My never say never story: Life with Transverse Myelitis.

[luckys49292]

if you dont mind me asking can you go to the bathroom the same I have tm and its slwoly rising and im wondering what you have to do differently btw im 13 and in 8th grade and having troubles getting used to my new life

[KatherineIrenee]

@luckys49292 everything is 100% back to normal with the bathroom stuff

[MrRobalina]

I contracted TM when I was your age and I now walk with a cane, good on yah :-)

[DirtyCodingHabitz]

I got TM when I was 10 and now I'm 20 years old. When I first noticed that there was something wrong with me was the night before I went to bed. Everything started getting slower (slow motioned) when I moved. When I woke up, after 10 minutes I started feeling my energy leave my body, it was a very weird feeling that I never felt before. It took me to recover my walking skills about 2-3 years, and I still have side effects on both legs. I can't move my fingers on my left arm.

Hope you get better

[ejsisman]

God Bless you your amazing!

[gymnast0810]

my ancles r the same way now I got it this summer but thank you god I can walk

[gymnast0810]

I have acute Transverse myelitis..it is the worst thing in the world..

[tracgyrl]

You are so very blessed! My best friend was diagnosed with TM Christmas day 2009 and she passed away 8/16/2011. Be thankful for everyday that you're given and NEVER GIVE UP! God bless you!

[KatherineIrenee]

@tracgyrl Yes i know I am. I thank God everyday that I'm alive and well. If I can ask, did she die because of TM?

[tracgyrl]

@KatherineIrenee Yes, unfortunately she lost her battle with TM after several rounds of plasma transfusions. I look at you and it makes me so happy that there are a lucky minority that overcome this disease.

[MonkeyKing300100]

i know your pain sweet heart, i got transverse myelitis when i was 7. it is hard and takes awhile to get used to (i am 20 now and am still getting used to it lol)

[xukeith33]

happened to me when i was 9.

Mine was T9.

I had same diagnosis. I walk with crutches. Have 10% of left leg recovery and 90% of right leg too.

But I live independent. only thing I can't do is run and jump. I am now 36.

I was extremely self conscious too. and still a little bit too. I am a teacer now and I work out b/c I sprained my strong (good) ankle!

[xukeith33]

happened to me when i was 9.

Mine was T9.

I had same diagnosis. I walk with crutches. Have 10% of left leg recovery and 90% of right leg too.

But I live independent. only thing I can't do is run and jump. I am now 36.

I was extremely self conscious too.

[xukeith33]

happened to me when i was 9.

Mine was T9.

I had same diagnosis. I walk with crutches. Have 10% of left leg recovery and 90% of right leg too.

But I live independent. only thing I can't do is run and jump.

[Tass1701]

You're really cute, but you have a terrible taste of music :/

[jaimemariesmith]

Katherine says,"It's her TT".

[defrasier]

Keep fighting kiddo!

[liezlndeeejay]

your story is very inspiring and i thank you for sharing it with everyone else who has this disease. i myself have been diagnosed with tm, and i stopped walking a little over 2 years ago. it has been a journey and a struggle trying to recover again with insurance issues, and other problems, but i am still very positive and am keeping my faith strong in what God has planned for me. i hope nothing but the best for you and your future! god bless!

[jamesfrbray]

Great video, your optimistic attitude is definitely the right way to go.

I got TM back in 2004, one leg paralysed other numb. I've been pretty lucky - whilst I can't run I can walk reasonably normal, although it takes a little concentration.

I've been nearly 7 years now and I swear Im still seeing small improvements on occasion. Nothing like the first few years but enough to make a real difference. So keep trying with the ankle :-)

[KatherineIrenee]

@jamesfrbray we seem to have similar stories. it'll be 4 years in november and now i even see a little improvement. If you don't mind me asking, how old were you when it happened?

[jamesfrbray]

@KatherineIrenee I was 27 when it happened, I'm 34 now. Its suprising that improvements do seem to continue, albeit at a smaller scale. Lately I've been doing 5 miles walks around the countryside. Not exactly easy and Im not always up for it, but I certainly couldnt have stood it at all 3 or 4 years ago.

[jamesfrbray]

Great video, your optimistic attitude is definitely the right way to go.

I got TM back in 2004, one leg paralysed other numb. I've been pretty lucky - whilst I can't run I can walk reasonably normal, although it takes a little concentration.

I've been nearly 7 years now and I swear Im still seeing small improvements on occasion. Nothing like the first few years but enough to make a real difference. So keep trying with the ankle :-)

[ShadesofEternalNight]

We have very similar stories. I admire your courage and determination to become fully recovered. I find most other people I meet with TM or who have experienced TM at a young age give up quickly. Keep up the hard work!

[allieiozzo4]

i have TM also... im 14 years old and i was 7 when i was diagnosed.. i just followed you on twitter (@allieiozzo) ... i hope we can chat sometime:)

[KatherineIrenee]

@allieiozzo4 ill go follow you too :) can i ask how your doing, now?

[allieiozzo4]

@KatherineIrenee itll be 7 years on august 22. im doing ok, at least im walking! but like you, my ankles are weak and i use my hips a lot! i walk with 1 crutch now but i was completely paralyzed. so my hands were affected also. just DM me on twitter whenever!

[hrdrssrlydia]

Hike up your leg girl! I ,too, walk in the same fashion , or as I like to call it, my God Given Swagger! I love your genuine happy face and attitude! As I've said millions of times, the doctors will never give me a 'cut off recovery date.' Keep walkin' girl and make the most of your high school years. You'll be amazed the difference you can make with with teenage girls with your positive outlook. As a mother myself, I know your mom is so proud of your journey; mind, body & spirit!

[markmccloskey]

Oops, posted too soon. Anyway, hang in there and I will keep working hard too!

[KatherineIrenee]

@markmccloskey Thank you very much <3<3 and stay strong!

[markmccloskey]

Hi, I am a 45 year old guy recovering from tm. You are very brave young lady. My left arm,both legs, and my breathing was affected. I was on ventiand in hospital

[KissMyBeauty86]

Wow its amazing how many of us there are w/ this illness, and w/ similar stories. I had the inflamation on both my spine and brain. at least they caught yours on your first trip to the hospital, I had to go to 2 (actually 3) different hospitals before I got proper treatment! Check my TM Story out when you get a chance, I am so glad you recieved the proper medical care! God Bless you sweetie! I hope Justin or his camp sees this and does something special for you!

[Helevitia]

You are also an inspiration to us. I've had TM for almost 18 years and I am also one of the "walking wounded". Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your story.

[KatherineIrenee]

@Helevitia thank you very much. and you too. never say never :)

[duchessjewell]

It's always nice to see positive TM video clips

[OriginalAdler24]

I don't think this is sad at all... it's inspirational and beautiful.

[sportchickx17]

thats a sad story. tlk about depresin. pshhhhh.

[wellsbritney]

wonderful....i so needed to see this today...