1. Tremor affects my upper limbs, making it almost impossible to work, cook, eat (with a knife and fork), write, type, etc.
2. Fatigue is always one of the biggest problems. I can no longer do anything spontaneously as, while I may be able to do an activity at the time, there is always a price to pay in terms of energy recovery afterwards.
3. One of the most upsetting/debilitating symptoms for me personally is the effects on my balance, coordination and my ability to walk normally. This type of disability is difficult for anyone to live with.
4. The effects on my private life and general mental wellbeing are also very significant and at times quite overwhelming. Most of these symptoms are quite embarrassing and I try my best to hide them from my friends.
Because of the damage that MS causes to the brain, I have a variety of unpredictable problems including bad memory, speech difficulties, visual problems, big mood swings and occasional fits of anger. I tend to reserve these depressing symptoms for those who I am closest to. Because I spend the most time with them, they see all the bad stuff that most of my friends never see (lucky people 🙂 ).
The medical procedures (My great hope):
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) – this procedure will use chemotherapy to wipe out my faulty immune system, followed by a transplant of Stem Cells to recreate a new healthy immune system. Have a look at this young lady with MS who was treated by Dr Richard Burt. She explains how she regained her life and hope for the future: www.youtube.com
This procedure stops the inflammatory part of the disease in its tracks, and, as a result of this relief from inflammation, the body has a chance to repair itself. Many people have had a reversal in their disabilities/symptoms as a result of HSCT. Because this treatment wipes out your immune system, there are some very real risks. However, like many people with incurable conditions, I am very prepared to accept these risks as the alternative constant decline in my quality of life is a much scarier prospect. If you’re interested in The Science behind Stem Cell Transplantation to cure MS check out this link: www.dropbox.com
What I’m hoping the medical treatments will achieve (through your support – thank you!)
– The main thing I hope to gain from these treatments is to halt the progression of MS and hopefully repair some of the damage that has already been done. HSCT actually offers a lot of hope here, no one dares to call it a cure but it is the closest thing to a cure that’s available today.
– The ability to go back to work full-time and start to resume a relatively normal life just doing the everyday things that most people take for granted, (including myself in the past until I could no longer take these things for granted).
– To shower without needing to rest afterward.
– To be able to plan for a future despite MS.
– To be able to walk distances without assistance
– To be pain free. To be able to feel my foot and have no more pain, numbness, or tingling in my body.
I have chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.
For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
