Christmas day will be exactly one month since I’ve been to the eye doctor. It’s so strange how time passes so quickly during the holidays and when your just busy. But I didn’t forget about my blog and knew I’d find the time to update it, since everyone is so eager to hear about the good and/or bad results.
I had a pretty early appointment, and was so ready to go to hear all the good news the doctor would give me. This is a different doctor than I went to see a few months ago. Now, I see the first eye doctor I went to, even before I got diagnosed. It was qutie an experience I must say. I did every test they had it seemed like, which was pretty much the same tests they do at that eye clinic in downtown Qingdao. It was neat to actually experience those same tests and procedures in the United States.
Well, my dad and I both wait anxiously in the room awaiting the doctor and his results. We weren’t sure what the outcome would be. As usual he did the eye chart test, which was hard for me actually at first. Since I haven’t been there in so long, I honestly wasn’t used to the chart being so far away. So, I coudl only read the first row in both eyes, which was the same as the last time. It was at least good to know things were stable or whatever.
And then he started off with trying different lenses and magnifiers, asking if I could see the chart with them. Surprising enough, I was able to read the second and third row with these lenses. And just to make sure I wasn’t just fooling myself or him, we tested this at least 5 times. Everytime I got it correct. This might not seem like a big deal to many, but it is because patients who have an optic nerve problem are usually not able to get it corrected with glasses. And just to see slight improvement slike that made my dad, because it could probaly help me in readying, studying, etc. Maybe one day it might even help me in driving! That would be the best Christmas EVER, if that happened, and I believe someday it will. I have no doubt what so ever.
So, I had the oppurtunity finally to be prescribed with glasses that would help some, but I’m hoping it will help more in the future when I see mor eimprovements. Therefore, I decided not to purchase glasses just quite yet, since they are kinda costly and will probaly be more of a benefit once I see mor eimprovements or what the entire time. So, maybe after my next eye doctor’s appointment, I’ll consider the fact whether or not I want glasses.
I was so excite dto visit Dr.Terry Cole again, since he did such a tremendous job of explaining every possiblity I had or could do. He was super patient and tried to help me come up with the best thing tjo do for the meantime. It seems as though he works alot with low vision patients , since he knows so much about it and had a good variety of low vision equipment. He had things like magnifiers, CCTVs, etc. Since I’ve had LHON for 6 years, I was qutie familiar with all of this equipment, but it was neat to see a doctor so familiar and explaining all of these thigns to me. He explained how helpful they were to his other patients and reccommended certain things or what not.
Overall, I would say it was a useful and worth while doctor’s appointment. It went so well this time, I just can’t wait until next time. As of now, I’m not sure when my next appintment will be. It will either be in 6 months or a year, but I’ll be sure to let you all know for sure.
Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season!
December 19th, 2009
I hope everyone has the most amazing Thanksgiving ever! This is the time where we should reflect and be greatful for what we have. There is so much in life that we can be thankful for.In my life, I’m honestly thankful for so much and will always be…
I am most thankful for my wonderful parents. My parents have been there through all the good and bad times in my life. Everything in their power, they tried anything to have a better quality of life for both my brother and I. For example, when we were first diagnosed we took any medication possible praying that it would help. We did an IV, hoping the process would be quicker. Nothing seemed to work…We were just told that we had to live the way that we were, because there was nothing they could do for LHON. Did the stop my parents…? Of course not, people and doctors all tell us no only made them more determined for them to find us a treatment or some kind of hope. It was April of this year that we discovered the possibility of China and the wonders of stem cell treatment. My parents didn’t hesitate, but jumped at the oppurtunity of taking me. It was a risk, but that didn’t bother them. They knew if this was meant for me, then I would see a miracle out of this experience. Through our family prayers and determination, I’m seeing more improvements by the week. I would not have had this amazing oppurtunity, if it weren’t for my parents.
I am also thankful for all the wonderful family and friends I have. I know some of you had second thoughts about me going to China, but there were those who supported us every step of the way. Either way, I am thankful for having you in my life. Even you don’t know it, everyone of you had made a difference in my life one way or another. I know whenever si need something, I can always count on you guys. It doesn’t matter if you live across the street, country, or even the world. All of you are in my heart, and think of you guys often. You guys are special to me and don’t know what I’d do without you in my life.
I am thankful for those I met in China. We became so close while spending a month together in China. It was so nice to hear all of your wonderful stories and experiences. It was so comforting to my mom and I, knowing we weren’t the only one going through this. My experience in China differently wouldn’t be the same without you there. It was awesome to grow so close so quickly. It was like we became a family in a matter of days. You guys will always be known as my China family.
And of course I have to be thankful for Beike and the staff at Chengyang People’s Hospital in Qingdao China. All of the representitives from Beike were so nice and always willing to answer whatever little questions we may have. They did whatever they could to make as comfortable as possible in the hospital. They wanted our stay to be as pleasant as it possibly could. And the staff in Chengyang People’s Hospital were so welcoming the second we were picked up from the airport. They were all so friendly and did whatever they could to make you feel welcome or happier. The doctors were are so happy, and tried to answer any questions you had as quickly as possible. And they were usually pretty flexible with your schedule, if you wanted to go out for the day or something. And the translators worked long hours, but also made sure that we had what we needed, and whenever they had to chance tried to take us around the town. Everyone there made the trip a bit more enjoyable.
And of course there is so much more that I can be thankful for. The list can go on and on, and I just don’t have time to list them all. But all of this leads to the fact that I’m thankful for the improvements that these stem cells have done for me. I’ve lived with LHON for 6 years now, and have been praying for a miracle, and I believe that this could be my miracle. China wouldn’t have been a possiblity, if it wasn’t for my parents, friends, family, and of course Beike itself. Well, I’m glad I see improvements each day and hope that I see more in the future months. I know I have to be patient while I let these stem cells grow and work miracles in me.
I hope everyone is able to think of the many things they have been blessed with and be thankful for this holiday season.
November 27th, 2009
To everyone effected with LHON or a family member who’s effected:
This post is for everyone who’s been able to contact me or have read this blog. There are friends, family members, or yourself who have LHON and took the time to comment my blog, email, or even find me on facebook. It’s been such a pleasure talking to you all. As busy as I may be sometimes, its so great to recieve a message from one of you. Honestly, you guys brighten my day, it lets me know that this blog had achieved a purpose and I was able to reach it.
You guys may think I’m inspirational or your hero as some of you have told me. I truly believe you are my inspiration and my modivation. I know if I ever need a word of encouragement, you’ll always be there. It’s quite comforting actually.
It has been such a blessing to be able ot talk to all of you. I’ve made some great friends through this blog, email, and that LHON facebook group. I hope to stay in contact with you for awhile, and never know what the future brings for us. We may even be able to meet one day, if we make it happen. It would be lots of fun. 
Also, none of you guys ever have to worry if your bothering me or not, because your not. I will always try to make the time to talk to you. It’s an incredible experience for me, that I’m unable to even put into words. It’s so great to hear everyon’s stories and know what they’re actually going through. Or how people have delt with certain things and how I’ve had some of their similar experiences. When you think no one has any idea what your going through or how you feel, your wrong. My family and I…especiall me have gone through those experiences and am not afraid to tell you about those things now. I’[m here to tell you all the things I’ve had to go through and how it had made me a better person and you can be the same way.
Well, just wanted to let everyone know you have made a difference in my life. I can’t thank you guys enough for all you’ve done. I’ve been able to share my story now with so many people. And I hope to hear from more of you guys who have yet not had the time or oppurtunity to contact me. Or even to those who haven’t been able to find my blog.
I will always be here whenever you need for questions, concerns, or comments. Or if you just want to check in with me. I’m usually pretty quick about replying to messages and what not.
Again, my email address is michellgip@hotmail.com
Hope everyone is doing well. And during this month, take a moment and think of something you are thankful for and how good life. Just use the rest of this month to reflect on the positive, and try not to think about the worries, stress, and concerns you may have on life no matter what it may be. It’s hard, but I know you guys can do it.
Take Care
November 22nd, 2009
Hello Everyone,
It’s almost winter and time for the busy holidays. If anyone is traveling during this holiday season, hope you have a safe and wonderful trip. I know this is the time to be spending with family and to be thankful for everything you may have. I am clearly thankful for the family, friends, and everything I may have. I am so blessed to be living the life that I’m currently in. I wouldn’t want to change it for anything. At this point in my life, I believe it can only get better.
Now, that we’re quickly approaching winter, I’ve been noticing how extrmely cold and tired I’ve been lately. I’m usually not like that at all, ask anyone who’s known me for awhile. I’m usually pretty energetic and the cold weather does not bother me one bit. For some crazy reason thats starting to change. Not sure if its because of the way time has changed, or its because of these stem cells. I’ve noticed certain things in my everday life that has changed since returning from China. It’s possible, but I’m not sure. And not sure if I’ll ever know exactly what it si though.
Last year, I was able to go to bed around midnight or alter, and wake up at 5:45am with no big deal. I had a pretty rigorous schedule and had tons of homework. This year I took a step back from that kind of course work, but now not being able to wake up on time. I regularly sleep at 11pm and can’t even wake up by 6am if I’m lucky. It’s been so weird. I have just been so tired all the time it seeems like. People don’t always realize how exhausted I amy be, but its totally different and I’m definitely not sued to it. Whenever I don’t have any type of practice after school, I usually come home and take a few hour nap. I have to do that now, since it seems like I don’t even have the energy to complete mmy homework. It’s kinda weird, and not sure exactly what’s causing this.
Also, I said before that the cold doesn’t bother me, but now I’m cold all the time. It doesn’t matter how warm try to be or how many layers of clothing I wear. It’s like nothign seems to help. I live here in Fresno, CA and its only about 50-60 degrees farenheit and its like I’m freeezing all th etime. It’s pretty ridiculos, if you ask me. For example, this time last year I would we3ar a light sweater and an undershirt. Now, I have to wear an under shirt, long sleeve, and jacket. I don’t even like wearing jackets, but at least its an attempt to try to keep myself warm. It’s so weird. I have to wear just as many layers when I go to bed at night, despite havign the heater on in our house.
All of this happened, and I have no idea why. I’m not sure if thsi just happens to people over time, because people change over awhile. I don’t know if this could be from stem cells or what. It’s a mystery to me, but it doesn’t bother me at all. I just find it kinda weird and semi interesting I guess. It doesn’t matter to me if this is a reaction from the stem cells or something, because the main purpose is to have my vison back to its full restoration and I believe it will happen. I full confidence and faith that I will restore my vsion. I’m not going to let anyone try to convince me that I’m wrong, because I know I’m not. I just have to have faith and believe.
Well on that note, I hope everyone gets a lot of rest during this holiday season. Also, try to stay as warm as possible no matter where you may be from.
Will post later when I get the chance.
-Michell
November 20th, 2009
I have another eye doctor’s appointment coming up. I’m kinda looking forward tho this appointment, because I’ve been seeing a ffew improvements and want to know how well I’ve been doing by the tests that they give me.
I’m also excited, because I think if my optic nerves are starting to devolop and regenerate, I’m hoping i’ll be able to where glasses are something and that will make a difference in my daily life as well. And every little difference is a blessing from God I believe.
I’ll just be going to a regular eye doctor here in town, not any LHON specialist or anything like that. Honestly, that’s more than we can handle right now. We think its just as great to see an eye doctor in town. We don’t feel a need to see a specialist quite yet.
I think I will see good results form these stem cells and the next eye doctor’s appointment. I just need the help from everyone. I need your support, word of encouragement, and especially your prayers. I’ve had many people ask me how they could help. All I ask of everyone is your thoughts and prayers. I honestly believe in the power of prayer. The more people I having praying, the more God knows how much I want this, and how much the rest of you guys want this to happen for me. So, all I ask is for your thoughts and prayers for good resutls at this next doctor’s appointment.
God Bless Everyone
November 2nd, 2009
THANK YOU MOM AND DAD FOR THE MOST AMAZING PARTY!!!
I don’t even know hwo to put it into words, but I’ll try to do the best I can. My birthday was nearly a month ago and it was great to celebrate it the best ever. I had the most amazing time and I’m blessed to have my parents to thank for that.
On Saturday, October 3rd 2009 I was blessed to have my party at TorNino’s Banquet Hall and had about 60 friends and family. It was beautiful and so tahnkful for eveeryone who was able to make it. Sorry, to everyone who wasn’t able to be there for one reason or another.
Anyways, this party was formal, in a banquet hall, DJ, and the whole 9 yeards. My parents went all out for this party and don’t know how it could of been any better. Everyone I knew were so surprised and shocked to how grea it was and how much time and effort put into it. In reality, we did not put much time into it since our family are such procrastinators. Bt with our last minute preparation, everything turned out fantastic. Eventually I’ll try to post a picture on here of how I looked at my party…maybe.
Even though my parents spent all the money to take me to China over summer, they we’re even willing to throw the party of my dreams. They did it so willingly and greatfully. I’m just one of the luckier kids who have such great parents. I know not to take what I have for granted, because it will eventually disappear if I do. I learn to live life day by day and live it to its fullest.
So, as we let a miracle work within me and let these stem cells work. We can proove to everyone out there that these stem cells are working and I will be able to see one day. It has made a difference in my life so far and will make more in the near future.
It’s too bad that everyone can’t be as lucky as I am. I’m so blessed to be born into the family that I’m in adn to have the parents that I do. I don’t think I can be any more blessed. God is so good! I know I probaly don’t thank you enough for what you do, but I really do appreciate everything you’ve done in my life. You’ve alwasy been there for all the good and bad times. When I fall, your there to pick me up. When I accomplish something, you’re always there to celebrate with me. It’s so awesome and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I had a freakin awesome birthday! And for that birthday, I hope for the most amazing year! We’ll see what happens and plan to let the world know by updaing my blog!
LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD FOR BEING IN MY LIFE AND GIVING ME THE BEST BIRTHDAY A GIRL COULD EVER ASK FOR!!! I CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!
November 2nd, 2009
Hello to Everyone!
I’m so glad for those of you following my journey through this stem stell process, even though I’m back from China and trying to live life to its fullest.
I’ve been so lucky to meet so many wonderful and amazing people through this site, and on facebook. You may tell me that I’ve changed your lives and give you hope or what not, but to be honest you guys are my modivation to keep writing and to be encouraged each day by each and everyone of you whether you know it or not.
Sometiems its hard to know that I’m doing the right thing by networking with so many people. I know its the right thing to do, and it is something I like to do, but some people might not agree.
it’s so much fun to talk to you guys to see what you have gone through, and I know I’ve been there and will help you through this. We can all help each other, because we are a team.
We all fight for sight! It doesn’t matter how long it takes us, but one day it will happen. We have hope, faith, and will never stop believing.
October 25th, 2009
To be honest, I’m usually not much of a risk taker, but for some reason I decided to take a risk on my grade the other day.
I was sitting in second period, which is my math class at that time and realized we had a quiz. Quizzes aren’t worth much points, but its worth as much as a homework grade, which is about 10 points. My math teacher forgot to get it in large print, so I just tell him it was alright and I’ll take the quiz usuaing a regular font.
I thought this was a good way for me to test or see if the stem cells were really working for me and I wasn’t just playing mind games with myself or something. And if I didn’t do so well ont he quiz, I could of just explained it to my teacher or just accept it and try better next time.
Well, I finish the quiz pretty much the same time as the res tof studnets, which was good because it usually takes me longer to take quizzes and tests. Well, I was surprised, because I thought it took me a long tiem to read it, but I did just ifne. I read all the questions with no problem. Now, all I had to do was patiently await my results of this quiz.
About 3 days later I get the quiz back. I don’t even want to look at my score, for fear it might be terrible and come towards reality that I haven’t had any improvements with the stem cells or something. Well…little did I know, I got a 100% on this quiz I was so happy!
Just thinking back towards last year, I couldn’t even do that well with Braille, Large Print, and a CCTV. Now, I can do so well with just a regualr copy and pencil. It was awesome! Now, it doesn’t matter what doctors say or what people tell me. That was proof enough that those stem cells are working and will continue to work in the coming months. I have no doubt about it.
Anywyas…I will be sure to post more as tiem coems and if I have any great stories about improvements or about me in general I guess.
Stay tuned…Never know what the future will bring for me.
October 11th, 2009
The weirdest things seem to happen to me, but no one else. I guess it’s a good thing.
I don’t even know where to begin. Well, it all started off when I was in China and got some kind of bug bite while I was thre. It was on my finger on my right hand. It wasswollen from the tip of my finger and quickly spread throughout my hand and up towards my arm. It was weird cause I’ve never had this happen to me before. Well, I didn’t think much of it, and just took the medicine the doctors gave me and some sort of cream stuff. It healed in a matter of a week or so.
I didn’t realize it, but apparently after that bug bite went away, my vision started improving. It was nothing major, but some more slight improvements. My mom and I both noticed, but of course we didn’t say it was because I had a bug bite, because that would sound a bit ridiculous.
Well, it’s been 3 months since I’ve returned from China. And since then I’ve had about 5 more bug bites at different times. They start off fairly small and quickly get swollen and can be quite painful. It will take about a week or so for it to completely heal. I usually don’t get bit by things, and if I did it wouldn’t be that often anyways. So, I was trying to figure out what was going on. It was weird…
My mom told me that she noticed everytime after one of my bug bites would heal, she would tell me my vision would of gotten a little better. I would tell her I can read the clock, read a standard size font, and little things like that. I would just tell her my improvements, not knowing that it was always after a bug bite.My friends and family have found it quite amusing, but in my opinion its quite confusing. I don’t know what’s going on and why its happening to me, but at this point I’m going to take it as a good thing. I’ll just appreiate what I have and not think more of it.
My family and I strongly believe that it can be a reaction from the stem cells. I’ve heard of other vision patients having itchy eyes, headaches, and things liek that. And after that was all over, they’ll start seeing improvements. So, maybe for me its getting bug bites. ‘ll never know, but if this is God’s healing for me, I’ll just take it and enjoy every moment of it. I thank God for every bit of improvement I get, and will NEVER complain about it.
For most people, this could be just a funny story, but to me its something thats true. I could just be confused and this could be a conincodence, but who knows, I don’t think I’ll never know for sure though.
But to this day, after 3 months I’m still seeing improvements. I pray that I see more improvements in the next 6 months to come.
Hope everyone else I’ve got the pleasure of meeting in China is doing well and are also seeing significant improvements.
God Bless Everyon
October 11th, 2009
I started the new school year on Monday, August 24, 2009. It was the begining of my junior year, which has started off great so far. School has kept me busy and can be quite overwhelming sometimes. That’s why it’s been hard for me to update my blog and all, but I have seen slight and suttle improvements while at school though.
This year I’m taking a easy class load than I ever have. No honors and AP classes for me this year unfortunately. I decided to take easier clases, because I wanted to take the time to enjoy the things I love to do most. I didn’t want to fel confined to study all the time. Also, it is quite stressful sometimes. Just want to take things easy and just let me vision improve.
Well, I’ve been in school for nearly 4 weeks now, and noticed a few improvments. I haven’t used Braille all year, sinc eI’ve realized that the large print was more than helpful. When I got back to school and got large print papers again, it seemed so diferent, since it seems so much larger than before, but in reality my vision is just getting better. Also, I am to read the clock on the wall from the front row. And a couple of my teachers have noticed that my handwriting is better. For example, when I write on lined paper, my handwriting is a lot more clearer and straighter than it was before. It’s been fun exciting to notice all these improvements while I’m in school, and just hope to notice more in the comming weeks and months.
Hoping for the best out of these stem cells!
-Michell
September 13th, 2009
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