do that because my brain is used to doing that exercise with my fingers, but I’m almost scared to. Talk about frustrating!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Updates from 8-11-07 to 8-16-07
My doc referred me to the U. of M., for the specialists to examine me... we'll be making a road trip soon!
8/11/07-Just waiting to hear on a date...
Not much change.
Because of my inability to type well, I am trying a speech recognition software on my computer.The software program requires training. It will recognize my voice, and speaking is easier than typing at this point. I hope it works and it will allow me to work even more efficiently than I had before.
8-12-07-This morning is definitely better (10-15%); the swelling (from taking steroids) in my feet has not been as bad and I am slowly but surely retaining some of my senses in my feet. Although balance is still sometimes an issue, stretching my legs has helped improved my gate. My hands are still not doing well, but time will tell. My core area hasn't changed.
8/13/07- Last night I drove my truck for the first time in fifteen days. I’m still waiting to hear if my health insurance company will approve my trip to the university of Michigan. Hopefully, I will be able to still get in this week sometime.
8/16/07- Well, I finally got word from the U of M that I will go this Monday for a consult. I also called John's Hopkins, but no response yet.
No improvement in my hands, but there is sllloooowww improvement in my legs... I drove my truck this week and was able to drive myself into work this week and am trying to catch up on several projects. Thank you tto all that have given me support, prayers and encouragement!
I'm working on a blog for more communicating between you all!
I'm tapering down on the steroids, and almost through with them. :)
8/11/07-Just waiting to hear on a date...
Not much change.
Because of my inability to type well, I am trying a speech recognition software on my computer.The software program requires training. It will recognize my voice, and speaking is easier than typing at this point. I hope it works and it will allow me to work even more efficiently than I had before.
8-12-07-This morning is definitely better (10-15%); the swelling (from taking steroids) in my feet has not been as bad and I am slowly but surely retaining some of my senses in my feet. Although balance is still sometimes an issue, stretching my legs has helped improved my gate. My hands are still not doing well, but time will tell. My core area hasn't changed.
8/13/07- Last night I drove my truck for the first time in fifteen days. I’m still waiting to hear if my health insurance company will approve my trip to the university of Michigan. Hopefully, I will be able to still get in this week sometime.
8/16/07- Well, I finally got word from the U of M that I will go this Monday for a consult. I also called John's Hopkins, but no response yet.
No improvement in my hands, but there is sllloooowww improvement in my legs... I drove my truck this week and was able to drive myself into work this week and am trying to catch up on several projects. Thank you tto all that have given me support, prayers and encouragement!
I'm working on a blog for more communicating between you all!
I'm tapering down on the steroids, and almost through with them. :)
Here are some pdf's with more details on T.M.:
visit my website for pdf's offering more details: http://jefflund.com/sitemap.aspx
What is Transverse Myelitis?
Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder of the spine caused by inflammation across the spinal cord. It is sometimes associated with the term myelopathy, which refers to any disorder of the spinal cord. However, transverse myelitis is a more specific term for inflammation (myelitis) across the width of the spinal cord (transverse) that results in changed function below this level while function remains normal above. Symptoms are related to movement and sensory functions. This disorder occurs in both adults and children, and typically begins with a rather rapid development of symptoms over the course of several hours, days, or weeks. Symptoms may include lower back pain, weakness in the legs and arms, sensory disturbance, spasms leading to gradual paralysis, and bowel or bladder disfunction
In most cases, this is a disorder that occurs on a single occasion, although a small number of individuals may experience recurrence. The initial occurrence may be followed, over a period of several weeks or months, by a period of recovery, although this does not happen in all cases. There is considerable variability in the degree of recovery achieved. Transverse myelitis is sometimes associated with other diseases, including systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosis and sarcoidosis. It may be occur following viral or bacterial infections, especially those associated with a rash, spinal cord injuries, or immune reactions.
In most cases, this is a disorder that occurs on a single occasion, although a small number of individuals may experience recurrence. The initial occurrence may be followed, over a period of several weeks or months, by a period of recovery, although this does not happen in all cases. There is considerable variability in the degree of recovery achieved. Transverse myelitis is sometimes associated with other diseases, including systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosis and sarcoidosis. It may be occur following viral or bacterial infections, especially those associated with a rash, spinal cord injuries, or immune reactions.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
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