Ree’s MS Blog

Day 4

July 19th, 2008

It looks like my last blog got cut off…I was going to say update your anti-virus programs.

I had a bit of a shock yesterday; I had to have a cardiac echo and then wear a heart monitor for 24 hours. I have a premature ventricular contraction. Thank goodness the latest research on stem cell therapy indicates it as a treatment for cardiac conditions! Consequently, my program for today was cancelled. Instead I read a great book ‘Orpheous Lost’ by Janet Hospital Turner. I highly recommend it.

There are some delightful people here; Canadians, Americans, Romanians, Irish…with a variety of conditions. Although the cardiac problem left me pretty isolated for two days, there isa real sense of ‘community’ here.

There was talk of a typhoon yesterday afternoon but all we got was a hot morning and heavy rain this afternoon. Tomorrow is a day off and we hope to spend the day at Hangzhou’s famous West Lake. Monday, my treatment begins. I have accupuncture in the morning and my first stem cell transfusion by lumbar puncture at 2.30 (4.30 AEST) after which I must lie flat for 8 hours. I am not sure yet when my bone marrow harvest is scheduled but I know that it takes 2 weeks before they are reinfused. That and another 6 umbilical cell treatments. I think I have 5 lumbar punctures in total.

My doctor, Dr Kai is very gentle. His english is a million times better than my chinese and today he told me to be optimistic. An English couple (brother & sister too) left today. He has ALS and must be very pleased with his treatment as he plans to return January.

Thanks to those who commented on the blog.

Love Marie

Entry Filed under: ms,Uncategorized