Stem Cell update 24 days

Today is New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2011.

 I had stem cell therapy 6 Dec 2011, after having CCSVI venoplasty with initial alleviation of MS symptoms but subsequent return and worsening of symptoms despite venoplasty again (it was no use, the veins were already open).  Venoplasty July 2010 (good results but faded right away), Aug 2010 (good results for 6 months) Mar 2011 (no results).

  In 2011 I was trying every supplement and diet/nutrition therapy I could find.  However I got a lot worse in the fall and winter of this year.  I was in a wheelchair outside the house and holding onto walls and furniture within, usually sitting.  My whole life was a time/motion study: how much energy will it take to get to the bathroom?  Can I put in my contacts today?  What about a shower?  No, I took one yesterday, that will have to do.

  I had trouble speaking and wouldn’t generally use the phone.

  I had to take stock, there was little quality of life.

  It seemed stem cell therapy might be an option.

  So I took the plunge, using up the retirement account.  I had  had to retire in 2011 anyway, so it worked out.  I figured, older with no nest egg versus no future.

  We opted to go to Mexico, since it was closer (we’re in Colorado).  This doctor had good results and I talked to patients he treated.  I used donor cells since my own may be compromised from MS.  At this point, SPMS.

  I had immediate good results. (See blog at 9 days). I wasn’t to exercise for two weeks (though I rode the exercise bike a few times) and I started trying to work out an exercise routine to strengthen my weak (but no longer stiff) right side.

 But then the Christmas holiday was upon us, and I went off the paleo diet I’d been on.  I had headaches, was weak, and  it all looked pretty grim (was it worth it to relearn everything when I was so weak?).

  I decided to get back on the paleo diet and really give the Wahls diet a real try.  And use supplements because they do help.

  That was just a few days ago, but already I am doing better.  My husband bought me a rollator (that’s a type of walker) so in addition to the exercise bike I could walk.  Thursday I did 15 minutes on the exercise bike, and then went to Costco.  A little too much, I spent Friday in bed.

 But today I am walking better, am a little stronger, have better balance.  My attitude is better, things seem more hopeful to me now than bleak.

  So here’s to the New Year, stem cells, and eating paleo.

Laura Pino