Archive for June, 2009
I had my first spinal injection on Monday, June 22. I wasn’t sure exactly what it was going to be like, but it turned out to be as bad as I thought it would be. I had mine at 3:30pm. As they were wheeling me into the room, I said prayer hoping these stem cells cwould help restore my vision. They gave me medicine to relax and calm me down. I was greatful I had a very good doctor that was able to do it the first try. next thing I knew, I was being wheeled back into my room where I had to aly flat on my back for 6 hours. Luckily, for half the time I was able to sleep, until a nurse decied to wake me up. Other than that, the time seemed to pass pretty quickly. It past quicker than I thought it would. As soon as my 6 hours were up, I got up and had this horrible headache and felt kinda dizzy. So, I just ate something and went straight to bed. I finally got up the next morning thinking I felt better, and got up once more. i felt worse. I had a headache, back hurted, and neck was sore. It was quite painful getting up. That’s when I just figured to go back to sleep or just stay in bed. And that’s exactly what I did all day. Finally, around 6pm I felt well enough to get out of bed to eat something, get dressed, and to get out of my room for once. All that rest and drinking a lot of fluids does help a lot. Other than that, everything was worth while. It wasn’t too bad at all. Now, I’m just waiting to see what those stem cells can do for me. I have my next IV on Friday, June 26. As, I wait for my next IV and spinal; I’m eager to see what results I get. I will be sure to keep everyone posted of any results I see.
<3 Michell
June 26th, 2009
It’s been a week now that I’ve been Qingdao, China. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far. You do have a lot of time here though fo the most part to do whatever. Today is sunday here and I have to stay inside all day because I have a spinal tomorrow. I do hope that my spinal goes well and see a little improvements in the next week or so. I know I have to be patient and let the stem cells work, but I think it would be more encouraging to see improvements now while I’m still here. But i do have a few weeks, so we’ll just have to see what happens.
On the other hand, I’ve met a lot of amazing peple here! They are so awesome, and I’m glad there here. It’s like they know exactly what I’m going through and we can relate to so much together. It’s great to always have someone to talk to when I’m happy or sad, or when I’m just bored out of my mind. We’ve gone through a great journey together and will miss everyone when we have to leave.
I hope everyone is doing good at home. I miss everyone! I’ll keep everyone tuned in on my first spinal in the next day or two to let you know how it went.
<3 Michell
June 21st, 2009
I recieved my schedule for the week for what I will have to be doing. Everyday I will have to do occupuncture on my eyes. That will take about a half an hour each day, and I get 2 days off a week. This week I have Friday and Sunday off. And on top of that, I have my first IV injection on Wed. That will take approximately an hour. So, it shouldn’t be too bad. I just hope that everything goes well and I see results in the next few weeks. But I’m probaly not going to do any spinal cord injectiosn until next week, because they always want to do an IV to start out with for a safety reason. The spinal injection will be very difficul probaly, but I’m sure I can do it though. Anywyas, I hope everyone is doing well back home! 
<3 Michell
June 16th, 2009
I’ve haven’t had to do much with any injections or anything like that. But i still had to be evaluated though. I’ve had to do the normal checup at first. That was no big deal. But I was also required to take a blood test and a few xrays which was alright, except I’m not quite sure what the results of that were yet. I thought all of that would have been finished by now, but I still have to be evaluated by a physical therpist today. So, I hope everything goes well and plan to start the stem cell treatment tomorrow or the next day. I will know my the end of today though since they are giving me a schedule of what my week will look like. Once I know I will try to post it so that you know what I will be doing. For now, i will keep you updated later! I hope everyone is doing well. I miss everyone!
<3 Michell
June 15th, 2009
Sorry, it has taken me awhile to update my blog. But I’m glad to say that my mom and I have arrived safely in Qingdao, China. It was an extremely long flight from Fresno, California to Qingdao, China. i would say including the wait it took approximately 32 hours. It was extremely exhausing, but we made it.
Once we got settled in our room we were able to talk to the doctor. He just did a basic evaluation at first. He hasked us questions about my eye disease, when and how it happened. It was basically all of the family history and things like that. It was no big deal. Since when we arrived here it was about 8pm and we were tired. We tried to sleep, but it was hard because of the time change.
June 15th, 2009
Today 3 days before I was supposed to leave I found out that I would be unable to stay in Hanzhou because of the Swine Flu. Word has it that someone in the area is showing symptoms of the flu, so they are taking full percautions which I fully understand. Instead of staying in Hangzhou, I will now be staying in Qingdao, China. I will be staying in the Chengyang People’s Hospital. It is kind of unconvient and a bit disappointing, but now I look at it as a new oppurtunity. I hope for the best in Qingdao.
It actually doesn’t matter to me whether I do the treatment in Hangzhou or Qingdao. I am just lucky I get to be one of the people to get this treatment done. I know there are many people who are unaware of the power that stem cells can hold. Also, I am very fortunate that I have so many people supporting me every step of the way. I am so blessed!
<3 Michell
June 9th, 2009
This trip to China is a very exciting trip, but very costly at the same time. For all the treatment, airfares, food, and lodging total costs came to $30,000 USD. At first, I didn’t know where I would come up with all the money. Thankfully, I prayed about it, and decided to write donation letters not knowing what the outcome would be. I was grateful and the results of my donation letters turned out amazing!
I heard back from people within the next day of them recieving their letter. I was so excited how mch people were willing to help. I didn’t raise enough money of course, but it was a step forward in the right direction. For thos epeople who were unable to send a contribution at this time; I know they are praying for me, and that’s all I can ask for. But I truly appreciate all the support and contributions I’ve recieved from so many grateful people. It’s nice to know that people are willing to lend a hand to a family in need.
Those people who have contributed and are praying for me now and while I am gone have been a blessing in my life. I know I can never thank you enough for what you have done for me and my family. This trip means so much to me, and through these hard economic times, you were willing to help me try to achieve my dreams. Thank you and God Bless You!!!
<3 Michell
June 6th, 2009
Wow! I can’t believe it in exactly a week my mom and I will be inHangzhou, China. We will be staying in Zhejiang Xiaoshan hospital. We will leave Fresno on Thursday, June 11, 2009 and will return on Sunday, July 12, 2009. This is the longest I’ll be away for any great legnth of time, but when I come back i know the trip would be totally worth it. I am eager to go to China, but at the same time is unsure how it’s going to all work out. But I do not expect much, since I will put my life in the hands of God. So, if this was meant to be I will find out shortly. I will just have to see what God has planned for my future.
But now that I have a blog I will update it as frequently as possible now and when I am in China so you know how I am doing. i will also be checking my emails on a regular basis. So feel free to email me at michellgip@hotmail.com. And I will miss everyone while i am gone!!!
<3 Michell
June 5th, 2009
