LAST HOPE MADE ME RUN TO CHINA
CHRISTMAS 2004
Excruciating pain sent me to the Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. With x-rays and testing they found it was not the suspected heart attack. I was referred to Pittsburgh Neurological Association and from there to Jefferson Regional Diagnostic Hospital. After extensive testing and consulting physicians called in from Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh it was decided I had focal dystonia.
FEBRUARY 2005
That diagnosis sent me to Harmarville Rehab Health South Facility.
MAY 2005
I was walking with a walker only to come crashing down by the end of June.
JULY 2005
That sent me to Harmarville Rehab center again where they continued with the misdiagonsis. My condition worsened and I lost incontenience. I asked for a transfer to Pittsburgh UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. For some reason Harmarville Rehab facility gave me problems intiating the transfer. It took a forceful turn of events by my sister to get me transferred. After a week of cultures and testing at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital I was transferred to UPMC Southside Rehab Hospital. I was told I had been misdiagnosed and it was now TRANSVERSE MYELITIS and I was paralyzed from the waist down with NO HOPE for a recovery.
AUGUST 2006
Looking for something anything to help reverse the paralyzation, John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore Maryland suggested we be transferred down there for they have the only research for this disease in the USA. Once again my progress was impeded by one doctor who would not or could not initiate transfer from a rehab floor to an inpatient hospital. Researching the internet through John Hopkins I found suggested guidelines for a new treatment. I opted to have plasma phorsis procedures done in Pittsburgh which produced nothing.
AUGUST 2007
With each turn of events my condition worsened. The paralyzation has now moved up my torso to my breast area. Researching further I found Kennedy Kreiger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland who touted Christopher Reeves (superman) recovery so I decided to go there. After a four hour probing with a pin by medical doctors and consultants every nerve in my body was awakened. Again bladder testing showed no change in my condition. Through all this medications were NEVER changed. My sister researched the internet on the recommendation from a surgeon regarding the new imbilocal cord blood stem cell treatment being down in China. To date I can not use my hands, my arms ache constantly and the paralyzation has moved to the top of my arms and breast. Reading the stats this treatment has produced I knew I had to run not walk for help in China.
NOVEMBER 15, 2007
Arrived in China after a very long flight. We were greeted by the doctors, who even helped us unload our luggage. Quite a surprise.
NOVEMBER 16, 2007
Tests and examination by attending physician Dr. Dave. Then also a therapist named Lee made a workout visit and evaluation. Everyone here at Zhe Jiang Xiao Shan Hospital in Hangzhou is genuinely concerned and caring …… even the janitorial staff. One thing I know if they tell you they will do something it is done, no questions. Schedules and findings to be set on Saturday.
NOVEMBER 17, 2007
Waiting for availability of a room on the 20th floor. We took (my sister and I) a tour of the facility as the weather here was foggy, rainy and getting colder. The hospital was absolutely beautiful and massive.
NOVEMBER 18, 2007
We moved to the 20th floor. The rooms were just as shown on the internet. My schedule was set for the week with the first spinal stem cell injection on Monday. Dr. Ma and Dr. Mike (head physicians), Dr. Dave (attending physician), Wendy (our translator),Amanda (our courier) and a group of about 12 registered nurses surround my bed for any questions I may have regarding the procedure. It was expained in detail.
NOVEMBER 19, 2007
On this day the first imbilocal cord blood stem cell injection took place at 3:30PM. No bad side effects at this time.
NOVEMBER 20, 2007
With a little discomfort and a headache overnight……..I awake with improvement in the right hand. In my right hand I now have open fingers and movement. Left hand now able to move fingers which were immobile and tightly closed before treatment.
NOVEMBER 21, 2007
I was given acupuncture and physical theraphy. I could not comploete the standing therapy as my blood pressure dropped but this is a condition I had before starting treatment.
NOVEMBER 22, 2007
THANKSGIVING DAY…………Much to be thankful for. The big toe on each foot had been in a verticial position for about three years is now DOWN in alignment with the other toes. That was our biggest improvement so far. The acupuncture again results in more pain. This afternoon I will have again physical therapy and standing treatment with Dr. Martin. Dr. Martin practices acupuncture Kung Fu ancient chinese medicine as his father before him. Looking forward to tommorrow my first IV imbilocal cord blood stem cell treatment. The doctors assured me there will be no side effects.
5 comments November 22nd, 2007
