CCSVI / Multiple Sclerosis Patient Stories
Caroline van der Lee (37 years old), CCSVI
CCSVI liberation angioplasty treatment results from Caroline van der Lee. After treatment for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, Ms. van der Lee is now has better balance and can walk about twice as fast as before. She can perform everyday tasks such as getting in and out of her car with much more ease.
CCSVI liberation angioplasty treatment results from Caroline van der Lee. After treatment for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, Ms. van der Lee is now has better balance and can walk about twice as fast as before. She can perform everyday tasks such as getting in and out of her car with much more ease.
Stephan Steghaus (47 years old), CCSVI
Home: USA
In the spring of 2010, I had for the 4th year in a row, dizziness, weakness and balance problems, which had been diagnosed previously as "Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo" (BPPV), and treated with rocking head physiotherapy exercises. This would usually go away in about a month, mostly related I believe to me becoming more physically active in the spring, just like a bear coming out of his den as the snow melts. This spring though, it was getting worse as the weeks went by. I would turn white in the face and almost collapse after vacuuming the carpets for 5 min. I would be walking like a cripple and dragging my feet if I tried to cut grass with a lawnmower. I started meandering like a drunk unable to walk in a straight line. I was permanently dizzy unless I was lying down or not moving, had tingling in my feet, weak ankle strength and a feeling like my legs would collapse from underneath me all the time. I was also starting to slur some words, without being able to correct myself and say it properly. I was unable to stand for any length of time and always looking for a chair to sit down. When I was walking it felt like one leg was shorter than the other, resulting in a permanent hobble. I was going into severe depression with a "couldn't care less" attitude, as I could see my life & future as I knew it, rapidly disappearing in front of my eyes. Based on my observations and complaints of older people, I gave myself an effective physical age rating of at least 85 years old, even though I was still young at heart in my mind and appearance. I was however still optimistic, and hoping I would "snap out" of this as in previous years, but noticed a cyclical trend of feeling worse alternating with better, usually every week, however every time I felt worse, it was even worse than the previous low. I had 4 separate blood tests done; testing for different parameters - all were perfect. Then I had a CT scan which showed a possible cystic area in my brain, followed with an MRI one month later in the beginning of August. The day I received the fax from the radiologist about my MRI results - lesions consistent with MS, was also the day I took my wife to the airport to see her father for the last time who had rapidly deteriorating terminal liver cancer, and as I drove back from the airport I had a phone call from my mother that my father had just had a stroke and was flown to hospital by air ambulance.
This was my introduction to MS. The only thing I knew about MS, was that the frail lady that was pushed every morning in a wheelchair by her husband in front of our house, had MS. I was booked in to the MS clinic, with a 3 month wait time for my first appointment, and bypassed this by going to the emergency department in the hospital and seeing a neurologist who confirmed my MS. I immediately disregarded all doctors advice of "do not read anything you see on the internet, except what is published on MS Society site" and had called numerous private clinics, before I decided and booked myself in, 3 weeks after my diagnosis. Two months after my diagnosis, I was at the clinic to have a balloon angioplasty performed for both my left & right jugular veins (CCSVI) + 2 bone marrow stem cell treatments, one by lumbar puncture in my spinal fluid, and the other by direct injection into the pulmonary artery, performed during the angioplasty.
Every morning I still walked the 2 km to the clinic, as I am quite stubborn and did not want to let this "incurable disease" beat me, and I knew the only thing that pulled me out in previous years was keeping active, even though this was very difficult now. I would sit down on a bench in between, and people were probably getting used to seeing "the drunk" walking by every morning. I had overcome my embarrassment of public perception - I didn't care anymore. I went to the clinic with low expectations, and was hoping for some improvement, or at best just stopping the progression of MS, rather than my alternative of "slowing the progression" as anticipated with Interferon therapies, in addition to all their negative health side effects.
The procedures were surprisingly painless, and performed in a very relaxed, professional, sterile environment. My immediate physical reaction to the lumbar puncture (other than extreme stiffness the next morning, and hardly being able to bend down to put on my socks - it took me 5 min), was a muscle seizure attack in the evening and through the night in the hotel room. Six hours after the lumbar puncture, all the muscles relating to my MS symptoms - torso down to my feet, seized up. This probably happened when the high concentration of stem cells in my spinal fluid reached my brain, and a war of the lesions and stem cells was taking place. The only position I felt comfortable in was lying on my stomach on the bed all night long, and I was afraid to move. Needless to say, the next morning I took a taxi for the first time to the clinic for my angioplasty. The result of the angioplasty procedure, was not immediately evident while I was in the recovery room afterwards, but the next day I was surprisingly full of energy.
Since I had a "free day" before my return flight, I walked for 6 hours! At the end of the 6 hours the collapsing feeling was coming back, however I was still full of unstoppable energy and walking with reasonable coordination. Nobody that saw me walk, would have noticed that anything was wrong with me. I enjoyed this ability to walk so much, I ended up walking up a ramp and then 10 min on the emergency strip on the freeway, after I had been given wrong directions to get to where I wanted to go. In North America walking on the highway emergency strip would not be unusual, but in Germany this resulted in the police performing a very dangerous task - crossing the median and driving in the opposite direction against the traffic flow on a 4 lane Autobahn with siren screaming (I was just shaking my head and amazed), to pick me up, search all my pockets, and return me promptly to the clinic. I think they initially thought I was a mental patient - it was great German taxi service though, which however I felt I did not need.
A day later when I left Germany, intense headaches and nausea started as my brain was starting to adjust to the new stronger consistent blood flow. I had wandering headaches like I never had before in my life moving from a regular headache, to my sinuses, and then the into the back of my head and moving all around again. I felt uncomfortable except when laying down, and perspired a lot. Then after the 6th day it was suddenly all gone, and my slow recovery started.
Right from the day after the angioplasty until today, my energy has never left me though. After the 1st month, I felt my first short periods during the day where I would not feel any dizziness, and I realized this treatment was really going to work, but I was also amazed to notice that I could still walk erratic even though the dizziness had subsided - obviously unrelated symptoms which I always thought were connected. Then 2 months after the treatment, I had my first periods in a day were I felt I was almost completely "symptom free" - what a feeling!
As I saw my symptoms slowly "melt" away, and as I started to understand how to read my own MRI, I realized that because I have significantly more lesions on my right brain side, this had affected my left body side function much more than the right. This is why I perceived that one leg is shorter than the other when walking. As my general state was so bad, I never previously associated my MS being more pronounced on one side than the other, but this also completely correlated with the vein that had poor & turbulent blood flow on one side, thus also creating more lesions on that same side of the brain, and affecting my symptoms on the opposite side of the body much more severely - the connection that CCSVI is very much related to the formation of lesions, that mainstream medicine still does not want to accept.
I feel now that my right side is 100% back to normal, and I can balance almost perfectly if I stand on just the right leg, but the left side is still lagging behind a little. During this recovery period, I, for the first time, really understood what all the MS symptoms were as they were separating themselves out, with some disappearing intermittently, and then reappearing again. I never understood my individual symptoms before as my "general state" was just deteriorating so fast. However, I have to say again, that right from the start after the procedure, nobody that didn't know I had MS, was able to see that I had anything physically wrong immediately after the treatment as my gait and physical functions improved so significantly.
From my non-medically trained perspective, MS seems to display 2 separate symptoms - those created by the lesions or "sclerosis" which has been a slower recovery for me, and I believe the stem cells have been very instrumental in their repair process, and those created by sudden improvement of blood flow - a virtually instantaneous improvement of energy the day after. Is it the sudden drop in blood backpressure in the brain, that restores the energy and some functions? If the medical community wants to finally start constructive clinical trials asking the right questions, maybe they will find out.
The diagnostic doctor, who first did the diagnostic testing, determined that I was missing my venous valves in my jugular veins, which accounted for my turbulent poor blood flow that was always going back & forth as seen in the Doppler ultrasound. This was significantly improved with balloon angioplasty in both veins in selected spots. He remarked that every MS patient he has tested had either missing or defective valves, and I assume I have likely had this condition from birth. When I think about my condition right now, and understand some of the smaller MS symptoms that I previously had (how would I know?), I realize that I am probably in my recovery at the level of health that I was a year ago, before I even knew that anything was wrong with me, other than what I considered to be my "normal aging process."
I am also starting to understand that I probably have had a tendency towards MS all my life, because of my turbulent blood flow created by a lack of venous valves, and this possibly explains a few things to me already from my child hood that seemed normal as I would not have known any different. Does this explain why I had "dizzy scary running in a tunnel" dreams when I was small (I never dreamed later on in my life) as my developing brain was getting used to a not so efficient blood flow at an early stage in my life? Does this explain a total exhaustion and dizziness (similar to MS symptoms) that I would feel after riding my bicycle in my teens after a lengthy ride, and that I would however recover from very quickly in 15-30 min afterwards? I assume I may have likely had undetected lesions in my brain for many years, and because I perceived my health as being normal and was always physically active, was perfectly content with my health.
My biggest hurdle right now is psychological - to not hold myself back because I know I have lesions in my brain that can create lingering symptoms, however mild. I never limited myself before when I did not know about my condition, so why should I now? If I did not know what I know now, I would think of myself as being in perfect health again, and this is why I am assessing myself now, 4 months after the procedure, as being about the same as I was a year ago before I even knew what MS is, or had a health problem.
What has happened to me is really a miracle. I did not take a lot of time to decide or research this procedure performed on me, as my life was spiraling downhill very fast and I felt I needed to act fast. I was very fortunate, in my quickly made decisions, to have decided on the treatment and the clinic, which is uniquely positioned to offer BOTH the stem cell treatment (their primary original treatment business) combined with CCSVI offered by many other facilities. I think MS patients going in for just CCSVI are missing out on something. I have felt reactions to both of these treatments, and now 4 months later, am just about back to normal and am now still recovering from the emotional trauma of seeing my lifestyle fade away and becoming a disability from an "incurable disease," and getting this all back so quickly and unexpectedly. I can even run now! I still do have weaker days, followed by days where I feel 100% perfect, and wonder - did I really have this condition?
This is just an account of myself and how I caught this as early as possible, not waiting for clinical trials or the medical community to legitimize or endorse procedures outside of the public health care system. I expect, somebody less fortunate than myself, who has had this disease progress for many more years would still see a large benefit, but not necessarily a complete recovery. It is so important to act quickly to stop further brain damage. I have not only stopped it, but also reversed my symptoms to back to before I knew I had a problem.
I would especially like our Canadian Health Minister to read this account, who has publicly stated on television that there is no evidence to support research into CCSVI - I am evidence!
I would especially also like to give everybody at the clinic a heartfelt expression of gratitude from myself and my family, for allowing me to continue to enjoy my life in the future as I had always dreamed
Take control of your life and don't wait on others!
Home: USA
In the spring of 2010, I had for the 4th year in a row, dizziness, weakness and balance problems, which had been diagnosed previously as "Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo" (BPPV), and treated with rocking head physiotherapy exercises. This would usually go away in about a month, mostly related I believe to me becoming more physically active in the spring, just like a bear coming out of his den as the snow melts. This spring though, it was getting worse as the weeks went by. I would turn white in the face and almost collapse after vacuuming the carpets for 5 min. I would be walking like a cripple and dragging my feet if I tried to cut grass with a lawnmower. I started meandering like a drunk unable to walk in a straight line. I was permanently dizzy unless I was lying down or not moving, had tingling in my feet, weak ankle strength and a feeling like my legs would collapse from underneath me all the time. I was also starting to slur some words, without being able to correct myself and say it properly. I was unable to stand for any length of time and always looking for a chair to sit down. When I was walking it felt like one leg was shorter than the other, resulting in a permanent hobble. I was going into severe depression with a "couldn't care less" attitude, as I could see my life & future as I knew it, rapidly disappearing in front of my eyes. Based on my observations and complaints of older people, I gave myself an effective physical age rating of at least 85 years old, even though I was still young at heart in my mind and appearance. I was however still optimistic, and hoping I would "snap out" of this as in previous years, but noticed a cyclical trend of feeling worse alternating with better, usually every week, however every time I felt worse, it was even worse than the previous low. I had 4 separate blood tests done; testing for different parameters - all were perfect. Then I had a CT scan which showed a possible cystic area in my brain, followed with an MRI one month later in the beginning of August. The day I received the fax from the radiologist about my MRI results - lesions consistent with MS, was also the day I took my wife to the airport to see her father for the last time who had rapidly deteriorating terminal liver cancer, and as I drove back from the airport I had a phone call from my mother that my father had just had a stroke and was flown to hospital by air ambulance.
This was my introduction to MS. The only thing I knew about MS, was that the frail lady that was pushed every morning in a wheelchair by her husband in front of our house, had MS. I was booked in to the MS clinic, with a 3 month wait time for my first appointment, and bypassed this by going to the emergency department in the hospital and seeing a neurologist who confirmed my MS. I immediately disregarded all doctors advice of "do not read anything you see on the internet, except what is published on MS Society site" and had called numerous private clinics, before I decided and booked myself in, 3 weeks after my diagnosis. Two months after my diagnosis, I was at the clinic to have a balloon angioplasty performed for both my left & right jugular veins (CCSVI) + 2 bone marrow stem cell treatments, one by lumbar puncture in my spinal fluid, and the other by direct injection into the pulmonary artery, performed during the angioplasty.
Every morning I still walked the 2 km to the clinic, as I am quite stubborn and did not want to let this "incurable disease" beat me, and I knew the only thing that pulled me out in previous years was keeping active, even though this was very difficult now. I would sit down on a bench in between, and people were probably getting used to seeing "the drunk" walking by every morning. I had overcome my embarrassment of public perception - I didn't care anymore. I went to the clinic with low expectations, and was hoping for some improvement, or at best just stopping the progression of MS, rather than my alternative of "slowing the progression" as anticipated with Interferon therapies, in addition to all their negative health side effects.
The procedures were surprisingly painless, and performed in a very relaxed, professional, sterile environment. My immediate physical reaction to the lumbar puncture (other than extreme stiffness the next morning, and hardly being able to bend down to put on my socks - it took me 5 min), was a muscle seizure attack in the evening and through the night in the hotel room. Six hours after the lumbar puncture, all the muscles relating to my MS symptoms - torso down to my feet, seized up. This probably happened when the high concentration of stem cells in my spinal fluid reached my brain, and a war of the lesions and stem cells was taking place. The only position I felt comfortable in was lying on my stomach on the bed all night long, and I was afraid to move. Needless to say, the next morning I took a taxi for the first time to the clinic for my angioplasty. The result of the angioplasty procedure, was not immediately evident while I was in the recovery room afterwards, but the next day I was surprisingly full of energy.
Since I had a "free day" before my return flight, I walked for 6 hours! At the end of the 6 hours the collapsing feeling was coming back, however I was still full of unstoppable energy and walking with reasonable coordination. Nobody that saw me walk, would have noticed that anything was wrong with me. I enjoyed this ability to walk so much, I ended up walking up a ramp and then 10 min on the emergency strip on the freeway, after I had been given wrong directions to get to where I wanted to go. In North America walking on the highway emergency strip would not be unusual, but in Germany this resulted in the police performing a very dangerous task - crossing the median and driving in the opposite direction against the traffic flow on a 4 lane Autobahn with siren screaming (I was just shaking my head and amazed), to pick me up, search all my pockets, and return me promptly to the clinic. I think they initially thought I was a mental patient - it was great German taxi service though, which however I felt I did not need.
A day later when I left Germany, intense headaches and nausea started as my brain was starting to adjust to the new stronger consistent blood flow. I had wandering headaches like I never had before in my life moving from a regular headache, to my sinuses, and then the into the back of my head and moving all around again. I felt uncomfortable except when laying down, and perspired a lot. Then after the 6th day it was suddenly all gone, and my slow recovery started.
Right from the day after the angioplasty until today, my energy has never left me though. After the 1st month, I felt my first short periods during the day where I would not feel any dizziness, and I realized this treatment was really going to work, but I was also amazed to notice that I could still walk erratic even though the dizziness had subsided - obviously unrelated symptoms which I always thought were connected. Then 2 months after the treatment, I had my first periods in a day were I felt I was almost completely "symptom free" - what a feeling!
As I saw my symptoms slowly "melt" away, and as I started to understand how to read my own MRI, I realized that because I have significantly more lesions on my right brain side, this had affected my left body side function much more than the right. This is why I perceived that one leg is shorter than the other when walking. As my general state was so bad, I never previously associated my MS being more pronounced on one side than the other, but this also completely correlated with the vein that had poor & turbulent blood flow on one side, thus also creating more lesions on that same side of the brain, and affecting my symptoms on the opposite side of the body much more severely - the connection that CCSVI is very much related to the formation of lesions, that mainstream medicine still does not want to accept.
I feel now that my right side is 100% back to normal, and I can balance almost perfectly if I stand on just the right leg, but the left side is still lagging behind a little. During this recovery period, I, for the first time, really understood what all the MS symptoms were as they were separating themselves out, with some disappearing intermittently, and then reappearing again. I never understood my individual symptoms before as my "general state" was just deteriorating so fast. However, I have to say again, that right from the start after the procedure, nobody that didn't know I had MS, was able to see that I had anything physically wrong immediately after the treatment as my gait and physical functions improved so significantly.
From my non-medically trained perspective, MS seems to display 2 separate symptoms - those created by the lesions or "sclerosis" which has been a slower recovery for me, and I believe the stem cells have been very instrumental in their repair process, and those created by sudden improvement of blood flow - a virtually instantaneous improvement of energy the day after. Is it the sudden drop in blood backpressure in the brain, that restores the energy and some functions? If the medical community wants to finally start constructive clinical trials asking the right questions, maybe they will find out.
The diagnostic doctor, who first did the diagnostic testing, determined that I was missing my venous valves in my jugular veins, which accounted for my turbulent poor blood flow that was always going back & forth as seen in the Doppler ultrasound. This was significantly improved with balloon angioplasty in both veins in selected spots. He remarked that every MS patient he has tested had either missing or defective valves, and I assume I have likely had this condition from birth. When I think about my condition right now, and understand some of the smaller MS symptoms that I previously had (how would I know?), I realize that I am probably in my recovery at the level of health that I was a year ago, before I even knew that anything was wrong with me, other than what I considered to be my "normal aging process."
I am also starting to understand that I probably have had a tendency towards MS all my life, because of my turbulent blood flow created by a lack of venous valves, and this possibly explains a few things to me already from my child hood that seemed normal as I would not have known any different. Does this explain why I had "dizzy scary running in a tunnel" dreams when I was small (I never dreamed later on in my life) as my developing brain was getting used to a not so efficient blood flow at an early stage in my life? Does this explain a total exhaustion and dizziness (similar to MS symptoms) that I would feel after riding my bicycle in my teens after a lengthy ride, and that I would however recover from very quickly in 15-30 min afterwards? I assume I may have likely had undetected lesions in my brain for many years, and because I perceived my health as being normal and was always physically active, was perfectly content with my health.
My biggest hurdle right now is psychological - to not hold myself back because I know I have lesions in my brain that can create lingering symptoms, however mild. I never limited myself before when I did not know about my condition, so why should I now? If I did not know what I know now, I would think of myself as being in perfect health again, and this is why I am assessing myself now, 4 months after the procedure, as being about the same as I was a year ago before I even knew what MS is, or had a health problem.
What has happened to me is really a miracle. I did not take a lot of time to decide or research this procedure performed on me, as my life was spiraling downhill very fast and I felt I needed to act fast. I was very fortunate, in my quickly made decisions, to have decided on the treatment and the clinic, which is uniquely positioned to offer BOTH the stem cell treatment (their primary original treatment business) combined with CCSVI offered by many other facilities. I think MS patients going in for just CCSVI are missing out on something. I have felt reactions to both of these treatments, and now 4 months later, am just about back to normal and am now still recovering from the emotional trauma of seeing my lifestyle fade away and becoming a disability from an "incurable disease," and getting this all back so quickly and unexpectedly. I can even run now! I still do have weaker days, followed by days where I feel 100% perfect, and wonder - did I really have this condition?
This is just an account of myself and how I caught this as early as possible, not waiting for clinical trials or the medical community to legitimize or endorse procedures outside of the public health care system. I expect, somebody less fortunate than myself, who has had this disease progress for many more years would still see a large benefit, but not necessarily a complete recovery. It is so important to act quickly to stop further brain damage. I have not only stopped it, but also reversed my symptoms to back to before I knew I had a problem.
I would especially like our Canadian Health Minister to read this account, who has publicly stated on television that there is no evidence to support research into CCSVI - I am evidence!
I would especially also like to give everybody at the clinic a heartfelt expression of gratitude from myself and my family, for allowing me to continue to enjoy my life in the future as I had always dreamed
Take control of your life and don't wait on others!
Nicole Corry (45 years old), MS
Residence: New South Wales, Australia
Prior to Treatment
I was diagnosed with MS in 2005 after a series of odd symptoms, including fatigue and dragging my left leg. At that point I was still working. I got progressively worse and more immobile until I had to retire in 2009.
I found the clinic in Germany and applied for treatment. Luckily, I was accepted and began preparing to travel to germany in November 2009.
It is now more than six months later.
In Germany
My partner and I found the centre easily and were made feel comfortable by the staff, who spoke English. I spent enough time with the specialist to answer my questions prior to the bone marrow collection. Everything was professional and of a high standard, including the nursing care.
I would not be so brave next time, and have the local anesthetic injection prior to collection! That was over quickly, however, and I rested up and went sightseeing.
We returned two days later for the implantation, which went smoothly and painlessly, and then left the centre and continued to travel before heading home.
Results
Initially I took a while to recover from the trip, but was assessed by my neurologist at the three months, who thought that I had indeed improved. My sensation was better in my hands and I was walking straighter and further.
Six months on, I am stable, with no new symptoms. I am still walking better, feel well and positive and less fatigued. I am even back to working as a volunteer two days a week.
Residence: New South Wales, Australia
Prior to Treatment
I was diagnosed with MS in 2005 after a series of odd symptoms, including fatigue and dragging my left leg. At that point I was still working. I got progressively worse and more immobile until I had to retire in 2009.
I found the clinic in Germany and applied for treatment. Luckily, I was accepted and began preparing to travel to germany in November 2009.
It is now more than six months later.
In Germany
My partner and I found the centre easily and were made feel comfortable by the staff, who spoke English. I spent enough time with the specialist to answer my questions prior to the bone marrow collection. Everything was professional and of a high standard, including the nursing care.
I would not be so brave next time, and have the local anesthetic injection prior to collection! That was over quickly, however, and I rested up and went sightseeing.
We returned two days later for the implantation, which went smoothly and painlessly, and then left the centre and continued to travel before heading home.
Results
Initially I took a while to recover from the trip, but was assessed by my neurologist at the three months, who thought that I had indeed improved. My sensation was better in my hands and I was walking straighter and further.
Six months on, I am stable, with no new symptoms. I am still walking better, feel well and positive and less fatigued. I am even back to working as a volunteer two days a week.
Russell Miller (53 years old), MS
Home: Melbourne, Australia
Before Stem Cell Therapy
I am a 53 year old man who has MS and I had my first major MS attack 15 years ago at age 37. I went off to the local GP with my symptoms and was misdiagnosed as having had a stroke. I was correctly diagnosed in 2000; 10 years ago. I was encouraged by my neurologist to start treatment using beta interferon to halt the progression of attacks which I did for 3 years. Unfortunately for me, the treatment did not halt the progression of my disabilities. I also felt gave it me some nasty side effects, so I decided to stop. My disabilities continued to increase and eventually, I was forced out of work.
So, for ten years, my health deteriorated and I accumulated many disabilities. My walking was down to a few steps around the house with the aid of a walker and outside in an electric scooter. My bowel and bladder were shutting down and I was in constant pain. The right side of my body had spasticity in both limbs and my foot had dropped. I did like most people with MS in this stage and I avoided going outside, not travelling and not interacting with the community or friends outside of my very small world in my home. I was becoming a recluse.
I had read much about stem cell therapy and often wondered if it may help me. In October 2009 I decided to apply to undertake their stem cell therapy.
One evening I received a call from the clinic informing me I had been accepted as a suitable applicant and to arrange when I would like to undergo their treatment.
It took about 2 weeks to arrange everything; passports, flights and I needed someone to assist me during the trip. I had to use a manual wheelchair as my only way of being able to travel and therefore needed a caregiver to push me. My son offered to be my caregiver and we both flew out of Melbourne on November 29, 2009.
We arrived at our hotel on Sunday and I made use of the service that the clinic offers it patients; an in-house transport service which picks patients up from the airport and also for all appointments as needed.
On Monday we got picked up at 9.00 and drove to clinic where they where going to perform the first simple procedure of extracting bone marrow from my hip bone.
The hospital staffs are well trained at looking after patients and all spoke English. The doctor gave me a briefing of what would happen and also explained of any possible dangers. The procedure of extracting the bone marrow from my hip was carried out quiet easily. I simply had to be lying down on my side and the doctor extracted the bone marrow from my hip. Because I was not in a position to see him doing the procedure I can only describe it as being about as uncomfortable as a dentist appointment. The process only took about 30 minutes. They then send the bone marrow off to the laboratory where they separate the autologous stem cells.
After the procedure, we were free to do as we wished. I was using a manual wheelchair the whole time I was in Cologne, so my son pushed me around Cologne sightseeing. Since I had no problem with the collection of the stem cells and virtually no pain afterwards, we went shopping.
The next day (Tuesday) was a rest day so once again we were free to do whatever we wished. On Wednesday, I was once again picked up and taken back to the hospital for the implantation of the stem cells. I was very nervous about this part of the procedure but I need not have been. It is the most simple and painless part of the process. I simply had to sit on a bed and bend forward, arching my back to open up the gaps in between the vertebrae. The doctor gave me local anaesthetic injection in my lower back to deaden any pain. I needed to sit still for 5 mins while the local took effect. When he touched me after 5 mins I imagined he was locating where he was going to inject me and he said, "OK all over." It really was that simple. He had already injected the stem cells in my spinal fluid. I then had to lay quietly on my stomach.
After a couple of hours rest I was allowed to get up dress and return to my hotel. The next day I was very tired and just rested. We then had a couple of days sightseeing before flying back to Melbourne.
Progress after Treatment
I have now been back in Melbourne for 11 weeks. The start of my new life was on December 2nd, 2009. I was badly jetlagged when I returned home so my sleeping was all over the place. After a couple of weeks, I was getting out of bed about 3 hours earlier each day and these extra hours were good, productive time. The usual fog or drunken feeling had just disappeared. My energy levels were so high I did not know what to try first; I had virtually no fatigue at all. My muscles had atrophied so much that even though I had the will to do things again, my poor old body was not able to support me. I would wake each morning with a desire to jump out of bed and get started on a new challenge.
On Christmas day 2009, for the first time, I took my dog for a walk around the block using my walker for support. I am now walking with just a cane and am able to cover about 400 meters. My internal organs have started to work again, I sleep 8 hours of peaceful sleep every night and never get up to go to the toilet. I still have spasticity in my limbs on the right and some pain in my body but it is all quiet manageable.
Six Months Later
Well I thought it's about time I updated my notes about my stem cell therapy. It is so easy to forget where I was and what has changed and most importantly how I feel about it. My quality of life has improved so dramatically.
The very best, top of the list, number one thing that I have gained from my therapy is a clear mind. I no longer suffer with any thought disturbances. My attitude is very positive, my emotions are very stable and I am happy. I've even regained my sense of humour! My motivation for life is sky high. I dream of the future and what I might try in life.
To sit at the computer and write this update is an easy task for me whereas once I could not have carried the thoughts of whether I had already written about something or is was a new thought. I no longer suffer from any obvious fatigue. I am sure when I exercise or push my body too hard, like everyone else, it cries out to stop and relax but that's not a bad thing. My pain levels are a 1 or 2 most of the time and you would have to ask me the question 'how are you pain levels' for me to think about them. What a huge improvement that is.
My energy levels are so much higher now that I have taken up a gym membership for a year and go 3 times per week. My mobility has got so much better that I travel to the gym on my tricycle and I only use a walking stick as my aid. I do about 4 times as much exercise in the same amount of time as when I first started 4 months ago. I also go to hydro therapy once per week. My fine motor control of my right hand has just returned and once again, I am able to write with a pen and paper. This is a very new change so I practice every day and hope I will be able to increase the time I can write before my writing gets very messy.
I am very positive about the benefits of SCT and know my overall health will keep getting better in the future. While the clinic does not talk in any way about this being a cure, it's still got to be the next best thing. I hope in 6 months to be writing positively about the 1 year anniversary of 'my new stem cells.'
Home: Melbourne, Australia
Before Stem Cell Therapy
I am a 53 year old man who has MS and I had my first major MS attack 15 years ago at age 37. I went off to the local GP with my symptoms and was misdiagnosed as having had a stroke. I was correctly diagnosed in 2000; 10 years ago. I was encouraged by my neurologist to start treatment using beta interferon to halt the progression of attacks which I did for 3 years. Unfortunately for me, the treatment did not halt the progression of my disabilities. I also felt gave it me some nasty side effects, so I decided to stop. My disabilities continued to increase and eventually, I was forced out of work.
So, for ten years, my health deteriorated and I accumulated many disabilities. My walking was down to a few steps around the house with the aid of a walker and outside in an electric scooter. My bowel and bladder were shutting down and I was in constant pain. The right side of my body had spasticity in both limbs and my foot had dropped. I did like most people with MS in this stage and I avoided going outside, not travelling and not interacting with the community or friends outside of my very small world in my home. I was becoming a recluse.
I had read much about stem cell therapy and often wondered if it may help me. In October 2009 I decided to apply to undertake their stem cell therapy.
One evening I received a call from the clinic informing me I had been accepted as a suitable applicant and to arrange when I would like to undergo their treatment.
It took about 2 weeks to arrange everything; passports, flights and I needed someone to assist me during the trip. I had to use a manual wheelchair as my only way of being able to travel and therefore needed a caregiver to push me. My son offered to be my caregiver and we both flew out of Melbourne on November 29, 2009.
We arrived at our hotel on Sunday and I made use of the service that the clinic offers it patients; an in-house transport service which picks patients up from the airport and also for all appointments as needed.
On Monday we got picked up at 9.00 and drove to clinic where they where going to perform the first simple procedure of extracting bone marrow from my hip bone.
The hospital staffs are well trained at looking after patients and all spoke English. The doctor gave me a briefing of what would happen and also explained of any possible dangers. The procedure of extracting the bone marrow from my hip was carried out quiet easily. I simply had to be lying down on my side and the doctor extracted the bone marrow from my hip. Because I was not in a position to see him doing the procedure I can only describe it as being about as uncomfortable as a dentist appointment. The process only took about 30 minutes. They then send the bone marrow off to the laboratory where they separate the autologous stem cells.
After the procedure, we were free to do as we wished. I was using a manual wheelchair the whole time I was in Cologne, so my son pushed me around Cologne sightseeing. Since I had no problem with the collection of the stem cells and virtually no pain afterwards, we went shopping.
The next day (Tuesday) was a rest day so once again we were free to do whatever we wished. On Wednesday, I was once again picked up and taken back to the hospital for the implantation of the stem cells. I was very nervous about this part of the procedure but I need not have been. It is the most simple and painless part of the process. I simply had to sit on a bed and bend forward, arching my back to open up the gaps in between the vertebrae. The doctor gave me local anaesthetic injection in my lower back to deaden any pain. I needed to sit still for 5 mins while the local took effect. When he touched me after 5 mins I imagined he was locating where he was going to inject me and he said, "OK all over." It really was that simple. He had already injected the stem cells in my spinal fluid. I then had to lay quietly on my stomach.
After a couple of hours rest I was allowed to get up dress and return to my hotel. The next day I was very tired and just rested. We then had a couple of days sightseeing before flying back to Melbourne.
Progress after Treatment
I have now been back in Melbourne for 11 weeks. The start of my new life was on December 2nd, 2009. I was badly jetlagged when I returned home so my sleeping was all over the place. After a couple of weeks, I was getting out of bed about 3 hours earlier each day and these extra hours were good, productive time. The usual fog or drunken feeling had just disappeared. My energy levels were so high I did not know what to try first; I had virtually no fatigue at all. My muscles had atrophied so much that even though I had the will to do things again, my poor old body was not able to support me. I would wake each morning with a desire to jump out of bed and get started on a new challenge.
On Christmas day 2009, for the first time, I took my dog for a walk around the block using my walker for support. I am now walking with just a cane and am able to cover about 400 meters. My internal organs have started to work again, I sleep 8 hours of peaceful sleep every night and never get up to go to the toilet. I still have spasticity in my limbs on the right and some pain in my body but it is all quiet manageable.
Six Months Later
Well I thought it's about time I updated my notes about my stem cell therapy. It is so easy to forget where I was and what has changed and most importantly how I feel about it. My quality of life has improved so dramatically.
The very best, top of the list, number one thing that I have gained from my therapy is a clear mind. I no longer suffer with any thought disturbances. My attitude is very positive, my emotions are very stable and I am happy. I've even regained my sense of humour! My motivation for life is sky high. I dream of the future and what I might try in life.
To sit at the computer and write this update is an easy task for me whereas once I could not have carried the thoughts of whether I had already written about something or is was a new thought. I no longer suffer from any obvious fatigue. I am sure when I exercise or push my body too hard, like everyone else, it cries out to stop and relax but that's not a bad thing. My pain levels are a 1 or 2 most of the time and you would have to ask me the question 'how are you pain levels' for me to think about them. What a huge improvement that is.
My energy levels are so much higher now that I have taken up a gym membership for a year and go 3 times per week. My mobility has got so much better that I travel to the gym on my tricycle and I only use a walking stick as my aid. I do about 4 times as much exercise in the same amount of time as when I first started 4 months ago. I also go to hydro therapy once per week. My fine motor control of my right hand has just returned and once again, I am able to write with a pen and paper. This is a very new change so I practice every day and hope I will be able to increase the time I can write before my writing gets very messy.
I am very positive about the benefits of SCT and know my overall health will keep getting better in the future. While the clinic does not talk in any way about this being a cure, it's still got to be the next best thing. I hope in 6 months to be writing positively about the 1 year anniversary of 'my new stem cells.'
Eileen Connolly (58 years old), MS
Home: Melbourne, Australia
Diagnosis
In 2006 I was diagnosed with primary progressive MS. I was advised by my doctor that there was no cure and treatment was available but it was totally ineffective.
After some time I felt comfortable to investigate other options. While on the internet I came across the possibilitz of stem cell therapy, I read the patient stories and was delighted to see that they treated MS patients with varying degrees of success.
Inspired by this, I spoke to my local doctor about it but he did not seem very enthusiastic. However, I was determined to go. I prayed for guidance and everything went smoothly, not a roadblock in sight.
At the Clinic
I filled out the questionnaire and was accepted for treatment. I had the required blood tests and was booked for 1 February 2010.
My husband and I travelled to Cologne at the end of January 2010. We were met at Frankfurt airport by a staff member from clinic and taken to our hotel. That was on Friday. Monday morning, February 1st, we were again collected and taken to the clinic for my stem cell transplant.
The staff were very nice and on the first day the stem cells were extracted from the bone marrow. They were found to be viable and the procedure only took about 15 minutes. The procedure was a bit uncomfortable, a bit like a visit to the dentist.
The second day was a free day and we explored the beautiful city of Cologne. On the third day, we were again collected by a staff member and taken back to the clinic for the stem cells to be transplanted via lumbar puncture. This went well and I had to rest for 4 hours following the procedure.
My Results
Since returning home, I am very pleased I had this treatment. The improvements that I have noticed are as follows;
Prior to having the transplant, I was getting up to go to the toilet four or five times a night. Now, I only get up once. This was resolved within the first week of treatment.
I had lost power in my right arm and could not lift it. Three months down the track, I can now lift my arm and have complete range of movement.
I am so happy about this that I am planning another trip back to clinic to see what else can be improved. Conventional medicine could not offer me anything and I had nothing to lose; only the potential to gain.
Home: Melbourne, Australia
Diagnosis
In 2006 I was diagnosed with primary progressive MS. I was advised by my doctor that there was no cure and treatment was available but it was totally ineffective.
After some time I felt comfortable to investigate other options. While on the internet I came across the possibilitz of stem cell therapy, I read the patient stories and was delighted to see that they treated MS patients with varying degrees of success.
Inspired by this, I spoke to my local doctor about it but he did not seem very enthusiastic. However, I was determined to go. I prayed for guidance and everything went smoothly, not a roadblock in sight.
At the Clinic
I filled out the questionnaire and was accepted for treatment. I had the required blood tests and was booked for 1 February 2010.
My husband and I travelled to Cologne at the end of January 2010. We were met at Frankfurt airport by a staff member from clinic and taken to our hotel. That was on Friday. Monday morning, February 1st, we were again collected and taken to the clinic for my stem cell transplant.
The staff were very nice and on the first day the stem cells were extracted from the bone marrow. They were found to be viable and the procedure only took about 15 minutes. The procedure was a bit uncomfortable, a bit like a visit to the dentist.
The second day was a free day and we explored the beautiful city of Cologne. On the third day, we were again collected by a staff member and taken back to the clinic for the stem cells to be transplanted via lumbar puncture. This went well and I had to rest for 4 hours following the procedure.
My Results
Since returning home, I am very pleased I had this treatment. The improvements that I have noticed are as follows;
Prior to having the transplant, I was getting up to go to the toilet four or five times a night. Now, I only get up once. This was resolved within the first week of treatment.
I had lost power in my right arm and could not lift it. Three months down the track, I can now lift my arm and have complete range of movement.
I am so happy about this that I am planning another trip back to clinic to see what else can be improved. Conventional medicine could not offer me anything and I had nothing to lose; only the potential to gain.
Laraine Sheers (65 yaers old), MS
Home: Gold Coast, Australia
How it Happened
I was diagnosed with MS in 2003 after the right side of my body became weak and my balance was unsteady.
The local doctor sent me to a neurosurgeon who ordered an MRI and it confirmed the start of MS. The neurosurgeon suggested injections on a daily basis but I chose to take an alternative approach and after a hair analysis it was discovered I had mercury toxicity from the 14 amalgams I had in my mouth.
I had those fillings replaced with composite fillings and got progressively stronger afterwards, but the damage caused by the MS affected my energy, balance, walking etc.
I had always been searching for treatments on the internet and this one day came across this clinic. I sent them an application to see if I was eligible for stem cell treatment and a week or so later and we made a date.
It is now 3 weeks since I had the treatment.
It was only natural I was a bit scared prior...fear of the unknown so to speak, but there was no need to be.
The 20 minute procedure of the taking of the stem cells under local anesthetic, was not painful at all, and the injection of the selected stem cells into the lumbar 2 days later, under local anesthetic, was a 3 minute procedure, with no pain once again.
I rested back in the hotel, as requested for 2 days after treatment, but following that my husband and I went to Paris for 3 days and just generally did some wonderful sightseeing of Europe.
The doctors and nursing staff were exemplary in their kindness and care before, during and after the treatment.
My Results
I am now back home and astounded at the first, very obvious result I had which was being able to control my right foot properly when driving my car.
My driving was the last to be affected by the MS, so maybe it will be the first repaired...so excited !!
I have also noticed I don't feel the cold as I used to.
The one thing that we must remember after the stem cell treatment is not to overdo things, regardless of how good you feel.
This is so easy to do because there is no sensory sign of the treatment, no pain, nothing at all, but inside our bodies so much is taking place...
I must remember to rest and more than anything, listen to my body.
Thank you to all the staff, I would recommend your expertise over and over again.
Home: Gold Coast, Australia
How it Happened
I was diagnosed with MS in 2003 after the right side of my body became weak and my balance was unsteady.
The local doctor sent me to a neurosurgeon who ordered an MRI and it confirmed the start of MS. The neurosurgeon suggested injections on a daily basis but I chose to take an alternative approach and after a hair analysis it was discovered I had mercury toxicity from the 14 amalgams I had in my mouth.
I had those fillings replaced with composite fillings and got progressively stronger afterwards, but the damage caused by the MS affected my energy, balance, walking etc.
I had always been searching for treatments on the internet and this one day came across this clinic. I sent them an application to see if I was eligible for stem cell treatment and a week or so later and we made a date.
It is now 3 weeks since I had the treatment.
It was only natural I was a bit scared prior...fear of the unknown so to speak, but there was no need to be.
The 20 minute procedure of the taking of the stem cells under local anesthetic, was not painful at all, and the injection of the selected stem cells into the lumbar 2 days later, under local anesthetic, was a 3 minute procedure, with no pain once again.
I rested back in the hotel, as requested for 2 days after treatment, but following that my husband and I went to Paris for 3 days and just generally did some wonderful sightseeing of Europe.
The doctors and nursing staff were exemplary in their kindness and care before, during and after the treatment.
My Results
I am now back home and astounded at the first, very obvious result I had which was being able to control my right foot properly when driving my car.
My driving was the last to be affected by the MS, so maybe it will be the first repaired...so excited !!
I have also noticed I don't feel the cold as I used to.
The one thing that we must remember after the stem cell treatment is not to overdo things, regardless of how good you feel.
This is so easy to do because there is no sensory sign of the treatment, no pain, nothing at all, but inside our bodies so much is taking place...
I must remember to rest and more than anything, listen to my body.
Thank you to all the staff, I would recommend your expertise over and over again.
Kerrie O'Connor (59 years old), MS
Home Country: Australia
My name is Kerrie O'Connor. I am married and am 59 years of age. I have had Multiple Sclerosis for 19 years. I first realised something was amiss when, quite suddenly, I lost vision in my left eye and the left half of my body went quite numb.
I went to my local doctor who in turn sent me to a neurologist. He did all the tests such as an MRI scan, lumbar puncture and a number of neuro tests. Then, I was told the news that I has MS.
All my systems returned to normal for sixteen years. In the last 3 years, I have become a lot worse: fatigue; my left leg does not want to do what I want it to do; everything that goes with MS, I have. I was put on injections which, I still have every day. I just didn't seem to be showing much improvement.
I researched the Internet, did my homework, and came upon this stem cell clinic. I did lots of research on it and decided to e-mail the centre about what they do regarding adult stem cells. The treatment sounded as if it was for me, so in November 2009, my husband and I went for stem cell treatment. We decided if I could have a better quality of life, we would give it a try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I have been home now for nine weeks and I feel so much better. I can stand for a longer time on my legs, my balance has improved, my walking has slightly improved and I can walk for longer periods of time unaided. And I look healthy once more. I can only hope that I keep improving as much in the next nine weeks as I have in the past nine.
The centre was just fabulous; very professional in everything they do. I was so lucky to have been able to go for treatment.
My family can see the improvement in me!
Home Country: Australia
My name is Kerrie O'Connor. I am married and am 59 years of age. I have had Multiple Sclerosis for 19 years. I first realised something was amiss when, quite suddenly, I lost vision in my left eye and the left half of my body went quite numb.
I went to my local doctor who in turn sent me to a neurologist. He did all the tests such as an MRI scan, lumbar puncture and a number of neuro tests. Then, I was told the news that I has MS.
All my systems returned to normal for sixteen years. In the last 3 years, I have become a lot worse: fatigue; my left leg does not want to do what I want it to do; everything that goes with MS, I have. I was put on injections which, I still have every day. I just didn't seem to be showing much improvement.
I researched the Internet, did my homework, and came upon this stem cell clinic. I did lots of research on it and decided to e-mail the centre about what they do regarding adult stem cells. The treatment sounded as if it was for me, so in November 2009, my husband and I went for stem cell treatment. We decided if I could have a better quality of life, we would give it a try. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I have been home now for nine weeks and I feel so much better. I can stand for a longer time on my legs, my balance has improved, my walking has slightly improved and I can walk for longer periods of time unaided. And I look healthy once more. I can only hope that I keep improving as much in the next nine weeks as I have in the past nine.
The centre was just fabulous; very professional in everything they do. I was so lucky to have been able to go for treatment.
My family can see the improvement in me!
Ray Burrill (59 years old), MS
July 9th, 2010
My name is Ray Burrill. I am 58 and was diagnosed with MS in 2008.
I had been having walking problems, weakness with my left leg and foot and diminished fine motor skill in my left hand. I noticed a slight left foot drop and weakness in my left leg early in 2000. Being male, I did not admit that I had a problem. In late 2006, I decided that I had to do something about my walking problem and tried different spinal manipulation, acupuncture and chiropractic. Nothing worked and finally I went to the doctor. After 2.5 years, I was finally diagnosed with M.S. At the end of 2008, I was really struggling to walk and continue working, also losing my balance and falling over on a regular basis. In May 2009 I could no longer work.
My continued Internet research paid off when I discovered adult stem cell therapy. I applied immediately by filling out the online medical application. The Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand, contacted me and assisted me with necessary requirements to get my appointment at the clinic. The relief of being accepted was overwhelming as I had searched for so long for something that could help me; as the doctors offered nothing.
They worked hard to make sure that I was at the clinic at the time that was available to me.
On the 10th May, 2010 the first part of the procedure was done. Bone marrow was taken from my hip, a little uncomfortable but not really painful. The clinic staff were very professional and friendly which made me feel relaxed and confident. On the 12th May, 2010 I had the transplant and I could not believe how simple the procedure was.
Within a week, I noticed my fine motor skills in my left hand had improved also I was able to lift my left foot easier. Over the next 2 months, I was able to walk up to 4 km a day without the fatigue that I used to experience after only walking a short distance.
My balance has improved and I am walking straighter without my leg kicking out to the side. I notice showering, dressing, cutting nails and buttoning shirts are easier.
They sound insignificant, but when you have struggled for years, any improvement is welcome. I am looking forward to more improvements as time goes by.
I would not hesitate recommending the Cells4health as a way to help with MS and other neurological disorders.
July 9th, 2010
My name is Ray Burrill. I am 58 and was diagnosed with MS in 2008.
I had been having walking problems, weakness with my left leg and foot and diminished fine motor skill in my left hand. I noticed a slight left foot drop and weakness in my left leg early in 2000. Being male, I did not admit that I had a problem. In late 2006, I decided that I had to do something about my walking problem and tried different spinal manipulation, acupuncture and chiropractic. Nothing worked and finally I went to the doctor. After 2.5 years, I was finally diagnosed with M.S. At the end of 2008, I was really struggling to walk and continue working, also losing my balance and falling over on a regular basis. In May 2009 I could no longer work.
My continued Internet research paid off when I discovered adult stem cell therapy. I applied immediately by filling out the online medical application. The Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand, contacted me and assisted me with necessary requirements to get my appointment at the clinic. The relief of being accepted was overwhelming as I had searched for so long for something that could help me; as the doctors offered nothing.
They worked hard to make sure that I was at the clinic at the time that was available to me.
On the 10th May, 2010 the first part of the procedure was done. Bone marrow was taken from my hip, a little uncomfortable but not really painful. The clinic staff were very professional and friendly which made me feel relaxed and confident. On the 12th May, 2010 I had the transplant and I could not believe how simple the procedure was.
Within a week, I noticed my fine motor skills in my left hand had improved also I was able to lift my left foot easier. Over the next 2 months, I was able to walk up to 4 km a day without the fatigue that I used to experience after only walking a short distance.
My balance has improved and I am walking straighter without my leg kicking out to the side. I notice showering, dressing, cutting nails and buttoning shirts are easier.
They sound insignificant, but when you have struggled for years, any improvement is welcome. I am looking forward to more improvements as time goes by.
I would not hesitate recommending the Cells4health as a way to help with MS and other neurological disorders.
Alison French (35 years old), MS
Prior To Treatment
Hello, my name is Alison French, I am 35 years old, a lady of course, and have had multiple sclerosis for the past 11 years. I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis on the 14thOctober 1999.
My MS had gone undiagnosed for about 4 years before 1999.
So, the next ten years were a lot of trial and error. Trying different medications like beta interferons, rebif, and methylprednislone.
Don't get me wrong. The interferon may have done its job in slowing the progression of ms. My doctor could never say that I was secondary MS. Mind you, I was trying to hold onto my life and my faculties for as long as I could.
Only in the last 7 years have I needed the aid of a walking stick, as my balance is not good. I walk with a very confused gait.(like a drunk)
I had my son 7 yrs ago. That was an achievement. During the pregnancy, all was good. I was swimming up to 1 km. a week until I was 36 weeks. I then relapsed three months after the birth. In this time, my walking had become very stiff and animated. I tended to drag or flick out my right foot or walk around it.
I joined a gym as you do and had been doing well, going to the gym, getting my boy off to school. But in the back of my mind, I knew stem cells were going to help. Didn't know how,who, what,where, but I knew.
So, I emailed a web site. I sent all the necessary paperwork and let the center's board look over it. They did. One night in September 2009, I got a call from the Area Manager letting me know that I was accepted for adult stem cell treatment in November 2009. Yeah!
At the Clinic
The treatment consisted of bone marrow biopsy, which felt like a corked bottom. The staff make you feel relaxed, which makes the treatment seem easy. Ah, but it is!
The day after the biopsy was a free day for me while the doctors harvested the cells. I returned the day after my free day and had the cells put back into my spinal canal by lumbar puncture. It went fine. There was no pain. I was just a bit dizzy, which is normal.
Its done! I suppose I did feel different when I got out of bed to go to the toilet at the center. I didn't feel as swimmy in the head and I wasn't using furniture for balance as I walked to the toilet. Wow! About a day and half after treatment, I got the headache from hell. Just made it to Amsterdam, and that's where I stayed in bed for 3 days. Yes I was still in Europe!
Results
So what's changed? I can put weight on and it stays on. I was 35-40kg, now am 50kg.
My posture is straighter; not so much slouching anymore.
I can get in and out of bed easier. I have colour in my face. I think I got a little taller as well; little subtle changes that have helped .
People said that I look different, they couldn't say what it was but 'something ' was different. And I guess I do feel different, good different.
Prior To Treatment
Hello, my name is Alison French, I am 35 years old, a lady of course, and have had multiple sclerosis for the past 11 years. I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis on the 14thOctober 1999.
My MS had gone undiagnosed for about 4 years before 1999.
So, the next ten years were a lot of trial and error. Trying different medications like beta interferons, rebif, and methylprednislone.
Don't get me wrong. The interferon may have done its job in slowing the progression of ms. My doctor could never say that I was secondary MS. Mind you, I was trying to hold onto my life and my faculties for as long as I could.
Only in the last 7 years have I needed the aid of a walking stick, as my balance is not good. I walk with a very confused gait.(like a drunk)
I had my son 7 yrs ago. That was an achievement. During the pregnancy, all was good. I was swimming up to 1 km. a week until I was 36 weeks. I then relapsed three months after the birth. In this time, my walking had become very stiff and animated. I tended to drag or flick out my right foot or walk around it.
I joined a gym as you do and had been doing well, going to the gym, getting my boy off to school. But in the back of my mind, I knew stem cells were going to help. Didn't know how,who, what,where, but I knew.
So, I emailed a web site. I sent all the necessary paperwork and let the center's board look over it. They did. One night in September 2009, I got a call from the Area Manager letting me know that I was accepted for adult stem cell treatment in November 2009. Yeah!
At the Clinic
The treatment consisted of bone marrow biopsy, which felt like a corked bottom. The staff make you feel relaxed, which makes the treatment seem easy. Ah, but it is!
The day after the biopsy was a free day for me while the doctors harvested the cells. I returned the day after my free day and had the cells put back into my spinal canal by lumbar puncture. It went fine. There was no pain. I was just a bit dizzy, which is normal.
Its done! I suppose I did feel different when I got out of bed to go to the toilet at the center. I didn't feel as swimmy in the head and I wasn't using furniture for balance as I walked to the toilet. Wow! About a day and half after treatment, I got the headache from hell. Just made it to Amsterdam, and that's where I stayed in bed for 3 days. Yes I was still in Europe!
Results
So what's changed? I can put weight on and it stays on. I was 35-40kg, now am 50kg.
My posture is straighter; not so much slouching anymore.
I can get in and out of bed easier. I have colour in my face. I think I got a little taller as well; little subtle changes that have helped .
People said that I look different, they couldn't say what it was but 'something ' was different. And I guess I do feel different, good different.
David Kannenberg (54 years old), MS
Occupation: Truck driver
Marital status: Married
Fourth of July 2001
We were watching the fireworks on 4th of July 2001 when I first noticed that there was something wrong with me. I was sitting with my legs crossed and when I uncrossed them again, I felt numbness in my thigh that did not go away and progressed into the knee over the next couple of weeks. I lost feeling in both of my legs, you could stick a needle in my leg, I would not have felt it. Since the problems worsened, my wife and I contacted our physician in August of 2001, but he wasn't able to make a conclusive diagnosis. It was only when I went back to my ophthalmologist for a check up and mentioned my current problem that he reminded me of an eye problem I'd reported in March of the same year. Then I had a sort of blurry eye, it was like I was looking underwater and I couldn't properly focus. He combined the two and sent me to a neurologist to check specifically for MS. The neurologist requested an MRI, which showed no lesions, he checked my reflexes and did a spinal test that finally confirmed the MS. At this point my legs got so tight it was unbearable. I was first put on steroids, later on betasteron and stayed on this medication for 7 years. Thankfully my condition seemed nonprogressive, I was on my meds and returned each year for a check-up.
In early 2008 I started to loose my balance every so often, I had to catch myself, but never fell. I drive a truck and it got difficult sometimes to climb up into the cab. Over the years my wife Janet had been doing research about new medical treatments for MS and came up with the idea to try adult stem cells to hopefully improve my condition.
Stem cell treatment
Our trip in the first week of September of 2008 was excellent. As foreigners we were made to feel very welcome by the staff. I had expected the extraction of the bone marrow to be painful, but it was okay. The stem cells were separated from my bone marrow and were re-injected two days later directly into my spinal fluid by lumbar puncture. After the lumbar puncture I noticed a small headache and relaxed in my hotel room for a few hours. The next day I felt well enough that we went to do site seeing and had a great time.
Results
Two and a half weeks after the transplantation I noticed a slight shooting pain in my foot that later disappeared. Over the next weeks the sensation and mobility started to return slowly (I had not had normal feeling in my feet and legs for 7 years). It has now been nearly 8 weeks, I can feel my muscles move and slight pain from time to time. It seems to me that the pain I experience indicates a change and improvement. I have regained full mobility in my legs below the knee. My legs feel much lighter and the remaining tightness is very minor. I have a range of movement in my ankles again. I can feel the grass beneath my feet. What a good feeling after 7 years! My mother is so happy about my improvement, she cries when she calls to check on my weekly progress.
I get a lot of questions from everybody I talk to about adult stem cell therapy. How long will it last? Will it continue to heal? Will it heal other areas not associated with MS? I certainly don't know, but the improvement I've had so far has been great. It is really hard not to get depressed with MS, but my attitude recently has changed. I've always tried to stay positive, but my wife has started to notice changes. Everyday I wake up feeling great, I am much more talkative and have much more energy. I was never classified as a progressive case and had no lesions in my brain. I am really glad I caught the MS at the point I have. Having made so much progress, I tend to get a bit impatient. As things progress for me, I am expecting a 100% recovery.
My conclusion
My hope is that the more patients are treated abroad the quicker the studies in the US will progress. My neurologist at home does not expect that the type of procedure I had done for my MS will be done in the US in the next 5-7years. I'll certainly spread the word as much as I can.
Second Treatment and Progress Update
Note - After approximately one year, Mr. Kannenberg's symptoms began returning and his condition returned to approximately the way it was just prior to his first treatment. He returned for a second treatment druing the first week of February, 2010. Below is a progress report emailed to us about 3 months later by Mr. Kannenberg's wife, Janet.
From: Janet Kannenberg [mailto:edited for privacy]
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 10:46 AM
Subject: RE: Update on Dave
Sorry for the delay of our response. I have been taking care of Dave. He's been ill for almost two weeks. Thought he had a kidney stone but the stubborn fool won't go to the doctor!!!. Says he feels better so why should he go?
He is starting to feel small changes. His balance is back to 80 %. Still needs the cane on occasion. Legs feel a little lighter. His hair has gotten curly on top of his head (two years ago he had none). He is not feeling the nerve pain as last time (called the good pain). He says it's too soon. I was hoping that because he had it done before that it would work quicker this time. I guess that's not the way it works
.
His spatial memory has improved. I don't see him blank out to often. He is still occasionally forgetful. I will tell him something and later he will ask me what I already told him.
His sense of humor is coming back, which I missed soooo much. He smiles more.
Dave and I are so appreciative of all the staff for this last trip.
Occupation: Truck driver
Marital status: Married
Fourth of July 2001
We were watching the fireworks on 4th of July 2001 when I first noticed that there was something wrong with me. I was sitting with my legs crossed and when I uncrossed them again, I felt numbness in my thigh that did not go away and progressed into the knee over the next couple of weeks. I lost feeling in both of my legs, you could stick a needle in my leg, I would not have felt it. Since the problems worsened, my wife and I contacted our physician in August of 2001, but he wasn't able to make a conclusive diagnosis. It was only when I went back to my ophthalmologist for a check up and mentioned my current problem that he reminded me of an eye problem I'd reported in March of the same year. Then I had a sort of blurry eye, it was like I was looking underwater and I couldn't properly focus. He combined the two and sent me to a neurologist to check specifically for MS. The neurologist requested an MRI, which showed no lesions, he checked my reflexes and did a spinal test that finally confirmed the MS. At this point my legs got so tight it was unbearable. I was first put on steroids, later on betasteron and stayed on this medication for 7 years. Thankfully my condition seemed nonprogressive, I was on my meds and returned each year for a check-up.
In early 2008 I started to loose my balance every so often, I had to catch myself, but never fell. I drive a truck and it got difficult sometimes to climb up into the cab. Over the years my wife Janet had been doing research about new medical treatments for MS and came up with the idea to try adult stem cells to hopefully improve my condition.
Stem cell treatment
Our trip in the first week of September of 2008 was excellent. As foreigners we were made to feel very welcome by the staff. I had expected the extraction of the bone marrow to be painful, but it was okay. The stem cells were separated from my bone marrow and were re-injected two days later directly into my spinal fluid by lumbar puncture. After the lumbar puncture I noticed a small headache and relaxed in my hotel room for a few hours. The next day I felt well enough that we went to do site seeing and had a great time.
Results
Two and a half weeks after the transplantation I noticed a slight shooting pain in my foot that later disappeared. Over the next weeks the sensation and mobility started to return slowly (I had not had normal feeling in my feet and legs for 7 years). It has now been nearly 8 weeks, I can feel my muscles move and slight pain from time to time. It seems to me that the pain I experience indicates a change and improvement. I have regained full mobility in my legs below the knee. My legs feel much lighter and the remaining tightness is very minor. I have a range of movement in my ankles again. I can feel the grass beneath my feet. What a good feeling after 7 years! My mother is so happy about my improvement, she cries when she calls to check on my weekly progress.
I get a lot of questions from everybody I talk to about adult stem cell therapy. How long will it last? Will it continue to heal? Will it heal other areas not associated with MS? I certainly don't know, but the improvement I've had so far has been great. It is really hard not to get depressed with MS, but my attitude recently has changed. I've always tried to stay positive, but my wife has started to notice changes. Everyday I wake up feeling great, I am much more talkative and have much more energy. I was never classified as a progressive case and had no lesions in my brain. I am really glad I caught the MS at the point I have. Having made so much progress, I tend to get a bit impatient. As things progress for me, I am expecting a 100% recovery.
My conclusion
My hope is that the more patients are treated abroad the quicker the studies in the US will progress. My neurologist at home does not expect that the type of procedure I had done for my MS will be done in the US in the next 5-7years. I'll certainly spread the word as much as I can.
Second Treatment and Progress Update
Note - After approximately one year, Mr. Kannenberg's symptoms began returning and his condition returned to approximately the way it was just prior to his first treatment. He returned for a second treatment druing the first week of February, 2010. Below is a progress report emailed to us about 3 months later by Mr. Kannenberg's wife, Janet.
From: Janet Kannenberg [mailto:edited for privacy]
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 10:46 AM
Subject: RE: Update on Dave
Sorry for the delay of our response. I have been taking care of Dave. He's been ill for almost two weeks. Thought he had a kidney stone but the stubborn fool won't go to the doctor!!!. Says he feels better so why should he go?
He is starting to feel small changes. His balance is back to 80 %. Still needs the cane on occasion. Legs feel a little lighter. His hair has gotten curly on top of his head (two years ago he had none). He is not feeling the nerve pain as last time (called the good pain). He says it's too soon. I was hoping that because he had it done before that it would work quicker this time. I guess that's not the way it works
.
His spatial memory has improved. I don't see him blank out to often. He is still occasionally forgetful. I will tell him something and later he will ask me what I already told him.
His sense of humor is coming back, which I missed soooo much. He smiles more.
Dave and I are so appreciative of all the staff for this last trip.
Philippe Daigueperce (53 years old), MS
Home: France
In January 2006, coming back from a diving trip, I complained of tingling in my left forearm and sensory problems in my right forearm. A visit to the man who would become my physician, Dr. Tassou, encouraged me to do my first MRI. The radiologist detected a lesion on the second cervical, "but not near the spinal cord; in the spinal cord !"
Two months after the diagnosis of MS (found after pressing on the optic nerve, which made me temporarily blind in the left eye), I went back to work. I followed a treatment regimen of interferon and a homeopathic diet, free from gluten and milk. In late 2008, my President asked me to stop working for my own protection. So I stopped working, but I was still covered by my company insurance.
In September 2008, I suffered a flare on the optic nerve, which caused a cortisone bolus and diplopia. This situation persisted and my condition gradually deteriorated: faulty balance, speech loss, writing problems, continual tiredness, urinary incontinence and untimely diplopia, which is quite disturbing when it happens.
I've always been interested in stem cell therapies. So, when I searched the internet for "stem cell therapy and multiple sclerosis," I naturally found the clinics web site. I also learned that I might improve with stem cell angiography and angioplasty if needed.
Therefore, once screened, I found myself at the clinic awaiting stem cell therapy. The week went very well; serious diagnostics including MRI scanners and Doppler Ultrasound, which showed that my right and left jugular veins were blocked and needed two balloons on the left and one balloon on the right).
After treatment, I could immediately see the results: static equilibrium back to normal and incontinence disappeared.
Improvements still pending are balance and motor skills deterioration, verbal and written speech, fatigue (except the evening!), and untimely diplopia.
Home: France
In January 2006, coming back from a diving trip, I complained of tingling in my left forearm and sensory problems in my right forearm. A visit to the man who would become my physician, Dr. Tassou, encouraged me to do my first MRI. The radiologist detected a lesion on the second cervical, "but not near the spinal cord; in the spinal cord !"
Two months after the diagnosis of MS (found after pressing on the optic nerve, which made me temporarily blind in the left eye), I went back to work. I followed a treatment regimen of interferon and a homeopathic diet, free from gluten and milk. In late 2008, my President asked me to stop working for my own protection. So I stopped working, but I was still covered by my company insurance.
In September 2008, I suffered a flare on the optic nerve, which caused a cortisone bolus and diplopia. This situation persisted and my condition gradually deteriorated: faulty balance, speech loss, writing problems, continual tiredness, urinary incontinence and untimely diplopia, which is quite disturbing when it happens.
I've always been interested in stem cell therapies. So, when I searched the internet for "stem cell therapy and multiple sclerosis," I naturally found the clinics web site. I also learned that I might improve with stem cell angiography and angioplasty if needed.
Therefore, once screened, I found myself at the clinic awaiting stem cell therapy. The week went very well; serious diagnostics including MRI scanners and Doppler Ultrasound, which showed that my right and left jugular veins were blocked and needed two balloons on the left and one balloon on the right).
After treatment, I could immediately see the results: static equilibrium back to normal and incontinence disappeared.
Improvements still pending are balance and motor skills deterioration, verbal and written speech, fatigue (except the evening!), and untimely diplopia.
