Life Can Turn On a Dime

Imagine that you've been dealing with minor-to-moderate joint pain for quite some time.  Imagine that you have been having pain in your chest as well from time to time, especially at night or when breathing deeply.  Imagine that you have had some other troubling symptoms that don't seem to be getting better.

After trying for some time, you finally get in to see a Rheumatologist, thinking that you might have some sort of autoimmune disorder like Rheumatoid arthritis or Lupus.  The Rheumatologist gives you a medication to try.

And then everything goes downhill fast.

During the night, you have trouble urinating.  The next day, a doctor prescribes antibiotics for an infection.  Later that same day, you're admitted to the hospital with a high fever.  By the next morning, you lose all sensation and mobility below your belly button, and the paralysis seems to be rising steadily higher.

And nobody knows why.

This happened to my brother-in-law last week.  Subsequent tests revealed that he has Transverse Myelitis, likely brought on by Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE).

It's amazing how quickly life can change.

My brother-in-law spent a couple of days in the ICU, followed by a couple more days in an intermediate care ward, and now has been moved to a therapy ward.

At this point, there are still more questions than answers.  They are hoping and praying for the best (a significant recovery) and preparing for the worst.  The numbers are on his side.  He is young and active, so that's good as well.

However, as with all things dealing with the nervous system, only time will tell.