13 replies to this topic

[terricn]

My 71-year old mother became suddenly paralyzed on January 12, 2010, (T7 complete). After a 2-month hospital stay, she was told it must have been a virus which attacked her spine (transverse myelitis). She's still paralyzed from the bladder down (has a suprapubic catheter), has sensation/feeling but no movement whatsoever below the waist.

She is a widow and was able to move back home after living with my family & me for 5 months. Doing okay as far as independence goes but is somewhat depressed, for obvious reasons, and still perplexed and in disbelief that this happened to her in what should be her "golden years." I've seen lots of younger people with posts on this site; anyone out there around my mother's age with similar story to share?

[davjed]

Welcome, Terricn........I'm 69 and have been around quite few years. The only thing I have to share is attitude, attitude, attitude...don't let her get depressed. Keep her with good medical care and just take it one day at a time

[goose]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Getting older has enough problems without something like this happening. I'm glad she's able to keep her independence. Does she have a life alert system just in case of an emergency? This would give both of you peace of mind.

Try to get your mom to join this forum. She would gain much knowledge and realise she's not alone.

Welcome aboard.

[Ratticis]

I'm only 26, but am all too familier with transverse myalitis (it sucks!) Sorry to hear about yer ma, but now she can park where ever the hell she wants

[wheeliebear75]

There are a couple of older folks on here....but yes most of us are younger adults. Even if the majority of us are younger than she it still may help her KNOWING that there are other people out there that have had similar situations to her own & are still very much enjoying life.

[pinkcloud]

hi

I'm younger in calender years,yet in health years me bodys about 105 years old as me life was lived in permanent fast forward mode due to fast paced living.

Me mind may be the same age as ya mams is....our minds have the ability to live in the land where time stands still and can keep us as young as we choose. I am 15 in me head.

I personally gain lots of knowledge from me friends whom have turned more calender pages than me - wisdom, survival skills and life experience I find deserve to be respected and heard, so I understand from this point of view why your mam would too like friends within her own age group.

Fear, the unknown, isolation, rejection, pain, hurt, sadness...visits us all and along with getting by, learning, understanding, support, happiness, laughs - bond all sci and their loved ones together with theses common traits- all ages welcome to the land of sci, as it is not choosey whom it affects and what age they are. Give sci the attention it wants - it overpowers us - kick it into touch...and loving to live, rather than living to die is possible.

The proof...in every part of this website with shared life stories.

Edited by pinkcloud, 22 June 2011 - 10:17 AM.

[Tetracyclone]

I am 60.

[terricn]

Thanks to everyone for responding! And I actually called my mom last night to tell her about the forums on this site. I agree that it would help her to know there are others in the same boat, cuz you know, misery loves company!

She does have a life alert button which makes me feel soooo much better about her safety. Problem is, she accidentally presses it all the time and the people are very quick to respond. They tell her that they have to stay on for 30 minutes afterwards just to make sure she's okay. Her fear is she will be on the toilet at that point and these people are listening to her when she would rather not have the company! ha ha

[pinkcloud]

Tetracyclone, on 22 June 2011 - 04:46 PM, said:

I am 60.

whoooowwww noooo way tetra...i thought you was me age, see what i mean..age is an emotional number.

Hows your mam doing now? I'd love to know how shes keeping.

Yeah your right misery loves misery..and they can hang around together in he back of our minds where it belongs, two people together keeps the happy side be the dominent part

great for me to hear your feeling happier too terricin

[Snakeye]

I'm 56 and was injured at age 52 but I have alot of milage on me....Physical-wise I feel I went from age 52 to 72 in an instant upon breaking my neck..I feel like an old dog lying on the porch..I do get up and bark now and again but mostly just take it easy and watch the world go by...Avoid depression like the plauge cause that and feeling sorry for ones self is the death-knell for the spinal cord injured...

Edited by Snakeye, 09 July 2011 - 12:30 PM.

[ZEN12many]

I'm 65 and got TM 6.5 years ago. Yeah, it is hard enough being old.

[nomis]

I'm not old yet. I'm only 63 (I think). I'm counting on my emotional state reverting to childhood quicker than my body trundles towards decomposition. I think the kid part is winning so far. But it's not a problem till I get old.

[Ginny]

I'm 53 and was injured a year ago. I was always fit and capable and looked younger than my age. Suddenly, I look ten years older and feel about 90. Yikes!

Your mom will find a lot of company here. I hope she joins and becomes part of the community. My heart goes out to her.

[Millard]

I am 64 and was injured 44 years ago. I can hardly remember being an AB. Avoid depression at all costs.

Good luck.