Looking for info and people with Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)

I went 4 years undaignosed - they now think it is NMO, however, there is not optical involvement only spine. Now having difficulty walkin (lately having to use wheelchair totally). Has anyone had NMO diagnoses of NMO for spine only? what meds are you taking and is it workingl thanks
kandyd

Hi @darlarose @jknight @uniqu3 @aathins @lovelife100
There were 3 separate discussions about neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in various groups here on Connect. I have merged all your messages together in one discussion so that you can meet each other and continue your conversation here in the Brain & Nervous System group.

Welcome back LoveLife100, what a relief it must be that your daughter has not had a relapse for a year now. What infusions does she take?

Probiotics

I went from walking normally in mid April to being in a wheelchair first week of June to walking with a cane and rolling walker to now walking independently on my own. Physical therapy steroids gabapentin and rituximab

I had an MRI and Spinal Tap. My walking is really bad, muscles are tight, burning pain in my back and stomach. Can't do much because I get tire fast. The spasm are not bad now but my lower legs always feel cold. I was diagnosed in March. At that time I couldn't walk at all. My right side was real weak. But with medication and physical therapy I am doing much better.

Hi Kandyd. I was diagnosed in March. At that time I couldn't walk. I stayed in hospital over a month. Had Plasma Exchanges and steroid IV. Also physical therapy. I am taking azathioprine to stop future attacks. Gabapentine and Baclofen for nerve pain. I went from wheelchair to a walker and now I can walk without an aid. Not perfect and I do get tire really fast, so I still use an aid if I'm going out. Praying that you will also be able to get out the wheelchair.

My son has NMO and is constantly struggling with the pain causing substance abuse issues. We are looking for someone to help him in the Atlanta area with his depression, substance issues and the constant upheaval that comes with dealing with the disease. Any advice would be appreciated

Thank you, @johnbishop.

Hello @macdapat,

You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion on NMO. As John suggested, we thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed much of what your son is experiencing.
If you are replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY so that you can read through some of the earlier messages and also meet some of our other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

While we wait for other members to join in, here is some information about Neuromyelitis optica care at Mayo Clinic, that you may wish to view:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neuromyelitis-optica/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20375661
@macdapat, we look forward to getting to know you and your son; when was he diagnosed with NMO? How has he been managing it thus far?

Peace Blessings and joy to you @macdapat, I am the mother of a young active 21-year-old daughter who is what I would say is a survivor of NMO. She has lived with for about 4 years now it has been hell the first 2 years. What we did was go organic as much as possible soap, dish detergent, food, pure fide water, well that was not enough the crying spell mood swing was out of control. Love +Prayer is key !!!!! understanding listening to your son body!!, keep a journal of everything goes back and read it on the regular. Don't let doctors tell you about your son they don't know him you do, listen to your son's want, needs, and feels. If he tells u the med's make him feel a type of way believes him please my daughters felt. It is ok to change meds to fit him as a person. My daughter still has issues but we not on pills we only go to IVIG every 3-6 months. She is so blessed that she takes care of an active two-year-old almost every day for a living. Please pray pray pray believe listen to your son fight for him.

@lovelife100

Thanks for your encouraging and hopeful words!

I like the idea of keeping a journal to report findings, has that been helpful?

Teresa