SRNA Support Group in Houston

I am an RN and a fellow NMO survivor. After a complicated pregnancy four years ago, I began to suffer with leg numbness, tingling, and weakness. In 2012, I spent a week in the hospital with a diagnosis of transverse myelitis. After visits with 4 neurologists, 2 rheumatologists, and various other specialists, I was still left with no answers. Finally, in 2013, a neurologist diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis (MS) based on my symptoms. I tried 3 MS medications with continued disease progression, including optic neuritis, continued weakness, and a myriad of other “MS” symptoms. After a second opinion, and a positive AQP4 IgG, I was diagnosed with NMO earlier this year.

I currently live in the Houston metropolitan area and work for a Houston based company. I am married with a 5-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. My husband works in the refinery industry.

After researching support groups, I learned that there is a need in the Houston, TX area. It is my hope that a new group in Houston will help to bring survivors and their caregivers together to create a large network of support. I hope that our group can provide support, encouragement, education, and friendship.

~ Teresa Chapman