Ohio

The Ohio Support Group held a meeting on December 10, 2005 in Worthington.  Several new attendees were among the 24 people that gathered for the afternoon.  A variety of topics were discussed, including the 2006 Baltimore Symposium, the first ever TMA Kid’s Camp coming in 2007, and ideas and suggestions for future meetings and events.

We are also excited to welcome aboard Linda Garrett as one of our support group leaders.  Linda has been very active in supporting the TMA and in networking with other TMers in the state.  The best way to introduce Linda is to let her introduce herself:

My name is Linda Garrett. I am married, soon will be 37 years, I have 3 grown children and one granddaughter just a little over a year old (the love of my life). I am 58 years old and still have lots and lots of life left, I hope!

On November 13, 2002, only two weeks after my husband had retired, I woke up with my feet asleep. I got up and tried to walk, and matters only got worse. In a matter of hours I was totally paralyzed from the waist down.  I fell, put a very deep gash in my leg and broke two toes, but couldn’t feel a thing. I was taken to the hospital in an ambulance and for a few days was given every test imaginable. I had many different doctors and they were all puzzled. Finally, I was given large doses of steroids, and then started on IVIG.  I spent nearly a month in the hospital. I had very aggressive physical therapy. Some feeling returned and I was able to walk with a walker when I was released from the hospital. I constantly complained of bowel and bladder problems. I was sent to Ohio State University Hospital and Cleveland Clinic and finally was told I had Transverse Myelitis.  I had not been sick, had not been around anyone that was sick, and the only thing I remember prior to getting sick was a terrible back ache for about two days before my symptoms started. I had received a flu shot prior to my symptoms.

I have had a very positive attitude through all of this, and I believe that has helped me.  I walk with a cane. I am able to drive a car. I do work part time, but I get very tired, and rest is essential.  I try to stay busy, and laughter is a must. I have always had wonderful support from my family and friends, and life goes on, and so do I.

The Ohio Support Group Committee is comprised of individuals living with TM throughout the great state of Ohio.  Feel free to contact any member of the committee, if you live in Ohio or would like information on upcoming meetings.

Maggie Miller: Columbus        
Magmil1336[AT SIGN]aol.com                       

Jim Tolbert: Cincinnati
Jimmyt2[AT SIGN]adelphia.net                       

Linda Garrett: Duncan Falls
Limoga43734[AT SIGN]yahoo.com

Kathleen Karoly: Toledo/
Bowling Green
kkaroly[AT SIGN]dacor.net