Transverse myelitis

A guide for patients and carers

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Longer term effects of transverse myelitis

Physical problems

If you have physical problems like weakness in your legs, muscle spasms (spasticity) or difficulty walking, it is likely that you will benefit from physiotherapy. A physiotherapist will recommend movements and exercises to assist your recovery and help you regain the strength, flexibility, feeling and movement in your legs that you might have lost. They will also recommend movements and exercises to help you maintain any strength, flexibility, feeling and movement that you still have. The physiotherapist might show your friends, family or carers how to assist you with some of the exercises so you are able to practise them at home between appointments.

Bowel and bladder problems

It is common for people to have problems with their bowel or bladder after transverse myelitis. You might be referred to a health professional who specialises in continence problems for advice.

Sexual problems

You might have sexual problems after transverse myelitis. This might be something that you find difficult to talk about. It might be that you, or you and your partner, find it helpful to discuss your sexual problems and concerns about your sex life with a counsellor or therapist.

Fatigue

It is common to experience fatigue (extreme tiredness). You might find that you become exhausted even after commonplace activities like going to the shops, watching television, or talking with your friends. Keeping active is an important part of your recovery but you might need to think of ways to conserve your energy. It can be helpful to return slowly to your usual everyday activities rather than trying to do too much too soon. Try building up your activities over a few weeks. It can also be helpful to take regular short breaks throughout the day.

Depression

Many people find it difficult coming to terms with having had transverse myelitis. You might feel depressed, tearful, angry or anxious. As time goes by, it can be hard to express and explain to others how you feel and how you have changed, especially as you might appear to have made a good physical recovery or be coping well with your physical symptoms. This can lead to feelings of isolation. It often helps if you can talk to a friend or relative about how you are feeling rather than keeping things bottled up inside. You might want to talk to your GP about seeing a clinical psychologist or a counsellor.