Transverse myelitis?

[CLH7966]

Is it possible to have transverse myelitis without leg weakness and bowel/bladder problems?  I have abnormal sensations from my toes to my ribcage just below my breasts. Briefly, the sensations are the feeling that I have sand or grit in my shoes all of the time, band-like sensations around my knees and my ribcage, and my skin feels different to the touch--numb, for lack of a better word, though I can feel pain.  I have had one MRI which was inconclusive for an intrinsic thoracic cord lesion.  The neurologist wants it repeated. Nothing showed up on bloodwork or CT scan.

CLH

[DrNavneetMD]

hi dear,

Transverse myelitis usually begins as a sudden onset of lower back pain, muscle weakness, or abnormal sensations in the toes and feet can rapidly progress to more severe symptoms, including paralysis, urinary retention, and loss of bowel control. .Your abnormal sensations could also be an after effect of some spinal cord injury,which needs to be carefully evaluated.
You should consult a good neurologist and again go in for MRI and other tests to diagnose your condition correctly.
Regards

[shellbell917]

This sounds exactly like what I am experiencing except that my numbness is only on my right side.  No weakness or other symptoms for me as well.  I just went to the neurologist yesterday and am scheduled for an MRI of the brain/cerival/thoracic areas this afternoon.  

I contacted a friend of mine (who is also a neurologist) and his initial reaction was that I do have transverse myelitis.  Of course, this is without knowing the results of the MRI.  He told me that if that is, in fact, the diagnosis that I would probably be treated with steriods.  One thing he also mentioned is that 10% of people who have transverse myelitis go on to develop MS.  Believe me - not something I was thrilled to hear.