Transverse Myelitis by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Acute Transverse Myelitis

Transverse myelitis is a neurologic syndrome caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. Transverse myelitis is uncommon. Conservative estimates of incidence per year vary from 1 to 5 per million population. The term myelitis is a nonspecific term for inflammation of the spinal cord; transverse refers to involvement across one level of the spinal cord. It occurs in both adults and children. You may also hear the term myelopathy, which is a more general term for any disorder of the spinal cord.

Transverse myelitis questions

Q. Can Passion Rx or any of the sex enhancing products help a man that is diagnosed with transerverse myelitis 6 yrs. ago. He was paralyzed from the waist down but with in a few months able to walk. He has some bladder and bowel control problems (which I just ordered pumpkin seed product for the over active bladder). He is 53 now. He can not achieve an erection but still has complete desire and is very frustrated. If this product is of no use then is there one? Transverse myelitis is damage in the spinal cord that caused his immune system to attack his nerve sheaths. So, there is permanent damage. He suffers lots of nerve pain in one of his legs and both feet. Of course the exact nature of TM is all theory. We have not tried viagra because he doesn't like drugs due to not wanting side affects. He does take vicodin for pain which also helps for him to have better control with his bladder since one side affect is bladder retention. He doesn't want to take them but what else is there? Thank you and please let me know if this product or any other could help my husband and I to have our sex life back.
     A. We don't recommend many of the sex herbs to those with transverse myelitis since the herbs provide a lot of energy and if someone has limited physical activity, restlessness and insomnia could occur.

Q. I am a 60 year old male. I was recently afflicted with Transverse Myelitis 10-16-2006. The onset happened in a period of 2 hours. It hit me at T-10 and my doctors thought it would complete with virtually no chance of recovery. Through my dedication and hard work I am able to walk (albeit very slowly) on a walker about 400 feet and it Takes about 45 minutes. In light of the original prognosis my rehab has been very good.  At this time I am incontinent, I have to disimpact myself to move my bowels, I cannot get an erection and of course I have virtually no ability to walk. Do you think Stem Cell Enhancers would help or any other suggestions? This is no life and I will try anything. Please please help me.
   A. We doubt stem cell enhancers will help with transverse myelitis.

Q.  I have transverse myelitis and noticed in a description of spirulina that it''s not advisable to take this supplement if you have an autoimmune disease. Does transverse myelitis fall into that category?
   A. Transverse myelitis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. I have no idea if spirulina would help, not influence, or hurt this condition.