Adam’s C6 SCI Treatment

My Last Stem Cell Injection

October 9th, 2007

It’s Monday evening, October 8, and I just had my last stem cell injection this afternoon. The last injection was in IV form and there was no restriction on food, water, or having to lie down for 6 hours. They will do it in my hospital room, in an IV room with chairs, or on a bed. During my IV, I sat and talked with the nurses that dropped by. They are so friendly and interested in American anything, but mainly like to practice the English language. The IV was not painful except for the initial stick.

The last 24 hours at the hospital can get quite hectic with morning therapy till 1 PM, my last injection, final assessments by the doctors and therapists, packing, meals, checking on flight times, double checking the location of travel papers, and saying good bye to some extraordinary people. The staff from Xioashan hospital are the best. What a life changing experience I have gone through. The doctors have been pleased that I have made some progress this last month and have given their pre-approval to return in 6 months, if necessary. I gained increased sensation in areas that previously had no feeling; increased the strength in my arms, shoulders, and abdomen; and gained a better balance while sitting up. And, the best is yet to come over the next 6 to 9 months. That is the time that most patients report their significant changes.

In a month here at Xiaoshan, my Dad and I have been through two typhoons, a tidal wave that came up the Quitang River, the first of Autumn festival, and a week of the Chinese National Holiday. It was such a rewarding experience to visit a foreign country, meet new people, try to speak their language, pay for things with a foreign currency, and see things that most people may have only heard about. I will never forget the experience here and the cute nurses that always have a smile and a kind word.

Entry Filed under: sci