Calming Body and Mind

By Esther Taylor

I have had multiple sclerosis since 1975, when I was 25. At the time, I was married and had two young daughters.

It took a full two years before we realized what was happening to my body. When the MS diagnosis actually came, I was really quite relieved -- I had thought I had a brain tumour! At least I now knew I was not going to die!

Slowly, over the next few years, my upper body became weaker and weaker. I was in an accounting job, and was able to keep working up until 1988, when the fatigue increased and my legs could no longer hold me up.

In 1988, I was hospitalized due to the complications the disease was causing. After a tremendous amount of physiotherapy, I gained enough strength to walk again. This strength would come and go but would never stay with me. At least, though, I still had some independence, as I was able to perform standing transfers between my chair and my bed.

In 1991 the spasms began. At first, the spasms were more of an annoyance, but eventually they became more severe and painful.

Due to further progression and intense spasm, I became unable to function without a great deal of assistance, and was hospitalized for very long periods of time. During my most difficult hospital stay, it was seriously considered that I be placed in a long-term care facility. It was felt that I could no longer function in my own home.

I had lost my independence and now had to rely on other people. This was completely against who I was. I had always done things my way, and on my time. Now, I was relying on strangers -- and, worse, my daughters -- to take care of me. This was extremely hard, as it was my job to look after them, not the other way around.

The spasms eventually became so severe that they were pulling me out of my wheelchair, and made sleeping next to impossible. It was 1992 and I was now completely hospitalized. I was taking oral Baclofen along with painkillers and other relaxants, all with little effect.

Through it all, I kept my spirits up as best I could. But I have to admit there were times when I thought my situation was hopeless. If it was not for the people around me -- my family, the nurses, my physician and others -- I am not sure how I would have made it.

My family physician contacted neurologist Dr. W. Becker of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at the Calgary General Hospital. Dr. Becker visited me at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. He recommended that I participate in a study he was conducting which involved using a pump that injects liquid Baclofen directly into the spine.

I was to be part of a study, a real guinea pig! It didn’t matter to me. I was thrilled that I might be able to stop the spasms.

In February, 1993, I was moved to the Calgary General Hospital. There, they performed the necessary tests to see if I was a suitable candidate for the Medtronic Implantable Drug Pump. The testing went very well, as my spasms actually stopped. I suddenly appreciated something as small as being able to rest peacefully.

On March 8, 1993, the pump was surgically implanted in my abdomen. Quality of life has changed dramatically since that time. Almost immediately, there was a noticeable improvement in my spasms.

I spent another six weeks in hospital rehabilitation and then, for the first time in over a year, I was able to move back to my own apartment, where I am now living on my own.

Before the pump, I could not travel, as any small bump would send me into spasms that could nearly jolt me from my chair. Now I go to movies on my own, I shop, I go to parks, I even bowl! More importantly, my body and mind are much calmer, and my outlook on life more positive.

I am fortunate to have wonderful attendants, who help me with the aspects of personal care that I’m unable to manage. I do, after all, still have multiple sclerosis, but life is much more tolerable. I am enjoying the increased independence the Baclofen Pump has given back to me.

(For more information on the Medtronic SynchroMed Pump and its applications, contact Medtronic of Canada, 6733 Kitimat Rd., Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 1W3; tel.: (905) 826-6020.)