Welcome to the Transverse Myelitis and Atraumatic SCI forum

[Wise Young]

This forum is for people and families with transverse myelitis and atraumatic spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injury results from many causes besides trauma. For example, spinal cord injury can occur from loss of blood flow (ischemia), arteriovenous malformations (AVM), infections (viral or bacterial, tuberculosis), arachnoiditis (inflammation of the meningeal lines of the spinal cord), tumors (both intrinsic and extrinsic to the spinal cord), autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis and lupus erythemasus), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), developmental disorders (cerebral palsy, spina bifida), scoliosis (curvature of the spine), surgical complications, osteoarthritis (spondylosis), disc herniation and other causes of spinal cord compression, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and and many other causes.

While the consequences and care of spinal cord injury in these cases may be similar, the causes vary. This forum is for people to discuss issues related to atraumatic spinal cord injury. Many people have requested such a forum. To initiate the forum, we will be moving some topics relating to transverse myelitis and atraumatic SCI from the Care and Cure forum here in order to provide a base for the forum.

Thank you.

Wise.

[Sue Pendleton]

Thanks Wise for this great forum just for us non-traumatic types. "We", of course, were all traumatized by what caused our events though. Just in a different way. Most of us don't have cool sotries to tell about driving into bridges, being hit by a speeding linebacker, being mowed down by the very uncool serial drunk driver while walking home from school or, my personal favorite, falling off a boyfriend's shoulders after too much tequila at a rock concert.

But we are here and, yes, are injuries are very similiar to traumatic SCIs. Others who will find us have concerns that the vast majority of trauma induced injuries do not: will my bout with TM or stroke or whatever reoccur? Where can I find a neurologist that knows what TM, Spinal infarcts, ADEM, Devics, optic neuritis, etc. is? If that's a problem we'll try to help. Give me a few days and I'll get a sticky up here with other resources specifically for TM and many of those also cover other spinal conditions.

For those born with a developmental spinal condition such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy, please, feel free to ask questions and freer to answer others and post resources you have found helpful. I know a bit about both but it, that knowledge, doesn't go very far.

So, let's get to know each other. Oh, and for those who need assistance and are not living in the US or Canada a general geographical area in a post will help us aim you towards technology or rehabs or doctors or whatever in your area of the world. Welcome!

[ev50]

I hope I won't be (paralyzed that is) but I can't really get any assurances one way or the other. It took a lot of worry and doctor visits just get to get a diagnosis. I agree with Sue about the frustration of not having a tragic story to explain the $#@* that is going on in my body. Anyway, I appreciate browsing this forum and hope I can communicate now and again with others in a similar situation.:)

[Wise Young]

I hope I won't be (paralyzed that is) but I can't really get any assurances one way or the other. It took a lot of worry and doctor visits just get to get a diagnosis. I agree with Sue about the frustration of not having a tragic story to explain the $#@* that is going on in my body. Anyway, I appreciate browsing this forum and hope I can communicate now and again with others in a similar situation.:)

ev50, welcome. Let us know how your progress with the syringomyelia. Wise.

[ev50]

Hi to all and thankyou Wise for your welcome,

Instead of me asking endless questions on my particular condition, syringomyelia; I wanted to ask whether anybody, particularly in Australia, or even in South Queensland, knows of a neurologist or neurosurgeon who is experienced with syringomyelia. I've been trying for nearly 3 years to find a Doctor who I can talk to when I'm frightened or just want to understand what is happening to me; and how to cope with the different symptoms. I do research and try to be informed and am glad that I have found this site; I would be glad to 'chat' from time to time.

I respect the medical professions but have found that some doctors and specialists don't understand or communicate, or even view this condition as having an impact on a person's life until it becomes very advanced. Even though I've been told my syrinx is a long way from being operable, and I believe it, it has affected me a lot. I used to have a small cleaning business, but spend half of my day lying down to try to get some relief.
Kind regards,
Evelyn.

[Wise Young]

ev, syringomyelia is a sufficient rare condition that relatively few doctors have experienced more than one or two of them in their practice. The key is to talk to the right doctors. By the way, one of the most experienced is Dr. Batdorf at UCLA. Wise.

[ev50]

Well, thankyou Wise for your following up on my posting, if that is correct, acually, I am determined now to do a computer course for seniors in the very near future, so I can be more proficient in the area of communication with the computer. I will now try to look up the Dr. at UCLA that you mentioned and see what I find. I am due to get another M.R.I. in 3 months to see what is happening with me and will have a lot more info. in my head to ask about this condition. Once again, thanks for the opportunity for contact and just the fact of being able to express one's point of view. Kind Regards, Evelyn.

[ev50]

Well, I've found my way to the site again and for me, being a novice at the computer, that is a plus. I was wondering if anyone reading or contributing to the forum has a thoracic syrinx due to trauma or idiopathic in nature and also no paraplegia. My problem is that no person can help me as of yet with all the different symptoms that seem to occur and it does seem to me that numerous secondary conditions come along. I woukd really appreciate anyone with this problem or having some knowledge of syringomyelia and how they cope, what helps them, any info. and perhaps their experience with this condition. Thanks and all the best, Evelyn.

[Zoey]

Hi Ev,
I just joined this forum to see if there was anyone to speak with on syrinx-type injuries to the spinal cord and repair. I have syringohydromyelia [syringomyelia and hydromyelia] which spans the T6-T10 vetebrae. I know one other person with thoracic syringomyelia. We also had in common an arteriovenous malformation [mine was removed], and herpes [hers was shingles, mine HSV2].
When I was diagnosed in 2002, I could barely walk a half block. Now I have no major neurological symptoms and easily walk four miles a day. I improved a lot with techniques I hoped would help decompress my cord and strengthen it, or my spine's ability to support the injury and not worsen it.
My left side was completely paralyzed in 1982 from a stroke that left the main artery to my right hemisphere completely permanently blocked. It took about 15 years to overcome this, so you know I was devastated when I was diagnosed with the degenerative spinal cord disorder.
I did my own research too, and it is paying off. Most important though is to not buy into the belief that there's nothing you can do, or that the situation is hopeless. Even if you don't succeed in stopping or reversing the cord deterioration you can maximize your ability to slow it down and adapt to whatever happens over time.
Because of my strokes and complications I was once "hopelessly" paralyzed, and had intractable [incurable] epilepsy that brain surgery did not cure (I'm now 8 years seizure free without drugs). It took the better part of twenty years to recover only to get the spinal cord injury.
It quicly became clear that this will be a "do-it-yourself" spianal cord treatment and repair job, because conventional medicine tends to ignore many ways in which we can adapt, improve, if not heal. Nor did I find answers or wisdom in non-conventional approaches. You have to find what will work for your unique situation.
I went to several neurologists and two rehab centers., a waste of time and mondy.The first neurologist couldn't even pronounce the disorder and none of the specialists I saw had any understanding of how I was experiencing the symptoms or of ways to help. Their attitude in general was to do nothing, until I was spastic, and then go for surgery--no way! There are plenty of options. First might be figuring out is anything you do contributes to compression of your cord and then address it, and so on, as you find ways to deal with your symptoms. Since yours is not accident related you may have some possibilities for reversing it. Did any docs evaluate you for some of the known causes of spinal cord dengeration such as B12, or folic acid deficiencies?
Below are a few links you may find useful on reversible spinal cord deterioration from deficiencies. It is hard not to feel ovverwhelmed, but your odds are so much better to at least make the best of it by researching, and looking for answers. If you get this, right more about your difficulties finding a specialist, where you are, where you could travel to, etc. Maybe some brain storming with others in cyber space will help in turning up a physician you can trust. I recently found a neurologist who agreed to treat me [no drugs, no surgery], so I packed my stuff and moved about 2000 miles to be in the vicinity even though I need no treatment now. I benefit a lot from having others to talk with who are dealing with this too. I do caution you not to run out and take supplements just because they helped others. Take the time to see what may or may not apply to you and do only what you are sure will be safe.
Zoey
LINKS:
Syringomyelia-like manifestation of subacute combined degeneration.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15261251&dopt=Abstract
Complete Resolution of Myelopathy In A Patient With Vitamin B12 ...
http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijn/vol2n1/vitamin.xml
Copper deficiency myelopathy produces a clinical picture like ...
http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/63/1/33

[Shirley Hughes]

Dr Wise

I wonder if you can answer a few questions please

Spinal Cord Tumor operated on some 14 years ago, could not be removed as would cause more paralysis, biopsy done to make sure not cancerous, indeed it is not, was told i would not walk again, 1 year later walking with stick, left side paralysis

Yesterday I had my annual check up with my neurosurgeon, have been having some extra weekness in left leg, aches pains and more fatigued than usual, Consultant said this is similar to Post-Polio Syndrome.

Would this be right? Would appreciate any feedback, from yourself or others on this.

Many thanks
Shirley

[Bhaskar]

:thinking: Respected Dr. Young,

I am suffuring from TM since May. 2003. I have only one question is there any treatment avilable today that can restore me to my previous state ?

[birdiecup]

hi , i a mother of tm patient. he is 34. this just happened to him this last spring. we, He, has been through a lot, but doing better.. i wanted to get him involved in a group. he is ready now,,said so . so i am going to take a chance and post his email address so someone can invite him to join...i am sure he and cheryl could use a understanding helpping hand rob at eagleeagel0217@AIM.com if there is a group for me or my hubby , let me know. we both are having extensive, and risky back surgeries oct and dec.

[Sue Pendleton]

:thinking: Respected Dr. Young,

I am suffuring from TM since May. 2003. I have only one question is there any treatment avilable today that can restore me to my previous state ?

Bhaskar, are you a complete or in complete TM suffer? Also, check out www.myelitis.org (http://www.myelitis.org) or pm me, click on my name, with your city and I can find the nearest support group for you. There are hundreds around the world.

[Sue Pendleton]

hi , i a mother of tm patient. he is 34. this just happened to him this last spring. we, He, has been through a lot, but doing better.. i wanted to get him involved in a group. he is ready now,,said so . so i am going to take a chance and post his email address so someone can invite him to join...i am sure he and cheryl could use a understanding helpping hand rob at eagleeagel0217@AIM.com if there is a group for me or my hubby , let me know. we both are having extensive, and risky back surgeries oct and dec.

Your son can find a nearby support group by joining the TMA. It's free and they can connect him with a support group.

For yourselves ask your doctor or search WebMD.com for groups. It does help to have city, state or country for aiming you at the proper help.:)

[ev50]

Hi Zoey,
Thankyou for your info, and I would be interested to know how you go with your neurologist, and how you cope with your condition. I found a lady in Queensland, with a Thoaracic Syrinx, who was running an information session on SM for disability week. Please keep in touch, I am still learning the computer and it takes a while for me to work this posting business out.
All the best
Evelyn.

[happygirl6468]

What kind of pain do you have and where is your syrinx? A lot of doctors have acted as though I was crazy when I decribe my pain or symptoms.

[Chief Don]

I'm new to this forum and this ailment... Just diagnosed with C4/C5 stenosis and scheduled for fusion December 7th here in Austin, Texas, USA. I'm a 55 y/o teacher with 6 y/o triplets, previous compression fractures of T-12, L-1,2,3; also a Retired Marine and Volunteer Fire Chief. So much for King and country. Does tension work better than fusion? Does fusion fail [ 50%?] as high as I hear? Do I have any other options? Thanks!:)

Chief Don

[Sue Pendleton]

I'm new to this forum and this ailment... Just diagnosed with C4/C5 stenosis and scheduled for fusion December 7th here in Austin, Texas, USA. I'm a 55 y/o teacher with 6 y/o triplets, previous compression fractures of T-12, L-1,2,3; also a Retired Marine and Volunteer Fire Chief. So much for King and country. Does tension work better than fusion? Does fusion fail [ 50%?] as high as I hear? Do I have any other options? Thanks!:)

Chief Don

Bad day for a Marine to have any work done on him. I, personally, would get a second opinion from some place like Baylor before fusing if there is a 50% failure rate. I just hear pain stories afterward. I hope Wise will step in here because I believe some surgeons are now treating some stenosis cases differently. If you have insurance primary to Tricare then Tricare should pick up any extras the primary doesn't for the second opinion. Getting a statement of non-availability also should not be a problem right now.

Go Army! :D

[ange008]

Hi Zoey,
Thankyou for your info, and I would be interested to know how you go with your neurologist, and how you cope with your condition. I found a lady in Queensland, with a Thoaracic Syrinx, who was running an information session on SM for disability week. Please keep in touch, I am still learning the computer and it takes a while for me to work this posting business out.
All the best
Evelyn.
Hi EV,
Am new to this but was just reading your statements. I have chari 1 syringomyelia, first diagnosed late 2001, after complaining to doctors for about 10 years. I had 8 operations(due to complications involving meningoceles) and now am aparrently stabilised (surgically that is), although symptoms seems to be worsening, which I don't understand. However, the point I am getting at is that after going through 6 operations before one neurosurgeon admitted defeat, I was referred to another Neurosurgeon who was in the process of moving to Brisbane. She stabilised my condition from a surgical point of view (so far), so if the day somes when if you do need surgery her name is Doctor Marianne Vonau, and she is at the Royal Womens Hospital in Bris.
As for me, am in England, and am trying to PE teach however, it seems my body has other ideas.Am due to see a neurologist next week in the public system over here, but am not holding my breath.
Hope things go well
Angela

[snowyrivers28]

Hi:) i am a 29 year old female i came across this web site and wanted to see if u can help me make some sence out of this whole thing,feb,13,2007 i had gotton rear ended in a car accident went to the ER got cat scans-x-rays every thing came back great. ok so i got home and was sore which is normal for being in a car reck, 2weeks later i was at work i work as a cashier so it is no hard work and i got the worst pain in my legs,back ,toes , so i went home and had my husband put pressure while i was laying on my stomach ,i finally fell alsleep and when i woke up the next morning i was completly numb from my waste to my toes tingleing-needleing feeling very scary so i made a doc appt.and he insisted go get a MRI and i did for the lower spine it came back and nothing! ok so i insisted for me to go and see a neurologist he said ok went there yesterday which was the 16th of march and he took it very seriously told me to go to the ER ASAP!! and get a MRI of the C and T spine with/without contract and admit my self saying he thinks it is transverse myelitis ok i am really worried i might die what is it and could the car accident made this happen for me? or is it a desease that i was born with? i have no clue i need all the input i can get.
HELP!!!!!!
thank you...brandy:thinking:

[snowyrivers28]

:thinking: Respected Dr. Young,

I am suffuring from TM since May. 2003. I have only one question is there any treatment avilable today that can restore me to my previous state ?
what are your symptoms? i think i have tm also! i woke up one morning after a painfull night and a 2 week old car accident and was totally numb from my waste down to my toesand feel myself go to the bathroom barely walk even i will hopfully find out today i have allready 2 MRI ,cat scans,x rays wtf is going on

[snowyrivers28]

What kind of pain do you have and where is your syrinx? A lot of doctors have acted as though I was crazy when I decribe my pain or symptoms.
omg mine did to it was so bad i had to tell the doctor what i wanted (MRI CAT SCANS X RAYS) i was like wow do u even care? now the neurology thinks i have tm- transverse myelitis, but 3 weeks ago it was nothing to him-my doctor-

[Sue Pendleton]

Snowy, no one dies of TM if they are in the hospital and being treated at least not from the waist down. You would have to have an allergic reaction to a drug or have it move up to the muscles you breathe with and that is also treatable. TM has many causes so you may want to read more at myelitis.org . If you haven't gone to the ER yet, GO! The sooner the medications can begin the more likely you'll have a light case.

[phil99]

You have to take responsibility for everything, including the doctors you see. If they are no good, then get second opinions. I personally believe that although Doctors obviously care, they are often too rushed/overworked to do things properly, so become the expert yourself.

[Whitehall1212]

This is my 4th year after a TM attack at the T7. After a couple of months I made a 80% recovery, but now I feel that I am loosing some mobility, because of pain around the right side abdomen . This feels like a 'stitch' as happens if one runs, I have had IBS for years off and on, and also Fybromyalgia.
A couple of medical practioners have given me their opions, one said it is the IBS, one said it could be the facia muscle system now stiffening. It has been suggested that I have all the IBS test again, Barium mells and Xrays, it dosnt feel like the IBS more like the Fybo, and I am wondering if the TM could have changed the muscle control of this area over the last year? and How could this be investigated? and treated.
I have also and odd body temp sequence, I am hot most nights but my temp drops to c35.5 at many parts of the day. I take' ordinary' pain killers.
as required.

[makoman]

About a month ago my father in law started having back pain which slowly increased and included numbness/lack of control in his hands then legs. After several ER and doctor visits for this he was finally admitted to the hosp with a diagnosis of idiopathic transverse myelitis and put on a methylprednisone drip. Symtoms seem to have improved slightly after 3 days, but he still cant walk and will be discharged in the next week to a rehab facility, he's 78.
My question is, does anyone know of a good in-patient rehab facility in the south florida, west palm beach, area ? Also any nuerologists specializing in TM that he may get further advice from?

Thanks for any input.:)

[Pirate Mommy]

Hello,

I was diagnosed with TM 3 years ago, after losing all feeling in the lower half of my body. It returned 3 years later, almost to the day, this time in my arms. I have a great deal of nerve damage, and tons of spasming, as I'm sure many of you do, as well. However, today, I was also diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the spine, and I am wondering how this new piece will fit into my already abnormal puzzle.

Are there others out there who have this combination as well? How will one affect the other? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Pirate Mommy]

I'm in North Florida, Disney area, and I have had great treatment at UCF in Gainesville. They are quite a trek, even for me, but they helped me with my second occurance when no one else could. Ask your father's neurologist about it, the medical school was crawling with brilliant minds all working together to help me through the TM. Best of luck.

[lynnifer]

Hi ... Pirate Mommy ... are you answering your own question or ... ?

I have TM. I'm afraid I'm not familiar with anyone having both illnesses, although long term paralysis (in my case from TM) can cause bone density loss.

[royandjoe]

name roy seen lots of doctors in arkansas but scar tissue is causing lots of pain after surgery one pain doctor said he new all about it pts come to fine out he had one pts and she turn to street drugs and he let her go i am still trying i can walk some but not to much i give out easy

[Leif]

Lynn, it is spam the best - bomb 'em lazy flyers and remove this last posters of this thread.

[bartles99]

Hi Lynn...
I was diagnosed with TM July 07... was in rehab in Windsor for 4 months..currently I have been getting PT in a Chatham hospital... Windsor to far to drive.. i live in Tilbury.. i was wondering about effects of PT.. I am having a lot of pain the last few months and seems to be worse after PT...

Bartles99

[cpcoats]

Hi i was diagnosed with myocitis by 2 doctors here in the U.S,(UCLA) and i went to Mexico to see a well known doctor that has helped a lot of people, he said i was misdiagnosed in the US he actually said i had muscle dystrophocy, he was the one that recommended the sheep cell therapy,
i just wanted some feedback with anyone that has the same condition, or similar that have taken that therapy.

[Sue Pendleton]

Hi i was diagnosed with myocitis by 2 doctors here in the U.S,(UCLA) and i went to Mexico to see a well known doctor that has helped a lot of people, he said i was misdiagnosed in the US he actually said i had muscle dystrophocy, he was the one that recommended the sheep cell therapy,
i just wanted some feedback with anyone that has the same condition, or similar that have taken that therapy.

http://www.myositis.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=71

The above site covers the myocitis's but I can find no information on "muscle dystrophocy". Sheep cell therapy? In case this is for real, your post I mean, I'd join the above organization. I know of NO therapy for humans involving sheep cells unless GM-1 from sheep has been approved for human use. I seriously doubt this has happened yet. And ask where they got the sheep? Mexico is not known for its wool or lamb chops...

And did this last "doctor" mean you have muscular dystrophy? If so you might try the Muscular Dystrophy Association for information.

[Sue Pendleton]

Hi Lynn...
I was diagnosed with TM July 07... was in rehab in Windsor for 4 months..currently I have been getting PT in a Chatham hospital... Windsor to far to drive.. i live in Tilbury.. i was wondering about effects of PT.. I am having a lot of pain the last few months and seems to be worse after PT...

Bartles99

Bartles99, I'm a member of the TMA although my injury was from a spinal stroke. I've been to several of their symposiums and from what I gather those who regain the most seem to have the most pain. Those who are complete injuries tend to have little or no neuropathic pain. I'd suggest talking to your neurologist or therapist about pain control. Remember also that in healthy atheletes that muscle is created in small tears to existing muscle. We just feel those little tears a whole lot more than able bodied people. Does Chatham offer water therapy? If so that may be a good break and so great feeling to muscles and skin.

Sue

[Terrih]

Hello, I'm new to this forum but have been diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis since the middle of May 2008. I had a total thyroidectomy (entire thyroid removed) on August 13th because I had a fine needle biopsy that indicated a cancer pattern in the thyroid which turned out cancer free. My neurologist has been searching for a primary cause to explain the lesion in my spinal cord at the T1 level. I have had a cervical MRI that shows this to be about the size of a man's pinkie finger, and I have had the numbness of the lower extremities, the banding (early on), the bladder and bowel problems, the spasticity in my legs (early on), all the symptoms of MS which I was tested for and found negative, and TM. I was on the IV steroid Methylprednisolone May 17-21 for the inflammation in my spinal cord. I've been taking 60 mg Prednisone since August 25th to control the spasticity and for mobility. I'm also taking 75 mg Lyrica daily for the neuropathy in my left leg which developed late July.

I'm 54 years old, female, and my symptoms are not getting any better. My neurologist was sure that there was a primary cancer source and that the lesion in my spinal cord is the secondary. I guess I'm curious to know what is next when I go to see the neurosurgeon my neurologist has set me up with. I guess we now have to consider surgery or a biopsy - how dangerous are these? My neuro didn't want to recommend either - he mentioned external beam radiation to shrink it and possibly chemo. I will be going to see my hematologist-oncologist tomorrow to see what his opinion is.

If you need more information on my background, please let me know. It's kind of sketchy here, and I seem to be having trouble with my short-term memory since I've been on these meds. I also wanted to know how long a person can safely take Prednisone? This stuff has made me gain weight and swell like crazy!! Thanks for your time.

Terri

[Naresh Kumar]

hi dr. wise.

Hello, I'm new to this forum but have been diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis since the starting of November 2007. I went to my office and work hole day and come back home. In mid night I vomit several times
(4-5) and not able to pass my urine. However I pass the hole night in pain at my lower abdomen. In the morning I pass my urine from using a catheter at nursing home. Suddenly I am losing my legs power and was tried to stand up but not able to stand up and fell down. I was trying but not able. I reach a hospital and gone through a MRI test and diagnose TM. Now, after 1 year i improving from TM but my urine problem is not improving. I checked my urine for culture and diagnose Pseudomonas. I dont know what should I do.

[Sue Pendleton]

Naresh, you need to see a urologist to be given antibiotics if you have an infection of the bladder or kidneys. What level was your TM diagnosed at? Cervical, thorasic, lumbral or sacral? How the bladder works after TM depends on where the original lesion/s were.

[TMSuffered]

Hello Everyone, I'm new to this group. Myself Prasad aged 27 (Male, unmarried, India) had diagnosed for TM on last year (May-07). Initially i had headache followed by fever. It took a week time to loose my control over legs, bladder & completely collapsed on 8th day. I was unable to stand on my leg, urine & stool got blocked, not able to sit, lost sensation at below chest with lots of pain & had blurred vision. After diagnosis, I had Acute Transverse Myelitis. I have been on Steroid for couple of days & slowly started to gain sensation & able get some movements in leg. I have on indwelled catheter for 2 months. After that, Dr removed the indwelled catheter & tought me to do CIC (clean intermittent catheter), enema & was on physiotherapy. After 5 months i have joined back to work. Now after more than one year I can able to walk properly, able to do jogging (but cant run fast), have complete sensation. As of now I had good recovery, but still I have following problems.
1. Urge to pass urine,
2. Difficult to pass stool,
3. ED
Right now i'm not on CIC & able to void urine naturally. Max urine i can hold is 279 ml with residue of 68 ml (from sonography). I have been on Tolterodin Tetrate & Imipramine for bladder control. But if i have been on medicine, I need to do CIC as i cant pass urine naturally. If not, i will have urgency which sometime results in leak. Right now I'm not taking any of medicines.

I had gone penile doppler which reveals that i don't have ED, but still i can't able to have complete erection. As still i'm single I don't have any problem, but need to overcome this too. Do we have any exercise or medicines to overcome this?

Need your valuable suggestions
In advance, Thank You for your valuable time & suggestion
Prasad.

[Wise Young]

Hello Everyone, I'm new to this group. Myself Prasad aged 27 (Male, unmarried, India) had diagnosed for TM on last year (May-07). Initially i had headache followed by fever. It took a week time to loose my control over legs, bladder & completely collapsed on 8th day. I was unable to stand on my leg, urine & stool got blocked, not able to sit, lost sensation at below chest with lots of pain & had blurred vision. After diagnosis, I had Acute Transverse Myelitis. I have been on Steroid for couple of days & slowly started to gain sensation & able get some movements in leg. I have on indwelled catheter for 2 months. After that, Dr removed the indwelled catheter & tought me to do CIC (clean intermittent catheter), enema & was on physiotherapy. After 5 months i have joined back to work. Now after more than one year I can able to walk properly, able to do jogging (but cant run fast), have complete sensation. As of now I had good recovery, but still I have following problems.
1. Urge to pass urine,
2. Difficult to pass stool,
3. ED
Right now i'm not on CIC & able to void urine naturally. Max urine i can hold is 279 ml with residue of 68 ml (from sonography). I have been on Tolterodin Tetrate & Imipramine for bladder control. But if i have been on medicine, I need to do CIC as i cant pass urine naturally. If not, i will have urgency which sometime results in leak. Right now I'm not taking any of medicines.

I had gone penile doppler which reveals that i don't have ED, but still i can't able to have complete erection. As still i'm single I don't have any problem, but need to overcome this too. Do we have any exercise or medicines to overcome this?

Need your valuable suggestions
In advance, Thank You for your valuable time & suggestion
Prasad.

Prasad,

Sorry to hear that you had TM. Regarding erectile function, you may want to go the R & S forum and learn about some of the techniques that are used to promote and maintain erections, as well as ejaculation. You should also know that there are clinics that will collect sperm and artifical insemination is a possibility. Many people who have spinal cord injury have used these methods and they should be available in India.

Wise.

[Sue Pendleton]

Prasod have you asked your urologist about taking smaller doses of the bladder medicines so you can hold more but not need CIC? Sometimes you may have to use the childrens liquid version and tiny amounts 3 or 4 times a day.

[Sue Pendleton]

This is a welcome thread so for faster responses to questions I am locking it. Please post under another thread that includes your question in some way and the thread will come to the top. New questions feel free to start a new thread. Thanks.

Sue